Can a Machine Imitate an Academic Adviser? The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Higher Education
Incorporating AI into academic advising is becoming an attractive option for institutions looking improve the student experience and save time in the process. The challenge is in preserving the human touch
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has impacted many areas of our everyday lives. Artificial intelligence (AI) is thriving across many industries, increasing efficiency and boosting productivity. Machine learning and other aspects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are beginning to impact higher education, with the introduction of intelligent agents such as chatbots and more precise ways of recruiting and tracking applicants. What about the impact on academic advising? How much advising should use AI? How much human touch is still needed? Research suggests that contact with a significant person (such as an academic advisor) within an institution of higher education is a crucial factor in a student’s decision to remain in college.
Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Netflix all feature aspects of intelligent human behavior, which is a central aspect of true AI. Through each interaction with these platforms, they learn more about one’s preferences, tastes and interests so they may continually customize a better experience for the customer. In these cases, real human interaction is not necessary. Undoubtedly, AI has been an enormous success in the corporations mentioned above, but would it have the same impact if it was applied to aspects of higher education, specifically, online universities? Would online learners benefit from having a machine imitate an academic advisor? Or do they need those intangible human behaviors—empathy and emotions—that a machine is not able to imitate? Is it possible to get the best of both worlds?