Arizona State University Partners with OpenAI to Explore Gen AI Potential in Education
Through a new partnership, Arizona State University has become the first higher education institution to work with OpenAI to explore the potential of generative AI to enhance teaching and learning. The collaboration brings ChatGPT Enterprise to the university, with the goal "to leverage ASU's intense knowledge core — the faculty, researchers, and staff who drive one of the largest public research universities in the United States — to be at the forefront of discovery and implementation," according to a news announcement.
ASU said it will take a phased approach to deploying the tool, focusing on its use in three areas:
- Enhancing student success;
- Forging new avenues for innovative research; and
- Streamlining organizational processes.
Beginning in February, faculty, researchers, and staff will be invited to submit their ideas on the best uses of the tool to "create, discover, learn, and transform" at ASU. "A hybrid team of education leaders, faculty, and technologists from the Office of the University Provost, ASU Enterprise Technology. and various communities of practice will work together to evaluate submissions and grant access accordingly," the university said. As users explore and learn more about the tool, ASU will provide ongoing feedback to OpenAI, with the hope to eventually transform ideas into solutions that can scale across ASU and beyond.
ChatGPT Enterprise's security features ensure that any prompts utilized by the ASU community remain private, and the data is not used for OpenAI's training models.
"ASU recognizes that augmented and artificial intelligence systems are here to stay, and we are optimistic about their ability to become incredible tools that help students to learn, learn more quickly, and understand subjects more thoroughly," said ASU President Michael M. Crow, in a statement. "Our collaboration with OpenAI reflects our philosophy and our commitment to participate directly in the responsible evolution of AI learning technologies."
"Learning is core to why so many users love ChatGPT. ASU continues to lead in innovation by integrating ChatGPT into its educational programs," commented Brad Lightcap, chief operating officer for OpenAI. "We're keen to learn from ASU, and to work toward expanding ChatGPT's impact in higher education."
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Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].