Elon University and AAC&U publish the first edition of a student guide to artificial intelligence

Elon University and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) have released the first edition of a student guide to navigating college in the artificial intelligence era. The guide, titled “AI-U/v1.0,” was developed with the collaboration and review of faculty, scholars, academic leaders and students at universities around the world.

The guide’s publication is timed to coincide with the start of the 2024-25 academic year. It is being offered free to students and institutions to distribute and adapt under a Creative Commons license. The guide is available at studentguidetoai.org.

“As AI begins to influence teaching and learning, as well as many operations of colleges and universities, students need a road map to help navigate these changes,” said Elon University President Connie Book. “This guide was written from the student perspective and includes practical advice on using AI responsibly while in college and preparing for the AI future.”

C. Edward Watson, AAC&U’s vice president for digital innovation, said that using AI effectively has quickly become essential learning for college students. “This guide is indispensable for students as they travel along their AI learning journey,” Watson said.

The guide includes “the essential AI ‘how-to’ manual” with ground rules for students to follow in their classes and a checklist for using AI ethically. Students will find suggestions for ways to use AI, cautions about the downsides of using AI, lists of AI resources and suggestions for writing prompts. There are also sections on creating an academic journey that prepares students to succeed in an AI-infused world, along with advice about doing a career search using AI.

More than 100 students at multiple universities submitted input and questions for inclusion in the guide, with answers provided by the guide’s authors and editors.

Paul LeBlanc, former president of Southern New Hampshire University, is exploring questions about the future of AI in higher education. He is encouraged that many colleges are embracing the concept of “human-centered AI” and said the guide “combines common sense advice for students about using AI with guidance on developing strong personal relationships and recognizing your own unique knowledge, skills and creativity.”

Ryan McCurdy, senior vice president and president of Lenovo North America, said the guide empowers students as they prepare for AI-driven careers. “With the proper framework, you can harness the power of artificial intelligence to carve your path in a world where technology is not just a tool, but an enabler of innovation, collaboration and creativity,” McCurdy said. “Embrace the learning journey. The skills you cultivate today will be the foundation of tomorrow’s workplace.”

Creation of the guide was coordinated by Elon University’s Imagining the Digital Future Center. Authors, editors and reviewers include 35 faculty, scholars and academic leaders from 14 countries.

The guide will be updated as AI continues to evolve, with changes made to the guide’s website and revised editions published for future academic terms.

The student guide to AI initiative is a continuation of Elon University’s leadership on higher education’s role in preparing humanity for the artificial intelligence revolution. In 2023, Elon coordinated creation of a statement of principles, developed and endorsed by more than 140 higher education organizations, administrators, researchers and faculty members from 48 countries. The statement was released at the 18^th annual United Nations Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan.

About

Elon University is a mid-sized private university in Elon, North Carolina, with a national reputation for experiential learning, teaching excellence, and close relationships between students and their faculty and staff mentors. Elon enrolls more than 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 48 U.S. states and 54 countries. Elon was founded in 1889 and includes a law school campus in Greensboro, NC, and national campus locations in Los Angeles, Charlotte, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) is a global membership organization dedicated to advancing the democratic purposes of higher education by promoting equity, innovation, and excellence in liberal education. Through our programs and events, publications and research, public advocacy, and campus-based projects, AAC&U serves as a catalyst and facilitator for innovations that improve educational quality and equity and that support the success of all students. In addition to accredited public and private, two-year and four-year colleges and universities, and state higher education systems and agencies throughout the United States, our membership includes degree-granting higher education institutions around the world as well as other organizations and individuals. To learn more, visit www.aacu.org.