Prof. (Dr.) Shikha Verma Kashyap
Director, AAFT University of Media and Arts Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Prof. (Dr.) Shikha Verma Kashyap is the Director of AAFT University of Media and Arts, Central India’s first skill-oriented university located in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. An accomplished educationist, she holds a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering and is a dedicated research enthusiast. Her expertise is further enriched by her training in Leadership and Change Management from IIM Raipur. Dr. Kashyap has been recognized as one of the 40 under 40 influential personalities in Chhattisgarh and is a proud recipient of the prestigious Pratibha Samman of Chhattisgarh. Her significant contributions to higher education have earned her an award from ELETs.
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how universities support their students. For many of us who’ve witnessed the tech boom over the decades, seeing AI in education feels like stepping into a sci-fi movie. Yet, this is our new reality. AI isn’t just enhancing academic advising; it’s revolutionizing mental health support services, creating a more holistic and responsive educational environment. As higher education institutions strive to meet the diverse needs of their students, AI is emerging as a powerful tool to improve overall student well-being and academic success.
Personalized Academic Advising: The AI Touch
Remember the days when you had to wait weeks for an appointment with your college advisor, only to have a rushed 15-minute conversation? Those days are becoming a thing of the past. AI-powered chatbots and virtual advisors are stepping in to bridge the gap. These intelligent systems provide instant, 24/7 support, answering common questions about course selections, degree requirements, and scheduling.
Imagine an AI chatbot suggesting elective courses that align with a student’s major and career interests, recommending study resources for tough subjects, or even alerting students to upcoming deadlines. By offloading routine inquiries to AI, human advisors can focus on more complex, personalized interactions, enhancing the overall advising experience. This seamless integration of AI not only improves efficiency but ensures that students receive timely and relevant support.
Mental Health Support: AI to the Rescue
The pressures of academic life, combined with personal and social challenges, can take a significant toll on students’ mental well-being. Traditional mental health services, often constrained by limited resources and high demand, are finding valuable allies in AI technologies. AI-powered mental health apps and platforms offer students confidential and immediate access to mental health support.
Consider a scenario where a student feels overwhelmed and anxious. Instead of waiting for an appointment with a campus counselor, the student can use an AI mental health app to access immediate support. The app can guide the student through mindfulness exercises, suggest relaxation techniques, or provide cognitive behavioral strategies to manage anxiety. If more intensive support is needed, the app can facilitate a referral to a human counselor, ensuring continuous care. This approach reduces the stigma associated with seeking mental health support and ensures students receive timely help.
Proactive Support through Data Analysis
AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data enables universities to identify trends and patterns in student behavior, helping them proactively address potential issues. For instance, by monitoring data related to class attendance, assignment submissions, and online engagement, AI systems can identify students who may be at risk of academic failure or mental health issues. Early intervention strategies can then be implemented, such as personalized outreach from advisors or targeted mental health resources.
Enhancing Peer Support Networks
AI-driven platforms are also enhancing peer support networks within universities. Online communities and forums moderated by AI provide safe spaces for students to share their experiences, seek advice, and offer support to one another. These platforms can identify topics and discussions that may need professional intervention and alert university staff accordingly. By fostering a supportive and connected student community, AI helps create a more inclusive and responsive educational environment.
Addressing Challenges and Ethical Considerations
The integration of AI in higher education is not without its challenges. Concerns about data privacy, ethical considerations, and the potential for algorithmic bias must be addressed to ensure that AI technologies are implemented responsibly and equitably. Universities must establish robust data governance frameworks and ensure transparency in how AI systems are used. Involving students in the development and implementation of AI initiatives is crucial, ensuring their perspectives and needs are considered.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Higher Education with AI
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI in higher education are undeniable. By enhancing academic advising and mental health support, AI is helping universities create a more personalized, responsive, and supportive educational experience. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of higher education.
In conclusion, AI is revolutionizing student support services in higher education, offering innovative solutions to long-standing challenges. By providing personalized academic advising and enhancing mental health support, AI is helping universities better meet the diverse needs of their students. As institutions continue to embrace these technologies, they must do so with a commitment to ethical practices and a focus on the holistic well-being of their students. The future of higher education is undoubtedly intertwined with advancements in AI, promising a more inclusive, supportive, and effective educational landscape for all students.
The integration of AI in higher education is not just a technological advancement but a paradigm shift that has the potential to transform the student experience. From personalized academic guidance to immediate mental health support, AI is paving the way for a more responsive and student-centered approach to education. As we look to the future, the role of AI in higher education will only continue to grow, offering new opportunities to enhance learning, support, and overall student success.
