The Global Artificial Intelligence University (GAIU)

The first digital-age university

Abstract

Universities are using Artificial Intelligence as an add-on and not achieving its transformational benefits. In this presentation to Ascilite, a different kind of university is described: the futuristic “Global Artificial Intelligence University (GAIU)” that applies AI to all its processes, as machine learning and artificial intelligence in education are finally coming of age – instead of an indifferent machine, AI has become a dedicated companion. The current capabilities of AI are projected into the future, while surprisingly new beneficial applications of AI could occur and transform GAIU even further.

As with any educational technology, the potential and application of AI need to be guided by ethical, value-based considerations aimed at benefiting the students. While the GAIU Council initially believed that only the students would be real people, it became clear that a small group of other humans are also needed. Furthermore, a fundamental principle at GAIU remains that students want to interact with other people some of the time and this basic human need of “high touch” is balanced with the “ colder” AI algorithms.

Perhaps this debate, along with the ever-more-responsively-evolving GAIU itself, signal a dramatic reassessment of what a digital-age university should be, and how humans and machines can excel together.