With the start of the fall semester a little more than a month away, now is the perfect time to start planning how your institution can make better use of your data starting with the new academic year. Luckily, we’re featuring an EDUCAUSE Showcase specifically about that. We also look at the results of the latest chief business officers survey and talk more about AI news.  

After reading today’s issue, use the comments section to let us know how your institution is overcoming data challenges! 

Making Better Use of Data 

From Improving Data Quality and Governance | EDUCAUSE   

The latest EDUCAUSE Showcase, Improving Data Quality and Governance, takes a deeper dive into data management and governance and how institutions can—and should—make plans now.   

Our Thoughts 

I always really enjoy EDUCAUSE Showcases because they combine so much wonderful material for easy consumption. Given the importance of leveraging data to enhance institutional effectiveness and student success, this Showcase is essential for anyone interested in developing or enhancing their data strategy. With features on governance, literacy, policy, and infrastructure, the Showcase covers all facets of a comprehensive data plan.   

The holistic approach in the guide acknowledges that data is not merely a technical resource but a strategic asset that demands careful planning, governance, and cultural integration. The Showcase highlights practical steps with real-world examples, making it a valuable resource for any stage of your data journey. Furthermore, it aligns well with the ongoing digital transformation initiatives at many institutions, underscoring the importance of data-informed decision making for institutional success and sustainability. 

ED AI Guidelines 

From Education Dept. publishes AI guide for edtech developers | EdScoop  

The Department of Education has released a new guide, Designing for Education with Artificial Intelligence: An Essential Guide for Developers, intended to help product teams understand how to better leverage AI in their educational products.   

Our Thoughts  

Since this guide is designed for ed tech software providers, I thought it would be helpful to get a product manager’s perspective. I consulted Andy Pelt, our Senior Product Manager who has more than 20 years of experience in educational software development, to see what he thought. Here is his advice to institutions:   

This document effectively covers a broad number of topics, but you shouldn’t confuse it for a requirements document. When you’re evaluating a product, don’t lift elements at face value from the document by asking questions such as “How does your product advance equity?” You’ll almost certainly get a well-prepared answer from the vendor. Instead, use this document to reflect on how it applies to yourself, then frame your questions to the vendor with your specifics in mind. “At our institution, the key aspect of equity we contend with is [X]; how do you propose that your product will protect and improve those conditions?” 

Chief Business Officers are Optimistic 

From Latest CBO survey shows optimism despite headwinds | Inside Higher Ed   

The latest Inside Higher Ed Survey of College and University Chief Business Officers finds increased confidence in institutional financial stability.   

Our Thoughts 

Yes, another survey, but this one is especially important because it provides insights into the financial environments of higher education institutions. Although many respondents had a positive outlook for their own institution’s financial health, they could not say the same for the sector overall. The survey also indicates that some of the respondents may have had rose-colored glasses in viewing their own institution’s financial situation.  

For those who work at institutions, understanding the current financial climate is essential for proactive financial management, strategic planning, and developing innovative approaches to ensure long-term stability and growth. With the upcoming demographic cliff, most institutions are unlikely to increase their enrollments to offset current financial losses, so it is paramount that institutions begin a realistic assessment of their individual financial situations now. Once an institution is experiencing significant financial stress, it may be too late to plan.  

An AI Dilemma 

From What teachers call AI cheating, leaders in the workforce might call progress | The Hechinger Report   

In this opinion piece, the authors explore what AI literacy means today and how that might shift in the future.    

Our Thoughts 

Articles like this are crucial because they highlight the tension between the importance of integrating AI into educational practices and maintaining academic integrity. As AI technologies become more embedded in various industries, the ability to navigate and utilize these tools ethically and effectively is crucial for student success. However, as someone who is completing a PhD in Teaching, Learning, and Technology, I am also acutely aware of the impact student use of AI has on the learning process. It’s difficult to evaluate the appropriateness of an AI response if one does not learn foundations initially.   

My hope is that these articles spark further discussions on your campus. For better or worse, AI proficiency is likely to become as essential to graduates as traditional academic skills. Institutions have educational missions to graduate critical and informed thinkers, making faculty the ideal guides to help students navigate the complexities of AI. By engaging with AI in the classroom, we can ensure that students not only become proficient in its use but also understand its societal impacts, which is essential for responsible innovation and progress.