Elon IT Department Explores AI for Campus Transformation
Elon University’s Office of Information Technology (IT) recently hosted a summer retreat focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various campus operations. The event aimed to explore how AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, MagicSchool, and ChatGPT could enhance productivity and teaching methods.
As AI continues to evolve, the IT team engaged in discussions to understand its use within the sector, current applications, and future integration opportunities.
“We’re seeing signs that GenAI really can reduce some of the repetitive and tedious work from IT to the classroom,” said Michael Miller, an executive partner for higher education from Gartner.
Miller also noted the widespread interest in AI, providing IT professionals with a chance to expand conversations about technology, explore applications, and collaborate for improvements.
During the retreat, the IT team received a presentation by Sagun Giri, instructional technologist, on the AI tool Ellicit. The presentation included information on how Gartner predicts AI will evolve, including the use of AI to create synthetic customer data, increased energy efficiency, and the reduction of human intervention in generative AI processes.
In education, “autonomous agents can offer personalized learning experiences and adapt teaching methods to the needs of individual students” (Gartner, 2024).
The IT team had the opportunity to test tools focused on research, design learning activities, and increase productivity. The expo, planned by Claudia Sparks, associate director of Enterprise Solutions, and Dhvani Toprani, assistant director of Learning Design and Support, featured several AI tools.
“Gen AI tools are filled with infinite possibilities, so we are interested in understanding how others use these tools. The Expo felt like an excellent opportunity to give us a look into our campus partner’s world of AI.” – Dhvani Toprani, assistant director of Learning Design and Support.
Toprani emphasized the goal of providing a deeper understanding, believing the expo was an enjoyable experience that generated excitement for the potential of AI.
Christopher Waters, associate vice president of Information Technology and chief information officer, highlighted the IT staff’s focus on gaining skills in AI to support the campus. The team also explored how AI can be integrated into existing technology offerings, like Microsoft Copilot, which enhances efficiency for students and employees.
Waters also mentioned the success of the AI Grants program, which led to the formation of a community of practice to collaboratively and responsibly use AI while ensuring data security and operational process improvements.
