LISLE, Ill. – Dec. 23, 2024 – 2024 has been a transformative period for the education sector, marked by rapid technological advancements and unprecedented challenges from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity to workforce upskilling. All leading to a seismic shift in how we approach learning, teaching and administrative processes, with AI at the forefront of this transformation.
Institutions grappled with the task of developing policies that maintain academic integrity while fostering innovation. This balancing act has required careful consideration of how to equip faculty with the skills to leverage AI effectively and ensure students use these powerful tools responsibly.
“One of the biggest surprises has been the speed at which students and faculty embraced AI,” says Chris Campbell, DeVry University’s chief information officer. “This rapid uptake has prompted us to accelerate training and invest in resources to ensure widespread understanding and proficiency.”
From chatbots providing 24/7 student support to personalized learning platforms, these tools are helping students achieve better outcomes and personalizing their educational journeys.
“AI tools have enhanced operations, enabling greater efficiency in customer service, decision-making, and product development,” adds Campbell. “For instance, automation and AI-powered analytics have streamlined processes and uncovered new insights.”
However, the AI revolution hasn't been without its challenges. Despite the availability of upskilling programs, there's a concerning gap between availability and utilization. According to DeVry University's 2024 AI report, while nearly 90% of employers offer upskilling programs, only about half of employees take advantage of them.
“This ‘say/do’ gap highlights a critical challenge in preparing the workforce for future technologies and underscores the need for more engaging and accessible learning opportunities, especially as AI continues to reshape job roles across industries,” Campbell argues.
On the flip side, 2024 also brought surprising opportunities. The same report revealed nearly half of workers (49%) already consider their AI skills to be intermediate or higher, indicating a readiness for AI-related tasks that surpassed many expectations. This unexpected level of preparedness has accelerated AI adoption in various sectors, including education.
Furthermore, cybersecurity remained a pressing concern throughout 2024. Higher education institutions, with their vast repositories of sensitive data, continued to be prime targets for cyberattacks.
“The rise in ransomware and phishing attempts exposed vulnerabilities in legacy systems, prompting a renewed focus on investing in advanced cybersecurity measures, setting the stage for even more robust security strategies in 2025,” he adds.
As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to 2025, it's clear that we're at a critical juncture in how we approach learning, cybersecurity and workforce development. Predictive analytics for student retention and intelligent tutoring systems are just the tip of the iceberg.
“As these technologies evolve, there will be a greater emphasis on customizing educational experiences to meet the unique needs of each learner,” says Campbell. “As we move forward, the role of AI in higher education will undoubtedly continue to expand and evolve.”
By embracing these changes and proactively addressing challenges, institutions can harness the power of AI to enhance learning experiences, improve operational efficiency and better prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow.
