AI in Higher Education in Cyprus: Key Survey Insights
As the landscape of higher education (HE) continues to evolve, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a focal point in shaping academic practices. In Cyprus, a comprehensive survey was conducted by CARDET as part of the INFINITE project to explore the use and perceptions of AI within HE, which wishes to outline how AI is being utilised and the challenges that lie ahead.
AI Use in HE: Where Are We Now?
A desk research based in Cyprus revealed that AI tools are primarily used to increase the quality of teaching, facilitate administration tasks, and personalise learning experiences. AI can reshape the educational experience, with the possibility of transforming automated scheduling, and grading systems to virtual tutors and chatbots! However, the majority of educators understand and acknowledge the potential benefits of this change, but also need an easy-to-adapt progress for integrating these tools into their daily practices.
Some of the key applications of AI highlighted in surveys based in Cyprus include:
– Administrative efficiency: AI tools assist in processes such as scheduling and attendance tracking, making the administrative load easier for educators.
– Empowerment of the Pedagogical process: Personalised learning experiences with AI-based tools have increased the engagement of students.
– Assessment tools: Automated grading and feedback mechanisms provide faster and more accurate results in the assessment process.
BUT! There are challenges and Risks in AI Integration
Despite the enthusiasm for AI, significant challenges remain. Both educators and students express concerns about the risks associated with AI use, particularly around fairness, bias, and data privacy.
Key risks identified include:
– Bias and fairness: AI systems can unintentionally preserve and promote biases, leading to unfair outcomes for certain student groups.
– Ethical concerns: Data privacy, copyright violation, and the potential over-reliance on AI are some of the major concerns among stakeholders and educators. Educators are aware of how AI tools affect critical thinking and creativity among students.
– Technical limitations: Many participants show a lack of confidence in creating or modifying AI tools, explaining how limited access to resources and training is an obstacle to this process.
Impact on Teaching and Learning
The surveys show that AI has the potential to transform both teaching and learning processes in HE. For educators, AI can automate administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on other, more important aspects of teaching. Tools like ChatGPT can assist in creating lecture materials and assignments, freeing up time for more creative and interactive teaching methods.
For students, AI offers personalised learning paths, since it allows them (if used correctly) to receive tailored support based on their strengths and weaknesses. The use of AI-driven simulations in association to real-world problem-solving activities was also a way to help develop critical thinking and engagement.
Moving Forward: Recommendations for AI in Cyprus High Education Institutions
There is an emergent need for targeted efforts to develop AI literacy among both educators and students. In order or this to be accomplished, some recommendations are in order:
1. Training and resources: Providing AI training to educators will be important to overcome the challenges mentioned. Institutions must invest in resources that support AI integration.
2. Ethical frameworks: Clear guidelines on the ethical use of AI in education, particularly around data privacy and bias, are necessary to ensure AI tools are used responsibly.
3. Collaboration and sharing of best practices: HE institutions should collaborate to share insights, resources, and best practices for AI integration, fostering an approach to AI adoption that is less suspicious and more structured.
Conclusion
AI holds great promise for transforming the higher education sector in Cyprus. While there are clear benefits, particularly in improving efficiency in administrative tasks and personalising learning, its debatable ethical use and technical limitations cannot be ignored. By addressing these challenges through comprehensive training, ethical guidelines, and collaborative efforts, Cyprus could one day position itself as an one of the experts in AI-based education.
For more information on AI in HE and the INFINITE project, stay tuned for our upcoming toolkit on how to effectively integrate AI in academic and teaching practices!