The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced a partnership with research and consulting service Ithaka S+R to undertake a comprehensive study on the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies on teaching, learning, and research practices. The university's collaborative initiative aims to evaluate how advancements in AI are influencing educational and research methodologies across its academic spectrum.
The UNM research team, comprising the University Libraries, Health Sciences & Informatics Center, and the Center for Teaching and Learning, is actively recruiting faculty members from various campuses for one-hour interviews. These discussions are designed to explore the diverse applications of Generative AI in different disciplines and gather valuable insights into its usage. Participating faculty members have the opportunity to contribute to developing institution-specific strategies for broader integration of generative AI. According to a press release by UNM, the findings from this study will enable UNM to better support instructors and researchers in adapting to AI technologies.
"As we embark on this exploratory journey, our goal is on empowering the UNM community to learn and harness the potential of generative AI in academia," said Leo Lo, Dean of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences at UNM. He further stated that "This study is more than just about technology; it is about shaping the future of education in a world increasingly influenced by AI. We are keenly interested in gathering insights from our faculty members, whose experiences are vital for understanding how AI technologies can enhance and evolve our teaching and learning practices."
Ithaka S+R serves academic and cultural communities by providing valuable insights and guidance that allow them to anticipate upcoming trends, leverage research findings, and adapt to changing circumstances. Through strategic advice and support services, Ithaka S+R assists institutions in enhancing their effectiveness and fulfilling their objectives. According to information provided on Ithaka S+R's About webpage, they conduct research aimed at informing institutional decision-making while fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.