In this webinar I joined two other Australian digital education experts as we unpacked digital transformation in an attempt explain where universities stand to benefit most from digitally enhanced teaching and learning.

We also looked at the risks involved in using artificial intelligence in higher education and how digital skills can be more equitably distributed among students, staff and institutions.

The webinar panellists:

• Karen Blackmore, a professor and acting head of the School of Information and Physical Sciences at the University of Newcastle, Australia.
• Edward Palmer, a professor and the director of the Unit of Digital Education and Training in the School of Education at the University of Adelaide.
• Julie Lindsay, the senior education technology adviser in the Learning and Teaching Futures portfolio at the University of Southern Queensland.

Points from the session (based on questions pre-loaded by the hosts):

Q: We talk about not doing tech for tech’s sake, so what about teaching and learning can be improved by using AI and VR in the classroom?

• TIME – teaching efficiency – generative AI helps in many ways. Other tools such as AI video creation and artefact creation also help improve communication and save time
• VR opportunities are diverse – new learning environments provide for different perspectives and experiences eg 360 videos

Q: There are clear risks of using AI in teaching and learning – lack of transparency, biases in the outputs, inaccurate responses in generative AI, unequal access – how are you thinking about those and attempting to guard against them?

• We must educate both staff and students on the challenges of using AI – we are educational institutions after all.

Q: Tips for how the average educator can take the first step towards using AI/VR in the classroom – where should they begin? Can it be applied to any field/discipline?

• Communicate with colleagues – create a CoP – eg AILTC – explore, share, encourage transparency between schools and disciplines

Q: What areas of the universities are most in need of “digital transformation”? How confident are you that universities are taking the right approach to digital transformation in terms of strategy as well as pace? Where are funds best spent?

• Area in most need of digital transformation – teaching and teachers
• Funds best spent on people to drive and support the transformation
• Build CoP around the change – champion the early adopters, encourage the laggards, rationalise clearly why change must occur
• Be futures focused, not status quo focused
• Strategies need to be inclusive for all students

Q: From your experience, how can we ensure equitable development of digital literacy as digital transformation progresses?

• Cut through the fear factor when using edtech – academics must model its use and not be afraid of change

Watch the webinar video:

Note: This session was recorded in early 2024, which is important given evolving context around AI integration into higher education.