Does college cost too much? That’s the question on a lot of students’ minds as they start their final year of high school. In this week’s issue, we listen to a podcast that attempts to answer that question. Before we get to that, we spend some time with a proposal for educational reform in response to AI before diving into a handy student AI guide. Oh, and The Department of Education delayed a reporting deadline again. 

After reading today’s issue, use the comments section to let us know if your institution plans to use the Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence. 

AI Skills for the Future 

From Must-Have Competencies and Skills in Our New AI World: A Synthesis for Educational Reform | EDUCAUSE Review   

The transformative impact of artificial intelligence on educational systems calls for a comprehensive reform to prepare future generations for an AI-integrated world.   

Our Thoughts 

Yes, we report on AI frequently in The HEat Index, but only because it has become such a disruptive force in higher education. As AI reshapes industries and societal norms, higher education institutions must evolve to ensure students are ready to meet these challenges head-on. However, because AI is still relatively new, there are several competing ideas and models for how best to include AI in educational experiences. For this reason, we try to highlight a variety of approaches that may work for different institutions.   

This proposed model, composed of three competencies (intelligent design skills, intelligent human skills, and intelligent data skills), underscores the importance of teaching creativity, ethics, and data proficiency. It suggests fostering a future-oriented curriculum that helps drive technological advancements instead of simply reacting to them. In a way, it advocates for higher education institutions to return to their foundational role in pioneering new ideas and preparing students to navigate and shape an unknown world.  

GE Reporting Delayed 

From Gainful employment and financial value transparency reporting deadline delayed to Jan. 15 | Higher Ed Dive   

The Department of Education has delayed the gainful employment and financial value transparency reporting requirements for institutions until January 15, 2025.    

Our Thoughts 

Phew! A small reprieve for institutions, some of which may still be grappling with challenges related to the rollout of the new FAFSA this year. It also demonstrates a growing awareness at the federal level of the operational challenges institutions face, especially in implementing significant regulatory changes. While this is the second time the Department of Education has moved the reporting deadline, it may not be the last given the upcoming election.   

However, I would encourage institutions to continue their planning efforts for these reporting requirements given the complexity of the financial value transparency regulations. While you have additional time to adapt and align your processes, these new rules also signal the increasing importance of transparency and accountability in higher education. With low public confidence in our sector, it is paramount that institutions demonstrate the value their academic programs provide to graduates.  

Student AI Guide 

From Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence | Elon University and AAC&U  

Elon University and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) have released a free student guide for navigating college in the age of artificial intelligence.   

Our Thoughts  

Yes, another article about AI, but this one is entirely focused on students. The guide developed by Elon University and AAC&U is written from the student perspective and is the first guide I’ve seen specifically meant to help students better understand AI use in college. Best of all, it has been released under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY-NC license, so you can distribute it to your students for free.   

Overall, I found the guide compelling. While some may find the guide long, institutions can select certain pages to highlight as being most useful to students (such as the essential AI “how-to” manual on page four). In addition to practical tips, the guide emphasizes the importance of developing a balanced understanding of AI, highlighting areas like originality, data security, and lifelong learning. Ultimately, it gives faculty and staff a sense of what practical guidance they can offer students about AI usage.  

Student Attitudes About Higher Ed (podcast) 

From How Rising Higher Ed Costs Change Student Attitudes About College | EdSurge News  

A new book, “Rethinking College,” argues for changing the narrative around higher education to be more welcoming to gap years, apprenticeships and other alternatives to college at a time when a degree is so expensive that students worry about its value.  

Our Thoughts  

While this episode is part of a larger podcast series, it’s an interesting look at the changing attitudes of high school students regarding post-secondary education. We know that the overall confidence in higher education continues to decrease as does the level of importance young people place on post-secondary education. The more opportunities we have to hear from high school students about their plans and rationales, the better we can adapt to the evolving needs and expectations of incoming students.  

Additionally, it’s unsurprising that cost is a significant factor in students’ decision-making. It further reinforces the need for institutions to communicate more effectively about financial aid, return on investment, and the true cost of attendance. As students shift away from the assumption that a college degree is the best path, institutions must be better prepared to address this future.