As artificial intelligence continues to redefine the way we learn and work, DeVry University will integrate AI introduction and skills building into every course by the end of the year.
The effort expands on the automation and machine learning program DeVry launched in 2020, adding new AI-focused courses and credentials and integrating AI learning assistants into every classroom. It’s all part of the institution’s efforts to give every student the technical skills and applied mastery needed to succeed in an AI-augmented workforce.
Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University, said mastering AI is an important skill set that students need to learn across disciplines and industries as the workplace rapidly evolves.
“What I’ve realized from talking to employers and observing workforce trends is that AI skills will be a foundation and a necessity, and perhaps even a basic requirement for job descriptions,” Awwad said. “So we need to take ownership of it as educators and prepare our students for what’s happening.”
This is because DeVry annual report on upskilling and reskilling, which is based on a survey of more than 1,500 workers and more than 500 employers, found that “although workers highly value AI skills, they are not clear on how to use them effectively.” The survey also reveals that as AI transforms the workplace, 78% of employers and 63% of workers say enduring skills such as critical thinking, communication and adaptability are emerging as the real drivers of job security and career advancement.
“Everyone uses [AI] one way or another,” Awwad said. “Our goal is to integrate this into the curriculum in a way that they use it differently in each course so [students] I can understand that you also need to implement critical thinking.
The strategy: Awwad said DeVry faculty participate in a proprietary AI training program, “created by faculty for faculty,” to ensure they can effectively support students’ development of AI proficiency.
“The teachers are very involved because they will be at the center of the teaching,” Awwad said. “This is a standard curriculum that we have embedded across all faculty, full-time and part-time, to ensure they support the development of AI fluency through courses, discussions, projects and learning experiences. »
DeVry also plans to expand its applied AI courses, business specializations and certificates, and technology programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
“Employers want human-centric skills, as well as technical skills… AI proficiency is all of these,” Awwad said. “It’s not just about knowing how to spark something, it’s also about applying those lasting skills.”
Awwad noted that AI learning assistants will be integrated into every course, providing real-time conversational assistance whenever students need it. She added that assistants currently handle more than 90 percent of common student questions, such as how to submit assignments or check grades, reducing friction and allowing faculty to focus on higher-value teaching and mentoring.
Additionally, Awwad said the university uses advisors as well as AI tools to support students. Among students who received targeted outreach and tutoring, 80 percent saw their grades improve, and 96 percent graduated or persisted in their studies.
“This commitment for us is to expand access to every student to develop the technical skills and fluency needed in this now AI-augmented workforce,” Awwad said. “I don’t want our learners to graduate without this skill set because they would be at a serious disadvantage. »
The answer: Awwad said other institutions should not hesitate to implement AI on their campuses.
“There has been so much noise from people who are afraid to bring AI into the classroom, and we certainly don’t want academic integrity issues, but turning away from it is not realistic,” Awwad said. “Learners are going to use it, so how do they use it? Are they applying critical thinking? Are they applying the necessary creativity alongside it?”
She added that adopting AI responsibly now gives teachers the opportunity to guide students in developing the skills and judgment they will need.
“Don’t take your eyes off the ball, because we owe it to society to train [students] about what will be needed in the future,” Awwad said.
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