July 28, 2025

Beyond AI: Enhancing Human Interactions in Higher Education

Imagine higher education without professors, and how to ensure this never happens at your college. With the rise of readily available online content and sophisticated AI tools, could  students be taught entirely without a human instructor? AI has already been developed to design courses, create content, provide tutoring, grade assignments and more. Here is something to try. Ask your favorite Large Language Model if AI could take over the job of college professor and share what you get as an answer.

Before you ask that question, remind yourself that the value of a professor extends far beyond mere information delivery. Professors offer something no algorithm can. This includes human relationships, personalized mentorship from the perspective of an authentic lived experience, nuanced feedback and guidance, and connections to real people who are passionate about the discipline they teach. Good professors don’t just present facts, they inspire critical thinking, challenge assumptions, and cultivate in students the ability to analyze complex problems. They build communities of learners, foster discussion, debate, and collaborative exploration. These human connections help students learn to apply knowledge, develop ethical reasoning, and engage with diverse perspectives in ways that AI cannot.

To ensure that the indispensable role of the human professor remains, we must continue to emphasize these unique contributions. In the classroom, this means focusing on active learning strategies that require interaction and higher-order thinking, rather than passive reception of information. Design projects that demand creative problem-solving and critical application of knowledge. Ensure that the feedback you offer students is connected to your passion for the discipline they are studying. Make time for genuine dialogue, as well as for mentoring students individually and in groups. By focusing on unique human capacities to inspire, guide, and connect, we not only safeguard the professor’s vital place but also elevate the educational experience.

If you would like to explore strategies for maximizing the unique value you bring to the classroom, contact us at the Center for Innovation.