Leveraging AI to shape the future of higher education

The higher education sector is undergoing seismic changes driven by the twin forces of globalisation and digital transformation. The influence of these factors is evident in the education models pioneered by Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in China.

Founded in 2006 as a joint venture between Xi’an Jiaotong University in China and the University of Liverpool in the UK, XJTLU recognises that higher education must constantly evolve. It combines values from the higher education models in the US and the UK – such as flexibility and quality – with an emphasis on fundamental studies, which is at the heart of Chinese education.

“At XJTLU, our mission is to create a truly unique university built upon a redefined vision of education,” explains Youmin Xi, executive president of the university. “Our institution gives us a rare opportunity to test the models and pedagogies that will ultimately represent the future of education.”

The future of higher education must be innovative, interdisciplinary and international to navigate new global challenges and evolving technological developments. Recognising this, XJTLU embraces emerging technologies to promote innovation in education. While AI is likely to play a major role in shaping the future, the technology is not without its pitfalls. According to Xi, the modern education system should be capable of cultivating the talent and expertise to steer this technology in the right direction.

“Mastering AI is critical to the future,” says Xi. “It’s clear that traditional educational models are not equipped to deal with the challenges presented by AI. Universities must empower students to develop new ideas by aligning both digital and human intelligence. We call this combination ‘syntegrative’ wisdom.”

The conventional approach to education today is the disciplinary knowledge model, which focuses on subject-specific skills. “Most graduates taught using this model could be replaced by AI and robots,” Xi says. “We are trying to upgrade this model using knowledge as a means for student growth. In 2016, we developed the syntegrative education model to nurture a holistic, interdisciplinary mindset in our students, integrating academic learning with industry engagement to prepare them for the challenges of an evolving professional landscape.”

In addition to its comprehensive approach to education, XJTLU promotes academic innovation and talent development through unique initiatives such as the XJTLU-Baidu Artificial Intelligence Innovation Alliance. This collaboration recognises the long-standing and vital importance of academic-industry partnerships.

“The XJTLU-Baidu Artificial Intelligence Innovation Alliance promotes the integration of science and education and partnerships between industry and academia,” adds Xi. “It is a collaborative initiative with input from education institutions, technology partners and government stakeholders – XJTLU, Baidu and the Suzhou Industrial Park. It proactively supports the development of an entire industry ecosystem.”

XJTLU understands that AI and similar technologies are making waves not only in the classroom but also in the workplace. The university integrates emerging technologies into its curricula across various academic disciplines to ensure they are aligned with evolving industry demands.

 

“Currently, we are pursuing the XJTLU 3.0 Education Model,” says Xi. “This new initiative aims to benefit students, educational institutions, industry and the wider community by combining resources from different sectors. It is our view that almost all skills could be taught through this ecosystem model.” Many flagship projects are already in progress under this model, including the XJTLU Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy, the Academy of Future Education, the Academy of Film and Creative Technology and the XJTLU-JITRI [Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute] Academy of Industrial Technology.

Several academic modules taught at the university already offer an AI tutor, allowing students to access support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The courses that incorporate AI into the curriculum include the two-year MSc in AI, which provides a strong foundation in core AI principles.

The 2024 AI Module Level Curriculum Enhancement Workshop outlined a goal for every academic unit responsible for delivering degree programmes to identify one module that already uses AI and one module suitable for advanced AI integration. The university aims to enhance all its curricula using AI in the 2025-2026 academic year.

“At XJTLU, we have initiated a forward-looking plan called Education + AI, starting from an analysis of what society of the future will look like and the competencies students will need to use AI tools effectively in this future,” Xi says. “We then set about reviewing all our curricula, redesigning them to ensure they are suitable for the AI era.”

Despite the benefits, there are several challenges that come with integrating AI into higher education. “Students can use AI to complete tasks without engaging with the subject,” says Xi. “AI can isolate individuals, feeding them only the information they want to hear. Students can end up narrowing their fields of experience and worldviews as a result of using AI,” he adds.

“We can’t stop students from using AI,” he says. “As a university, we must have a clear understanding of the weaknesses of AI and how we can support students and staff in using it correctly, responsibly and ethically.”

AI is a highly dynamic technology that is still evolving. Universities need to be adaptable and reform the education system to keep up with the rapidly shifting digital landscape. “We don’t know what kind of tools will emerge tomorrow,” says Xi. “Even so, we need a deeper understanding of the human at the centre of these tools. The human remains at the heart of education at XJTLU.”

Higher education models need to be redesigned to ensure students have opportunities to master AI. “However, institutions must prioritise both digital and human intelligence, letting students imagine a meaningful life in the future that is profoundly human,” says Xi. “No matter what kind of new technology is developed, the importance of this won’t change.”

Find out more about Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.