Over the past few years, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have revolutionized how institutions of higher education teach, learn, research, and work.
Much of the focus about the impact of AI has been focused on the classroom. It is undeniable that tools like ChatGPT are disrupting the way classes are taught and student learning is assessed. For example, Inside Higher Ed argued we need to pause and potentially overhaul much of what happens in the classroom, calling for a reevaluation of how to measure student learning.
Dr. Salman Khan, founder of the Khan Academy, expresses, "The integration of AI in education, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, has democratized learning. College students can now leverage AI-powered platforms to engage with complex concepts and receive personalized feedback."
Dr. Cathy Davidson, a renowned scholar of technology and learning, remarks, "AI tools like ChatGPT have transformed the landscape of higher education. They empower students to access personalized assistance and information instantly, fostering a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment."
This disruption is not exclusive to the classroom and is permeating all aspects of higher education, such as student services and academic advising.
Let’s demonstrate
We picked a college at random: Western Illinois University. We then asked ChatGPT a hypothetical question from a student perspective: “What academic minor should I take at Western Illinois University if I want to be a police officer?”
In a well-worded 304-word response, ChatGPT suggested either Criminalistics, Sociology, Psychology, Public Administration, or Political Science. WIU offers these minors.
We then copied and pasted the sociology minor checklist from the WIU website into ChatGPT and then asked “Which classes should I take to be a police officer”.
ChatGPT recommended taking the following five courses and gave a 1-2 sentence reason to take each course: 255 Deviant Behavior, 312 Community, 355 Criminology, 465 Deviance, and 488 Community and Fire Threat. For example, ChatGPT advised Soc 312 Community because “Understanding the dynamics of communities is essential for effective policing. This course will give you insights into how communities function, their structures, and the factors influencing them.”
Next, we asked, “What order should I take these five classes in?”
It suggested this sequence along with justification. Actual response from ChatGPT:
"Here's a suggested order for taking the five courses:
1. 312 Community: Start with this course as it provides a foundational understanding of community dynamics, which will be beneficial for understanding the context in which you'll be working as a police officer.
2. 355 Criminology: Once you have a basic understanding of community dynamics, delve into the study of criminology to gain insights into theories of crime causation and control.
3. 255 Deviant Behavior: Next, explore the various forms of deviant behavior to understand the behaviors you may encounter in your work as a police officer and the factors contributing to them.
4. 465 Deviance, Crime, and Control in Socio-Historical Perspective: This course builds upon your knowledge of deviance and crime by providing a historical perspective, helping you understand how law enforcement practices have evolved over time.
5. 487 Application of Fire Research or 488 Community and the Fire Threat: Finish with one of these courses, which offer insights into community safety and related factors. While not directly focused on sociology, they provide valuable knowledge that complements your understanding of community dynamics and public safety issues.
By following this sequence, you'll gradually deepen your understanding of sociology, crime, and community dynamics, which will prepare you well for your career as a police officer."
Finally, we asked ChatGPT the million-dollar question: “Should I trust you or my academic advisor?”
In a two-paragraph response, ChatGPT suggested trusting both. It wrote “It's essential to consider both sources of advice. Your academic advisor can provide insights specific to your university and degree program, while I can offer general recommendations based on the information provided.”
Recapping, we asked ChatGPT to suggest a minor to take, which classes in the minor to take, and in what order. We didn’t need to send an email or book an advising appointment to get these questions answered. Instead, in just a few seconds, we had an answer to each.
We also cannot assume that a student will trust their human advisor more than ChatGPT. According to Psychology Today, we tend to trust more what we read versus what we hear. The article states that “we assume that what we see is more trustworthy than what we hear. It’s a common mistake — and one that directly degrades our decisions.”
So what does this mean for academic advising as we know it right now?
Time will tell, but we need to recognize that AI tools will continue to advance and evolve to better meet some student needs. We must embrace that AI will at the very least become a trusted primary or secondary source for a student’s decision-making, especially since it can personalize advice (such as picking specific minors at a specific institution).
What can we do right now?
At least for now, AI cannot replace the human connection. ChatGPT admitted as much when we asked ChatGPT if we should trust it or our academic advisor. It responded, “While I can provide you with recommendations based on the information provided and general knowledge, ultimately, your academic advisor is the one who has a deeper understanding of your academic background, goals, and the specific requirements and opportunities available at your university.”
Viewing academic advisors as solely course selectors is a very shortsighted view of the role. While advisors assist with course planning, advising today is more holistic, giving insight on academic, career, social, or personal matters, helping with goal setting, listening, adjusting to college, and much more. As more tools come to the marketplace to help with course planning, advising can benefit by further differentiating itself as a place for holistic student support.
This takes training, like this. While many are, it cannot be assumed that all advisors are already well-versed in goal setting, coaching models, growth mindset, self-awareness, resilience coaching, and more. Institutions should be investing in human professional development at the same pace (or more) as they are investing in tech tools.
AI will continue to disrupt how student services operate. In the meantime, student services can better understand the capabilities of AI and its gaps, further promote their relational approach and holistic student development services and embrace AI tools as a powerful partner to enhance student success.
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