Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping higher education—rapidly, pervasively, and irreversibly. Whether you’re a faculty member navigating grading tools or a student using AI for brainstorming, the influence is everywhere.
Dr. Christina Agvent, Founder of Trifecta Education, LLC and keynote speaker at the 2024 Lumivero Virtual Conference and author of AI-EngagED: Future-proof Education, brings over 30 years of experience in blending technology with learning. In this article, we explore her insights into how AI is reshaping the academic landscape—highlighting its benefits, ethical considerations, and practical applications.
AI is already changing the university experience—from admissions algorithms and personalized advising to intelligent tutoring systems and adaptive learning platforms. But Dr. Agvent’s message goes deeper: faculty must lead the way in integrating AI both ethically and effectively. That means asking tough questions about bias, transparency, and data privacy—and shifting from punitive policies to collaborative, student-centered approaches.
She also emphasizes the importance of professional development and institutional frameworks like the AI-engagED competencies she developed. These tools help educators align AI use with national standards and ensure that all students—not just those in tech-forward disciplines—gain meaningful AI literacy.
Whether you’re optimistic or apprehensive about AI, Dr. Agvent’s insights are essential for anyone invested in the future of education.
How AI is reshaping higher education
Artificial intelligence is showing up across higher education, transforming how universities operate—well before students even set foot on campus. As Dr. Agvent points out, AI now plays a role in admissions, scanning applications to build a more holistic picture of each applicant.
“AI can facilitate admissions by scanning applications and providing a holistic view of students,” Dr. Agvent explains. Instead of focusing solely on transcripts, institutions can assess broader indicators to find candidates who truly fit.
AI is also changing how schools support students once they're enrolled. Tools like chatbots offer fast, personalized answers to common questions about campus life or course requirements. In the classroom, intelligent tutoring systems adapt to individual learning styles and speeds, giving students targeted support when they need it most.
Faculty benefit too. AI can take on time-consuming tasks like grading and lesson planning, giving instructors more space to focus on teaching. Dr. Agvent shares how some faculty now use AI to quickly generate quality videos and presentations—materials that used to take hours to create. And with adaptive learning platforms, lesson delivery can be customized for different learning needs, making it easier to offer differentiated instruction at scale.
The critical role of faculty in AI integration
Faculty play a key role in making sure AI is used responsibly in higher education. Dr. Agvent cautions against punitive approaches—like traditional plagiarism policies—when it comes to student use of AI. Instead, she suggests open discussions about how and when it’s appropriate to use these tools. “We can’t expect our faculty to identify AI-generated content by gut feeling or unreliable detection tools,” she notes. Faculty should focus on fairness and transparency, both in their expectations for students and in how they themselves use AI tools.
Developing AI literacy is another priority. Faculty need to help students think critically about the tools they’re using—what they do well, where they fall short, and how they’re built. For instance, Dr. Agvent encourages faculty to examine whether the AI tools they use meet ethical standards. “Visit the creator’s website,” she advises. “Look for a pledge or promise about ethical development and transparency. If you can’t verify the data sources, that’s a red flag.”
To keep up, faculty need consistent professional development. AI is moving fast, and one training session won’t cut it. Dr. Agvent stresses the importance of ongoing support and access to resources that help faculty adopt AI thoughtfully and keep their skills current.
Risks and challenges of AI in higher education
AI brings powerful opportunities to higher education—but also serious challenges. Dr. Agvent emphasizes the need to address risks like algorithmic bias, unequal access, and data privacy. Since AI systems are only as good as the data they’re trained on, it’s crucial to evaluate how these tools are built and where their data comes from. She also points to the digital divide, where inequitable access to AI-enhanced learning tools could disadvantage some students.
There is also the risk of overreliance on AI tools. “If every faculty member uses the same lesson-planning tool in the same way, you lose diversity in teaching approaches,” Dr. Agvent warns. Students benefit from varied learning experiences, so it’s important to maintain a balance between AI-generated content and traditional methods.
Data privacy is equally critical. Many educators don’t realize that uploading student work into AI tools may violate privacy laws like FERPA. “Ensure the tools meet your institution’s cybersecurity standards,” she advises. Transparency about AI use is essential to protect student information and build trust.
Best practices for integrating AI in teaching and learning
Bringing AI into the classroom takes more than just using new tools—it requires clear guidelines and a focus on what benefits students most. Faculty should approach AI tools as supplements rather than replacements for traditional teaching methods. Dr. Agvent suggests encouraging students to use AI tools while teaching them how to critically evaluate the output.
Transparency is key. Faculty should openly acknowledge their use of AI tools and encourage students to do the same. One way to do this is by having students reflect on how they used AI in assignments—what tools they used, how it helped, and what they changed.
Experimentation with AI tools is necessary, but Dr. Agvent advises caution. “Don’t test tools in the classroom without first trying them yourself,” she says. Faculty should explore tools in advance to ensure they align with learning objectives and produce reliable results.
To ensure students develop consistent, relevant AI skills, institutions should adopt clear frameworks for AI literacy. Dr. Agvent’s AI Engaged Ed competencies offer one model for aligning AI use with academic standards and career readiness. “Without a framework,” Dr. Agvent warns, “students may graduate with uneven AI skills depending on their major.”
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