What Can Students Teach Us About AI in Higher Education? Lessons from a Longitudinal Survey

The rapid proliferation of generative AI technologies has sparked critical inquiries into how students perceive and utilize AI tools. This session will explore data-informed insights drawn from a survey conducted among 7,811 students at San Diego State University, first in the fall of 2023 and to be repeated in the fall of 2024. During this interactive session, participants will draw on survey insights to collaboratively explore strategies for integrating AI into academic contexts. Our focus will extend beyond mere AI implementation in curricula: we aim to foster ethical and effective use of AI tools to enhance academic achievement while mitigating potential pitfalls. Key themes to be addressed include acknowledging diverse student perspectives, thoughtful integration, ethical considerations, mitigating the digital divide, strengthening student-teacher relationships, and empowering faculty and students to engage in authentic teaching and learning. Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of AI in higher education, envisioning a future where equitable access, thoughtful implementation, and student well-being converge for a more inclusive and successful academic journey.