The Future of Postsecondary Education in the Age of AI

• Main Author: Alfred Essa (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2024-03-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.3390/educsci14030326; 2227-7102
• Keywords: artificial intelligence; adult learners; adaptive learning; generative AI; learning analytics; Education; L
• Source: Education Sciences, Vol 14, Iss 3, p 326 (2024)

This paper examines a <i>possible future</i> for postsecondary education in the age of AI. The consensus view among economists is that AI is a general purpose technology (GPT), similar to the steam engine, electricity, and the internet. As a GPT, AI will be the main driver of innovation for the foreseeable future in most sectors of the economy, including education. As AI evolves, it holds the promise of fundamentally redefining the educational landscape, influencing not only current practices in institutional management and pedagogy but also shaping future trends in learning, evaluation, and accreditation. While traditional college-aged students have received significant attention in educational studies, this paper emphasizes the needs of <i>adult learners</i> as <i>lifelong learners</i> and explores how <i>AI-driven innovations</i> can enhance their educational experiences, offering personalized and flexible learning solutions. This paper also argues that a dramatic breakthrough is needed in the <i>cost-value equation</i> for education to support workforce development and lifelong learning.