[Webinar Recap] How AI-Enhanced Courses Boost Enrollment and Engagement

The world of higher education is rapidly evolving, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this transformation. Institutions are now leveraging AI to not only enhance the learning experience but also to address critical challenges like student enrollment and retention. Miami Dade College (MDC) is leading the way with its innovative approach to AI-enhanced courses. This blog post will recap the key insights from a recent webinar on this topic, featuring Kelsey Behringer, CEO of Packback, and Nester Pereira, Vice Provost for Academic and Learning Technologies at Miami Dade College. To get the full picture, watch the on-demand webinar here: “Boosting Enrollment and Improving Student Retention: The Impact of AI-Enabled Courses”

Kelsey and Nester dive into a core problem in higher education: how to best support students in online learning environments. Nester notes that online courses often see pass rates lag behind other modalities. MDC sought to address this by strategically incorporating AI tools to create more engaging and supportive online learning experiences. They aimed to clearly communicate the value of these tools to students and faculty.

MDC’s solution was to introduce “AI-enhanced” course designations. This initiative involves labeling courses that utilize AI tools, like Packback, directly in the course catalog, enabling students to easily identify and select them.

Nester explains, “The whole idea to label them as AI enhanced was really to make sure that the students understood what they were getting as a student in the course and what kind of support they were getting from this technology.”

MDC has seen a 25% increase
in summer enrollment for MDC online

This clear communication has led to significant results. MDC has seen a 25% increase in summer enrollment for MDC online, with AI-enhanced courses being chosen more frequently by students. Student feedback indicates that they find the AI tools engaging, which contributes to higher pass rates.

Moreover, this proactive approach not only boosts student engagement and success at school but also equips them with essential skills for the AI-driven workplace of today and the future. By integrating AI tools into the learning experience, MDC is ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared to navigate and thrive in a professional landscape where AI proficiency is increasingly in demand.

Tools like Packback facilitate AI-enhanced learning by fostering critical thinking and engagement. Packback’s platform uses AI to support student inquiry and provide feedback, ultimately promoting deeper understanding and knowledge retention. As the webinar highlights, the key is to use AI to augment, not replace, the role of the instructor.

Choosing the Right AI Tools

MDC’s commitment to leveraging AI for enhanced learning predates the recent “GPT boom.” They strategically incorporated Packback, an AI tool designed to boost thinking and learning, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to educational innovation. Nester shared valuable insights into selecting effective AI tools and emphasized a step-by-step approach:

1. Identify the problem: What specific challenge are you trying to solve? (e.g., low student engagement, poor pass rates)
2. Survey the landscape: What AI tools are available to address this problem?
3. Pilot and gather feedback: Implement the tool in a small group of courses and collect data and feedback from faculty and students.
   Analyze the data: Does the tool demonstrate a positive impact on student outcomes?

Nester also stressed the importance of considering factors like data privacy and ensuring AI tools support, rather than replace, instructors.

As we explore the transformative potential of AI in education, the conversation naturally turns to a critical concern: academic integrity. A significant portion of the webinar addresses this issue, with Pereira sharing MDC’s proactive and supportive approach.

Key strategies include:

• Transparency: Openly communicating with students about the use of AI detection tools.
• Education: Teaching students how to use AI ethically and effectively.
• Prevention: Utilizing AI tools that promote good writing and critical thinking habits.
• Restorative approach: Emphasizing conversation and guidance over punitive measures, especially for first-time offenses.

The emphasis is that while AI detection tools have a role, the focus should be on fostering a culture of academic integrity and empowering students to produce original work.

AI has the potential to revolutionize higher education, boosting enrollment, enhancing student engagement, and improving learning outcomes. Institutions like Miami Dade College are demonstrating how to strategically implement AI in a way that benefits both students and faculty. By focusing on solving specific problems, choosing the right tools, and prioritizing ethical considerations, higher education can harness the power of AI to create a brighter future for learning.

Want to see how AI can revolutionize your institution? Watch the full webinar here or request a personalized demo to explore Packback’s AI-powered platform.