Preparing for the Classrooms and Workplaces of the Future: Generative AI in edX

• 06/12/23

Just as I was, in my time as director of CSAIL, MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, I now am deeply optimistic and encouraging of higher education institutions to embrace the clear potential of generative AI in developing innovations in teaching and learning. New technologies can be scary, particularly ones that are developing as quickly as generative AI. But universities and companies can and should be adopting principles and guardrails so they help faculty, students, and administrators alike get on the same page for how to use these tools well in their day-to-day work and learning.

As leaders of institutions, it is important to get on board early to experiment with AI, because you can then help shape the future responsibly, rather than having it done for you by others who may not necessarily have your best interests front and center.

It is important to get on board early to experiment with AI, because you can then help shape the future responsibly, rather than having it done for you.

Grush: In light of recent announcements, can you tell me a bit about the plans and expectations for generative Al in edX? What do you think will be the best outcomes of generative Al in edX?

Agarwal: The best outcomes when leveraging generative AI can be put quite simply: to build cutting-edge capabilities that provide a more personalized experience for learners that will be highly impactful in maximizing learning. The latest announcements we've made at edX around AI are grounded in this belief.

With the newly-available edX plugin for ChatGPT, we're empowering learners to access in-depth learning resources on select advanced topics — beginning with Circuits and Electronics. As learners engage, the plugin will instantaneously provide course recommendations, content, videos, and quizzes. Similarly, Xpert, the AI powered learning assistant on the edX platform, was designed to provide learners with real-time, personalized academic tutoring and customer support as they engage in online coursework.

We believe these latest developments build on edX's leadership in delivering quality student support and driving impactful outcomes. There's much more to come, and we'll continue to seek out opportunities to help learners everywhere to access the education and support they need to fuel their ambition and achieve their goals.

Grush: Can the work on Al in edX be a good model for others with responsibility for IT programs in higher education?

Agarwal: Absolutely, that is our goal! We are committed to creating a dialogue with our partners and the larger network of edtech innovators around what it means to integrate AI into education responsibly. Like any technological advancement, we have to be thoughtful about how we implement AI in the way we work. We also want to ensure that we provide learners with the opportunity to learn about the technology, too — that's why we are so excited to offer a range of programs for learners from our partners on edX. That includes everything from a fully online master's degree in AI for $10,000 from a top U.S. public institution, to free courses covering "Prompt Engineering and Advanced ChatGPT." Our goal is to be sure there is something for everyone. 

We are also working with our institutional partners on responsible and transparent use of AI by creating a dialogue on the best ways of using AI. The core principles that we develop will be useful for AI adoption by many other institutions.

The biggest step we can take as an industry is leaning into the possibilities and helping as many teachers and learners as we can prepare for the myriad challenges and opportunities ahead. Generative AI is a powerful, transformative technology, and those who learn how to harness that power will be the best prepared for the classrooms and workplaces of the future.