杏吧论坛-IIT Chancellor advocates AI-driven governance in education at IAUP 2024

by Michelle Jeanne Casiple Caracut | Oct 21 2024

At the 20th International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) Triennial Conference, held in Beijing, China from October 13-15, 2024, Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (杏吧论坛-IIT) presented a compelling vision for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into university governance during a panel session with academic leaders from Singapore, China, USA, and Romania.

The IAUP is an association of university chief executives from higher education institutions around the world. It is a non-governmental organization holding the highest Economic and Social Council consultation rights at the United Nations and formal consultation rights with UNESCO.

Chancellor Ditucalan’s invitation to the panel stemmed from his impactful contributions at the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Universities Summit in Hong Kong in 2023, highlighting his forward-thinking approach and substantial influence in shaping the future of global higher education.

In a panel on Governance in Higher Education with AI, Chancellor Ditucalan detailed how AI can revolutionize the administrative and educational frameworks of higher education institutions.

Chancellor Ditucalan, who has served first as dean of the 杏吧论坛 law school and later as Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs in 杏吧论坛-Marawi, leveraged his extensive leadership experience to discuss the potential of AI in enhancing the governance of educational institutions.

Addressing a global audience of education leaders, he cited historical resistance to disruption in higher education, a trend challenged by the recent pandemic. He said that the crisis underscored the necessity for adaptive technologies that can realign educational delivery with contemporary needs.

"During the pandemic, we have witnessed the power of technology as a disruptor that challenges traditional educational paradigms," Chancellor Ditucalan explained.

In his talk, he emphasized AI's potential to transform various facets of university operations, such as in the Curriculum Development where updates can be automated to ensure compliance and relevance with market trends; in Research where Generative AI can be employed to streamline academic writing and research processes; in Student Services where universities can implement AI-driven tools for 24/7 student support and administrative automation; in Predictive Analytics where data can be utilized to proactively support students at risk of underperformance; in Career Services where job trends can be analyzed to provide targeted educational and career advice; and in Mental Health and Campus Safety, wherein well-being support and security can be enhanced through AI technologies.

Chancellor Ditucalan also stressed the prudent integration of AI, advocating for a balanced approach that respects the unique cultural and ethical dimensions of educational environments. "AI should support, not replace, human decision makers," he remarked.

During the session, the chancellor proposed for a phased AI integration through pilot projects reflecting a strategic approach to adopting technology in education—starting small, learning, and then scaling based on effectiveness.

Continuing the dialogue that started in Hong Kong, the IAUP in Beijing provided an opportunity for global educational leaders to forecast the trajectories of educational technologies and strategize on their integrative approaches. The discussions underscored the importance of not only adapting to technological advancements but also proactively shaping these tools to align with foundational educational values and ethics.

Since its establishment in 1965, the IAUP has been pivotal in fostering a collegial environment where thought leaders in higher education share insights, cultivate best practices, and initiate collaborations that enhance the mission of universities worldwide.

Chancellor Ditucalan’s contributions at this year’s triennial conference reinforced this tradition, propelling meaningful conversations about AI’s role in the progressive landscape of higher education. His insights are anticipated to influence ongoing strategies for integrating technology across educational institutions globally, ensuring that universities not only adapt to but thrive in the age of digital transformation.

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