Our Actionable AI: Your Roadmap for AI Readiness in Higher Education webinar series continues full speed ahead.

In Part 2, "Actionable AI for the Student Experience," we delved into the transformative power of AI in higher education.

The session highlighted AI-driven tools that are redefining student engagement: chatbots that provide round-the-clock assistance, personalized marketing that mirrors a one-on-one conversation, and forward-thinking strategies that anticipate student needs.

Today's Students Are Different

Students are navigating an era of unprecedented convenience and frictionless interactions. Whether it's binging through favorite shows or swiping right for a potential dating match, the craving for seamless experiences is real and spans every corner of their lives.

As students become increasingly digital-savvy, their expectations for convenient and fast experiences rise in tandem. It's a stark reality: schools must adapt to this new paradigm or risk losing students to alternatives that offer a more engaging and personal learning experience.

Plus, with the rise of online learning, the days of students being stuck in local schools are pretty much over. If students are no longer bound to their immediate geography, how can institutions stop them from seeking a more engaging and personal learning experience elsewhere?

AI Can Help

AI is the game-changer in connecting with today's students, sparking interaction and engagement like never before. The future is all about conversation, but here's the catch: traditional chatbots just don't bring the same results.

We're not after robotic responses; we crave warmth and competence to truly feel satisfied in our conversational interactions.

AI tools like ChatGPT aren't just setting the bar; they're redefining the game for AI bots that can genuinely deliver the experience today's students crave.

AI Chatbots: The 24/7 Virtual Assistants

Chatbots that leverage AI are revolutionizing the way institutions interact with students. They're always available, ensuring that no query goes unanswered, regardless of the time or day. This constant availability is crucial in a digital world where immediate responses are the norm.

It's important to use AI tech and chatbots as your first line of defense to streamline admissions processes, guide students through campus support, provide academic advising, or even be an around-the-clock Q&A resource.

For example, let’s talk about BoltBot, our intelligent AI chatbot employed by our partners. BoltBot assists prospective students by answering FAQs, providing information about courses, and even guiding them through the application process. During peak admission periods, BoltBot handles thousands of inquiries, significantly reducing the workload on human staff and improving response times.

Forsyth Technical Community College is just one of the schools that has implemented Boltbot to bring efficiency to the admissions journey, offer personalized support for students navigating campus life, and stand ready as a 24/7 knowledge hub — all while alleviating overworked staff and saving crucial time.

Communications: Conversational and Personalized

In our webinar, we emphasized how AI enables marketing efforts to feel like personalized conversations. AI algorithms analyze student data to tailor communications, ensuring that each message resonates with its recipient.

This approach helps build a connection that feels genuine and personal.

AI can help higher ed marketers craft customized email campaigns. Based on student interactions with previous emails and website visits, AI tools craft messages that align with individual interests and needs, fostering a sense of personal attention that traditional marketing methods can't match.

Proactive Outreach: Anticipating Needs

One of the most exciting aspects of AI in education is its ability to anticipate student needs. AI tools can analyze patterns in student behavior and academic performance to identify those who might need extra support. This proactive approach can be a game-changer in student retention and success.

For instance, AI-powered analytics tools can predict when a student is at risk of falling behind and prompt advisors to reach out with support and resources.

This not only helps the student in question but also frees up resources by addressing issues before they escalate.

AI Assistants: More Than Just Responders

Our session also showcased how AI assistants are more than just responders; they are virtual guides connecting with students on a deeper level.

These AI assistants help students navigate their academic path with ease and precision, offering guidance on everything from course selection to career planning.

This level of personalized guidance ensures that students feel supported and understood throughout their educational journey.

Your Roadmap for AI Readiness in Higher Education

Don't let your AI journey end here.

Part 3, Actionable AI for Productivity, reveals how AI streamlines operations, from generating content to uncovering knowledge and insights hidden in data. We'll explore AI applications that can be adopted today to automate routine tasks, allowing your teams to focus on what they do best—connect with students.

Prepare to transform your institution into a hub of high efficiency and innovation. With AI, the next level of productivity isn't just possible — it's within reach.

Plus, more knowledge, insights, and game-changing revelations are waiting for you in the upcoming sessions of our 5-part series.

Sign up now to stay ahead, unlock the full potential of AI in higher education, and be at the forefront of innovation. Let's shape the future of education together!