Survey conducted by Instructure and UPCEA
explores the intersection of AI and credentialing in Higher
Education
SALT
LAKE CITY, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Instructure,
the leading learning ecosystem and UPCEA, the online and
professional education association, announced the results of a
survey on whether institutions are leveraging AI to improve learner
outcomes and manage records, along with the specific ways these
tools are being utilized. Overall, the study revealed interest in
the potential of these technologies is far outpacing adoption. Most
respondents are heavily involved in developing learner experiences
and tracking outcomes, though nearly half report their institutions
have yet to adopt AI-driven tools for these purposes. The research
also found that only three percent of institutions have implemented
Comprehensive Learner Records (CLRs), which provide a complete
overview of an individual's lifelong learning experiences.
Among institutions using AI, typical uses include predictive
analytics and feedback mechanisms. Yet, persistent issues like
academic integrity, data privacy and inadequate training pose
significant challenges. Implementation of digital comprehensive
learner records is still sparse across institutions, though some
are starting to adopt them. In contrast, digital credentials are
increasingly issued and influenced by strategic objectives, student
demand and employers' need for skills validation.
Below are some of the key findings:
- 45% of respondents work in academic technology, 42% in learning
design, 16% in information technology and 12% in student support
roles. The breakdown by institution size is: 40% from small, 30%
from medium and 30% from large institutions.
- 61% of respondents are highly involved in developing learner
experiences and tracking outcomes; 36% are somewhat involved.
- 49% of participants report their institution does not use
AI-driven tools; 31% do use them, and 21% are unsure.
- Among users of AI tools: 52% use predictive analytics, 52% use
AI-driven feedback systems, 39% use adaptive learning platforms and
39% use simulated classroom experiences.
- Top challenges with AI tools include academic integrity
concerns (71%), data privacy (57%), insufficient training (52%),
and tool effectiveness (52%).
- Among those who said their institution issues digital
credentials, 55% said strategic institutional goals have influenced
the adoption of these credentials, 52% said student demand for
digital credentials and 45% said employer demand for skills
validation.
"This research indicates institutional staff recognize the
potential benefits AI technology offers, especially for improving
student success," said Melissa
Loble, chief academic officer at Instructure. "To address
academic integrity or quality concerns about AI-driven tools,
institutions can invest in training for staff and faculty on
AI-powered tools, enabling education professionals to use them
effectively and ethically. Institutions need internal champions who
have the freedom and latitude to test the limits of these systems
and their impact on learner outcomes and records."
The Challenges and Benefits of AI in Higher Ed
The
implementation of AI-driven tools in higher education is still in
its early phases. It's clear that institutional staff either are
still learning how to incorporate the tools into the learning
process or are encountering obstacles in optimizing their use.
Incorporating AI into academic processes is a recent development,
and like any new technology, it often faces initial reluctance and
doubts about its efficacy. The introduction of AI in higher
education has generated varied reactions, with users seeing both
benefits and obstacles. On the positive side, AI can enrich
personalized learning, deliver data-driven insights and provide
academic support. Yet, challenges such as accuracy, intellectual
property concerns, copyright issues and a lack of transparency
remain significant considerations.
"Digital comprehensive learner records could act as a passport
for learners, allowing them to travel through the course of their
educational lifetime, obtaining stamps of knowledge sets and skill
bases," said Bruce Etter, senior
director of research & consulting at UPCEA. "As a community, we
have work to do to eliminate barriers to creating digital CLRs,
such as resource limitations, staff readiness and resistance to
change."
Comprehensive Learner Records (CLR) & Learner
Outcomes
Higher education has experienced significant
changes over the past few years as institutions have adopted new
types of credentials and online learning methods, including
integrating AI technologies into their curricula and administrative
processes. More students are now opting for badges, certificates
and alternative credentials, allowing them to pursue higher
education without enrolling in full degree programs. Although
traditional bachelor's and associate degrees declined last academic
year, certificates saw a 3.9% increase from the 2021-2022 academic
year to 2022-2023.
Survey Methodology and Objective
The survey was
conducted by UPCEA and Instructure to better understand how
institutions are leveraging AI to improve learner outcomes and
learner records. The survey aimed to understand respondent
perspectives, challenges and obstacles associated with these
systems and the adoption of AI-driven tools. The survey took place
from May 13 to June 26, 2024. It was
sent to members of both UPCEA and Instructure. Overall, the survey
was sent to 4,407 individuals. Eighty-six participated in the
study, and 70 completed the entire survey.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").
Forward-looking statements are based on our management's beliefs
and assumptions and on information currently available to our
management. All statements other than statements of historical
facts are "forward-looking statements" for purposes of these
provisions, including those relating to future events or our future
financial performance and financial guidance. In some cases, you
can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as
"may," "might," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate,"
"project," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "intend,"
or "continued," the negative of terms like these or other
comparable terminology, and other words or terms of similar meaning
in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial
performance. These statements are only predictions. You should not
place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. These
statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject
to future events, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond
our control, or currently unknown to us. Our assumptions may turn
out to be inaccurate and cause actual events or results to differ
materially from our expectation or projections. We discuss many of
these risks, uncertainties and other factors in greater detail in
the Company's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 21, 2024 and as may be described from
time to time in future reports we file with the SEC. All
forward-looking statements included in this press release are based
on information available to us on the date hereof, and we expressly
disclaim any obligation to update any such forward-looking
statements, except as required by law.
ABOUT INSTRUCTURE
Instructure (NYSE: INST) powers the delivery of education
globally and provides learners with the rich credentials they need
to create opportunities across their lifetimes. Today, the
Instructure ecosystem of products enables educators and
institutions to elevate student success, amplify the power of
teaching, and inspire everyone to learn together. With our global
network of learners, educators, partners and customers, we continue
to deliver on our vision to be the platform that powers learning
for a lifetime and turns that learning into opportunities. We
encourage you to discover more at www.instructure.com.
About UPCEA
UPCEA is the online and professional education association. Our
members are continuously reinventing higher education, positively
impacting millions of lives. We proudly lead and support them
through cutting edge research, professional development, networking
and mentorship, conferences and seminars, and stakeholder advocacy.
Our collaborative, entrepreneurial community brings together
decision makers and influencers in education, industry, research,
and policy interested in improving educational access and outcomes.
Learn more at upcea.edu.
CONTACT:
Brian
Watkins
Corporate Communications
Instructure
(801) 658-7525
brian.watkins@instructure.com
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SOURCE Instructure