As technology\u00a0evolves\u00a0at an unprecedented pace, higher education institutions find themselves at a crossroads\u2014an exhilarating yet daunting moment where adaptation is essential.\u00a0Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is at the forefront of this transition, where a commitment to understanding and employing\u00a0generative\u00a0artificial intelligence (AI) has led to\u00a0innovative approaches\u00a0that\u00a0keep\u00a0students competitive in a rapidly changing workforce.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The story of FHSU’s AI journey began when faculty members sensed a growing presence of AI in student work. Understanding the importance of AI literacy,\u00a0the\u00a0faculty contacted\u00a0the Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) department for support. This prompted\u00a0TILT\u00a0to respond by prioritizing AI\u00a0literacy,\u00a0recognizing that students with AI skills would\u00a0enhance their academic experience and\u00a0thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the summer of 2023, Dr. Dan McClure, Associate Professor of History, spearheaded a working group that solidified FHSU’s strategic approach to AI. The group convened various faculty and staff to discuss the opportunities and risks presented by AI, thereby creating valuable conversations about its role within the academic framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fall 2023, the Generative AI Task Force was formed to focus on research, education, and policies for integrating AI at FHSU. This work aims to shape technological change rather than simply adapt to it, emphasizing education and workforce development, AI literacy, research, best practices, and policy creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our education and workforce development efforts include AI courses, badges, and certificates in multiple disciplines, including agriculture, biology, computer science, education, informatics, and philosophy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An\u00a0AI\u00a0literacy\u00a0program\u00a0was created\u00a0to enhance\u00a0students\u2019\u00a0AI understanding.\u00a0This program\u00a0is delivered through our\u00a0new student\u00a0seminar\u00a0course.\u00a0To encourage student engagement in AI research, the AI literacy initiative\u00a0also\u00a0developed\u00a0opportunities for undergraduate research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The task force\u00a0also designed\u00a0a comprehensive longitudinal study\u00a0to gauge\u00a0perceptions and usage of AI among faculty, staff, and students. The insights gleaned from this research\u00a0are\u00a0instrumental in refining institutional\u00a0guidelines\u00a0and strategies for AI integration.\u00a0The survey will also\u00a0advance\u00a0research, providing\u00a0insights that can shape institutional AI\u00a0initiatives.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of my favorite projects has been following the development of\u00a0Therabot,\u00a0a pioneering chatbot tailored for clinical psychology students.\u00a0Therabot\u00a0allows learners to role-play intake interviews and further their practical skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through our\u00a0AI Innovation Challenge, faculty\u00a0members\u00a0are\u00a0designing\u00a0AI chatbots that enable role-play simulations, debates, and interactive case studies, creating more immersive learning experiences. It is so exciting to see\u00a0faculty developing\u00a0these resources for their students.\u00a0Current projects are in business, education, nursing, and criminal justice\u00a0\u2013\u00a0each\u00a0reflecting\u00a0the vibrant synergy between innovative thinking and academic rigor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To continue to explore, learn, and innovate, we have hosted two AI Institutes and Fairs.\u00a0This year, the fair was offered in-person and online to accommodate remote faculty and online students, reinforcing FHSU\u2019s commitment to making AI education accessible to all.\u00a0The\u00a0event connects industry experts, academia, and the community, addressing fundamental issues such as ethics, applications, and advancements in AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Generative AI Task Force has also been engaged in extensive listening sessions to formulate guidelines that reflect ethical teaching, learning, and research practices. The adaptive policy approach is crucial in navigating the fast-paced evolution of AI technology, ensuring that ethical considerations remain at the forefront of innovations and applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking ahead, FHSU envisions\u00a0creating\u00a0AI\u00a0Open Educational Resources (OERs). OERs\u00a0are free or low-cost learning materials\u00a0anyone can use and reuse. OERs can include textbooks, videos, online courses, and more.\u00a0OERs\u00a0focus\u00a0on\u00a0affordability as\u00a0they\u00a0provide\u00a0access to educational materials without\u00a0the\u00a0burden\u00a0of\u00a0additional\u00a0debt.\u00a0I was thrilled to learn of\u00a0Dr. Moy’s recent\u00a0OER & AI Fellowship,\u00a0an initiative across\u00a0twelve\u00a0U.S. universities to develop AI OERs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n