Joe Sabado – Higher Education & Technology Leadership

This blog post is about the value of using case studies and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), including ChatGPT, for practical and effective learning for student affairs professionals, student leaders, and programs for undergraduate and graduate programs.

Over the past few years, I have been a judge for a national virtual student affairs-focused case study competition. I recently completed this year’s competition, which inspired me to explore new ways of generating case studies for student affairs professionals. Additionally, I have been a mentor for the NASPA Undergraduate Fellowship Program (NUFP) for the past eight years, working with undergraduate students from underrepresented communities who are interested in pursuing student affairs as a career. As a staff advisor for student organizations for the last two decades, I have advised student leaders in navigating challenging scenarios; these scenarios are expected as they consistently appear every year, but some scenarios are unique for that particular year.

These experiences, coupled with my interest in the potential of ChatGPT in higher education, led me to consider how Generative AI, like ChatGPT, can be used to create student affairs-focused case studies for undergraduate fellows, graduate programs, student leaders, advisors, and student affairs professionals.

The Value of a Well-Designed Case Study

A well-designed case study is an invaluable learning tool, especially in student affairs. It provides students and professionals with a realistic scenario that allows them to apply their knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to real-life situations. This kind of experiential learning fosters a deeper understanding of theories and concepts, encourages reflection, and promotes the development of problem-solving skills.

Using ChatGPT to Generate Student Affairs Case Studies

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a powerful language model demonstrating its capacity to generate human-like text based on given inputs. By leveraging the capabilities of ChatGPT, we can generate a wide range of student affairs-focused case studies tailored to specific learning objectives and outcomes. These case studies can be used in various educational settings, such as classrooms, workshops, and professional development programs.

Below are some ways ChatGPT-generated case studies can benefit student affairs professionals and students:

1. Customization: ChatGPT allows educators and professionals to customize case studies based on their needs, goals, and contexts. This means that case studies can be tailored to address the unique challenges and situations most relevant to a particular group of learners or professionals.
2.  Variety: With ChatGPT, we can generate various case studies to expose learners to various issues and scenarios. This variety provides learners with new scenarios instead of those presented with the same problems and contexts that may need to be updated or relevant today.
3.  Time and Cost Efficiency: Creating case studies can be time-consuming and costly. ChatGPT streamlines the process by generating case studies quickly and efficiently, allowing educators and professionals to focus on other essential aspects of their work. It is important to note that the generated case studies may need to be modified for accuracy and more details.
4.  Adaptability: As the field of student affairs continues to evolve, ChatGPT-generated case studies can be easily adapted and updated to reflect new trends, challenges, and best practices, ensuring that learners are constantly engaged with the most current and relevant material.

Here are examples of case studies generated by ChatGPT:

Conclusion

As the needs of our students and the nature of our work as student affairs professionals evolve, we must continue to explore and embrace new technologies and methodologies that enhance our ability to educate and prepare the next generation of student affairs professionals. The integration of ChatGPT in generating student affairs-focused case studies holds the potential to enrich the learning experiences of students and professionals alike.

Generative AI, including ChatGPT, is a technology that can potentially transform higher education across all areas of campus operations. Using the Higher Education Reference Model, which outlines the core capabilities of learning and teaching, research, and enabling capabilities, this document, Higher Education Reference Model (HERM) Capability Model & Generative Artificial Intelligence provides ideas on how Generative AI can be applied in higher education.

While generative AI has already proven its potential to revolutionize/disrupt the student learning experience, it can streamline admissions, automate administrative tasks, and support facilities management and IT support. Additionally, AI can help researchers make sense of large amounts of data, identifying patterns and trends and generating new hypotheses.

Ensuring ethical and transparent use of AI is vital. As professionals in higher education, we must continue to explore the various applications of generative AI and its potential to transform higher education beyond the classroom.

Source: https://library.educause.edu/resources/2021/9/the-higher-education-reference-models

Through the power of ChatGPT, we summon our facilitator, Percy, once again to moderate a round-table conversation amongst thought leaders in the field of higher education and technology. Previously, Percy moderated the topic around The Future of Higher Education: A Roundtable of Higher Education Leaders: Discussing the Future of Higher Education – ChatGPT Style.

The topic for today is “imagine a future where a higher education institutions operate in a time and space in the metaverse, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.” The first question is “How imminent will this happen and what are the implications to higher education?” The second question is “what is the worst case scenario?” and the last question is “what’s the best case scenario?”

Percy: Thank you all for joining this round table discussion. Today, we’ll be exploring a future where higher education institutions operate in the metaverse, leveraging artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies. Our first question is, “How imminent will this happen and what are the implications for higher education?” Let’s hear from Ray Kurzweil first.

Ray Kurzweil: In my view, the integration of these technologies into higher education is not only imminent, but it’s already happening. Within the next decade, we’ll see a significant shift towards virtual, AI-assisted learning environments. The implications include increased accessibility, personalization, and collaboration in education, but also the risk of exacerbating existing inequalities.

Percy: Thank you, Ray. Don Tapscott, would you like to weigh in on this question?

Don Tapscott: I agree with Ray on the timeline. However, I’d like to emphasize the potential of blockchain technology in this context. It can revolutionize higher education by providing secure, decentralized systems for credentials and academic records. This will create more trust and transparency in the sector, ultimately benefiting students and institutions alike.

Percy: Cathy N. Davidson, your perspective would be invaluable here.

Cathy N. Davidson: Building on Ray’s and Don’s points, I see this transformation as an opportunity to rethink our traditional educational models. By embracing the metaverse and AI, we can break free from the constraints of time, space, and bureaucracy. This has the potential to create more inclusive, engaging, and learner-centric experiences, but it also demands a shift in how we prepare educators for this new reality.

Percy: Now, let’s hear from Joi Ito on this topic.

Joi Ito: I agree that this future is imminent, and I’d like to highlight the implications for creativity and innovation. AI and the metaverse will enable new forms of collaboration, fostering a global community of learners and researchers. However, we must be cautious not to let technology dictate the educational experience, but rather use it as a tool to support and enhance human connection and discovery.

Percy: Finally, Cathy O’Neil, what are your thoughts?

Cathy O’Neil: I think my colleagues have covered the potential benefits well, but I’d like to emphasize the potential risks. As AI and blockchain become more prevalent, we need to ensure that privacy, security, and ethical considerations are addressed. Furthermore, we must work to prevent a digital divide in education, where access to these technologies becomes a new source of inequality.

Percy: Let’s dive into the second question: “What is the worst-case scenario for a future where higher education institutions operate in a time and space in the metaverse, artificial intelligence, and blockchain?” I’d like to invite Don Tapscott to share his thoughts first. Don, as a leading expert on the intersection of technology and education, what concerns do you have about this future?

Don Tapscott: The worst-case scenario in my view would involve the exacerbation of existing inequalities in higher education. Institutions that can afford cutting-edge technologies will gain a massive advantage, while others will be left behind. Additionally, there’s a risk of personal data being mishandled on these platforms, putting student privacy at stake.

Percy: Cathy N. Davidson, as a scholar who has focused on the future of learning and digital literacy, how do you see the potential pitfalls in this scenario?

Cathy N. Davidson: I share Don’s concerns about inequality. We need to ensure that access to quality education in the metaverse is not restricted to a privileged few. Moreover, the overemphasis on technology may lead to a devaluation of human interaction, which is essential for critical thinking and creativity.

Percy: Joi Ito, as an entrepreneur and technologist who has been involved with the development of the internet and its impact on society, do you have any thoughts on this worst-case scenario?

Joi Ito: I think there’s a danger of monopolistic behavior by large corporations that could stifle innovation and limit access to these new educational opportunities. Also, we must be cautious of surveillance capitalism, where student data is used to manipulate and control, instead of empowering learners.

Percy: Cathy O’Neil, as a mathematician and author who has written about the dark side of algorithms, what do you think could go wrong in this future?

Cathy O’Neil: The use of AI in higher education could lead to biased decision-making and further marginalize underrepresented groups. We need to make sure algorithms are transparent and accountable to prevent this.

Percy: Ray Kurzweil, as a futurist and inventor who has extensively written about AI and its future impact, what are your thoughts on the potential negative consequences?

Ray Kurzweil: While I’m generally optimistic about technology, I recognize the potential for AI to become an oppressive force if misused. In the worst-case scenario, AI could be used to control students’ thoughts and actions, leading to a dystopian educational environment.

Percy: Thank you all for your insights. It seems that the main concerns in the worst-case scenario involve inequality, surveillance, loss of human interaction, and the misuse of AI. Let’s continue the conversation and explore potential solutions and best-case scenarios.

Percy: That’s a compelling vision, Don. Cathy N. Davidson, you have long advocated for the importance of rethinking traditional education structures. What do you think about the best-case scenario?

Cathy N. Davidson: Building on Don’s ideas, I believe the best-case scenario would also involve a shift from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to a more diverse and flexible education system. The metaverse and AI can help create an environment where students can explore their passions, and collaborate with people from different backgrounds and disciplines. Blockchain could facilitate a more modular and customizable credentialing system, allowing students to build their own unique learning paths. It’s a future where education becomes a lifelong, adaptable journey.

Percy: Thank you, Cathy. Joi Ito, as someone with a background in both technology and education, what are your thoughts on the best-case scenario for higher education in this new era?

Joi Ito: I agree with Don and Cathy, but I’d like to emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong human component in this new educational landscape. While AI and the metaverse can empower students and educators, we must ensure that these technologies are designed ethically and with empathy. In the best-case scenario, we strike a balance between harnessing technology and fostering human connections. It’s crucial that we create spaces within the metaverse where diverse perspectives can come together, fostering creativity and innovation.

Percy: That’s an important point, Joi. Cathy O’Neil, you have been critical of the potential pitfalls of AI and big data. In your view, what would be the best-case scenario for higher education institutions utilizing these technologies?

Cathy O’Neil: I believe the best-case scenario would be one where AI and blockchain are used responsibly and transparently. Education institutions should ensure that the algorithms they use are fair, unbiased, and do not perpetuate existing inequalities. In addition, they must be transparent about the data collected and used to make decisions about students’ learning experiences. By being accountable and transparent, we can harness these technologies to create an equitable and just educational system for all.

Percy: Thank you all for sharing your perspectives on the best-case scenario for higher education institutions in the age of the metaverse, AI, and blockchain. It’s clear that while there are many potential benefits, it’s crucial to ensure that these technologies are used ethically and responsibly to create a more inclusive, accessible, and innovative education system.

I would like to know how predictions aided by Bing AI would perform the winners of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. I have not typically participated in completing my predictions, so this is an unscientific exercise from a novice who is curious about how a Bing AI-aided picks would fare. Here are the picks. The Final Four teams include Alabama, Tennessee, Penn State, and Gonzaga. Alabama an Gonzaga play for the championship with Alabama as the national champion.

A few weeks ago, during our stay interview at work, I was asked, “What legacy would you like to leave at UCSB?” This question resonated with me and prompted me to think about what I want my impact to be. I invite you to reflect on this question: What legacy do you envision leaving behind in your organization?

At the same time, I’m working with a team to implement a mentorship program for our IT professionals. One goal is to provide opportunities for future leaders. The question above and this mentorship program got me thinking about the most significant impact we can have in our organizations – the opportunities and interactions we share with the folks we work with and serve. How we treat them and set them up for success can affect their lives, even generations to come, and all the people they will interact with. As a wise colleague recently told me, at the end of the day, our work begins and ends with people. People will forget the systems we build and the projects we work on, but our impact on others lasts much longer. Sometimes, amid our busy work lives, we focus on what’s right before us and only think about the future within our time in our organizations. A wise student once told me, “As leaders, we are hard on ourselves, thinking our efforts don’t yield any meaningful results, but we are planting seeds today which will bloom beyond our time.” What seeds are you planting today that will contribute to the legacy you want to leave behind?

When asked about the legacy I’d like to leave, my immediate response was “Acts 13:36,” which I’ve come to translate as “he served God’s purpose in his generation.” This verse and my wife’s and I’s shared mission statement: “To make positive impacts globally through acts of compassion, inspiration, and education. In pursuit of this goal, practice an attitude of gratitude and an abundance mindset,” provides direction for our purpose in life. How do your values and beliefs shape the legacy you want to create?

As leaders and colleagues, we have a moral and ethical responsibility to ensure that those we work with and those we serve are treated with dignity and respect and given equal opportunities to succeed – not despite their differences but because of their uniqueness to our organization.

Through my experiences growing up, feeling marginalized in school and even at work when I didn’t fit the norms, I’ve come to value equal access to opportunities, inclusion, and appreciation for diversity. What values do you believe can contribute to a positive legacy? How can you invest in the people around you to help them reach their full potential?

With this in mind, our mentorship program aims to empower IT professionals and future leaders by focusing on their growth and development. By investing in people and fostering a sense of community, we can create a lasting legacy that carries on through those we’ve mentored and the people they’ll go on to mentor themselves.

Let us remember that our work and the legacy we leave in our organizations begin and end with people. People will forget the systems we build and our contributions to projects. However, our impact on others can resonate for generations to come. By focusing on developing meaningful relationships, mentoring future leaders, and living out our purpose with an attitude of gratitude and an abundance mindset, we can make an impactful difference in those around us and leave a legacy that will long outlive the systems we create. So, what legacy do you envision leaving behind?