Leaders across the skills training and higher education sector will soon meet to consider the opportunities and risks of generative artificial intelligence. They are being brought together by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent providers in the skills training, higher education, and international education sectors.
“For many tertiary education professionals, generative AI presents a major threat to academic integrity. The ability for students to leverage the technology to write essays is self-evident and is a critical issue for providers across the skills training and higher education sectors,” said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
ITECA members also recognise that generative AI presents new pathways to engage students better in their studies.
“Generative AI provides exciting opportunities for skills training and higher education providers, such as the ability to create personalised learning experiences and develop interactive educational content. In a learning context, generative AI could enhance simulations and virtual training environments and create new forms of assessment and feedback,” Mr Williams said.
Pushing back against the technology isn’t an option, according to ITECA.
“If a tertiary education leader fails to fully consider the risks and opportunities of generative AI, they may miss out on innovative new ways to enhance student learning experiences. These providers risk falling behind other tertiary education providers that have embraced these technologies,” Mr Williams said.
The diverse nature of the independent skills training and higher education sectors highlights the need for providers and regulators to consider the matter carefully.
“There are around 4,000 independent providers which support around 87% of the 4.3 million students in skills training, with a further 140 providers supporting 10% of the 1.6 million students in higher education. The number of tertiary education providers and the number of students involved highlights the significance of the sector’s willingness to consider this issue,” Mr Williams said.
Leaders from across the skills training and higher education sector will meet at the ITEC23 Conference to consider the issues that generative artificial presents.
“The ITEC23 Conference offers a platform to explore the latest advancements in generative AI and the impact on skills training and higher education. Attendees can exchange ideas, gain insights, and collaborate with leading experts in the field, ultimately shaping the future of tertiary education,” Mr Williams said.
The ITEC23 Conference will be held over 7-9 June 2023 at the Sofitel Gold Coast and, as with last year’s conference, is expected to sell out.
