Welcome back! We hope you had an excellent Fourth of July. This week, we find that skepticism in higher education has increased again, but there is renewed value found in the liberal arts due to AI. We also listen to some expert advice on how to jumpstart your data governance initiatives and revisit the Gartner AI Hype Cycle.   

After reading today’s issue, use the comments section to let us know your thoughts about AI hype and Gartner’s predictions! 

Higher Ed Confidence is Down 

From One-third of US adults have little to no confidence in higher education, poll finds | Higher Ed Dive   

New research from Gallup and the Lumina Foundation found that 32% of adults have little or no confidence in higher education, up from 23% last year.   

Our Thoughts 

This is unwelcome news, especially considering the potential for decreased enrollment this fall due to the FAFSA fiasco. The stark political divide in the responses will be challenging to overcome. It is vital for institutions to begin developing strategies to address concerns across the political spectrum. These strategies might include improving transparency around educational outcomes, emphasizing the practical and diverse benefits of higher education, and fostering open dialogue about the real and perceived biases within academia.   

Additionally, as I discussed briefly in Issue 18, the media has played a significant role in shaping these perceptions, often focusing on elite institutions, which represent a small fraction of the higher education landscape. This skewed portrayal can overlook the contributions and realities of the many institutions that educate approximately 99% of students. By highlighting issues such as political agendas and campus controversies predominantly at prestigious universities, the media may inadvertently amplify public distrust and reinforce misconceptions about the broader higher education system. Understanding this media influence is crucial as you work to communicate the diverse and valuable roles that your institution plays in society. 

AI Services Lose Ground 

From Cloud AI Services Slide Back to Rock Bottom in Gartner ‘Hype Cycle’ | Campus Technology  

Gartner’s latest report on AI trends shows cloud AI services regressing as early adopters fail to show broader value.  

Our Thoughts  

If you are very interested in AI, I’d recommend reading the full report from Gartner. However, this article from Campus Technology does a good job highlighting the major shifts in the trajectory of AI technologies since last year. As you are attempting to plan your AI strategies, the insights in this report are crucial as they call attention to performance issues with current cloud AI services. By understanding the stages of the AI hype cycle, you can better manage expectations, allocate resources, and integrate AI technologies effectively on your campus.  

Furthermore, AI advancements are often portrayed through the lens of major tech companies, potentially skewing perceptions of AI’s readiness and applicability for higher education. Gartner’s reports offer practical recommendations beyond the hype, allowing you to make informed, strategic decisions that align with your institution’s unique needs and capabilities. This helps ensure you are aware of technological trends related to AI while mitigating risks associated with premature AI adoption. 

The Renewed Importance of Liberal Arts 

From How will the rise of AI in the workplace impact liberal arts education? | Higher Ed Dive   

Experts believe that liberal arts skills such as critical thinking and creativity will be in high demand as AI replaces certain technical jobs.   

Our Thoughts 

Perhaps the liberal arts aren’t dead after all? As a proud liberal arts graduate, this article gives me hope. It provides validation for the liberal arts, highlighting how these disciplines are becoming increasingly relevant and valuable with the rise of AI. As AI technologies become more integrated into various industries, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can navigate the ethical and societal implications of these tools.  

The experts featured in the article emphasize the importance of incorporating AI-related discussions into liberal arts curricula. This helps to ensure that students develop the necessary skills to think critically and ethically about AI. This shift is crucial for preparing students to thrive in a workforce that values both technical expertise and humanistic insight.  

Building a Data Culture 

From Improving Data Quality and Governance | EDUCAUSE Review    

In this episode of EDUCAUSE Shop Talk, the hosts discuss the importance of data governance to institutional decision-making, digital transformation, and strategies for building a data-oriented culture.   

Our Thoughts 

Maybe I really am just a higher education nerd, but who doesn’t enjoy a good podcast featuring higher ed professionals? In this episode, EDUCAUSE digs into the importance of data quality and data governance for institutions. Their discussion highlights the foundational role of data governance in ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and trustworthiness. It emphasizes that, without a strong foundation in data governance, institutions may struggle to make informed decisions and leverage data for strategic initiatives. 

I recognize that data governance is hard work. It’s not the most exciting work, but it is foundational if institutions want to make data-informed decisions and experiment with AI applications. The guests on this episode acknowledge that, offering practical perspectives and actionable advice to help you with your data governance journey. Because of this, the podcast is valuable to anyone looking to enhance their institution’s data practices.