AWS, Educause partner on generative AI readiness tool

Amazon Web Services and Educause announced on Monday that they have teamed up to develop a generative artificial intelligence readiness tool meant to assess higher education institutions’ preparedness to adopt the disruptive technology.

Through a series of curated questions focused on an institution’s strategy, governance, capacity and expertise, AWS and Educause say the assessment can be used to help point to focus areas to support students and staff by implementing AI. 

“Generative AI will transform how educators engage students inside and outside the classroom, with personalized education and accessible experiences that provide increased student support and drive better learning outcomes,” Kim Majerus, vice president of global education and U.S. state and local government at AWS, said in a release. “This assessment is a practical tool to help colleges and universities prepare their institutions to maximize this technology and support students throughout their higher ed journey.”

Leaders of colleges and universities can use the tool to develop an understanding of considerations to ensure that generative AI is implemented safely and securely, the release said. The assessment is designed to be completed by an individual or in groups, such as an institution’s information technology team or a cross-functional group of stakeholders. 

“This assessment will help institutions identify areas of strength and opportunities to shore up these areas, whether they start with boundary-pushing innovation and experimentation or invest in infrastructure like governance and AI fluency,” Kathe Pelletier, director of teaching and learning for Educause, said in the release.