Share your Thoughts on Some of the Current Issues Facing Education

[Ai]

Hello, Instructure Community!

At Instructure, we’re invested in meeting the evolving needs of today’s educators and learners. This feedback opportunity is aimed at gaining a broader understanding of how institutions are addressing key issues like media literacy and misinformation, screen time reduction, student mental health, and more.

Why This Matters 

As technologies continue to evolve and shape our futures, it’s crucial that both students and faculty are equipped with the necessary enablement to navigate these changes effectively. Whether it’s supporting students’ mental health and overall well-being, promoting the ethical use of AI, or effectively assessing the skills of students—your insights are indispensable.

What We’re Asking 

We’ve designed this survey to gather your feedback on some key topics that matter most to you/your institution 

1. AI Literacy: what might your institution be discussing around preparing students and faculty for a future where AI plays a significant role?
2. The Impact of Social Media: what steps is your institution potentially taking to lessen the influence of social media on students?
3. Student Mental Health: how might your institution be working to better support students’ mental health and well-being?
4. Screen Time Reduction: is your institution taking steps to reduce screen time among students and promote a healthier balance between digital and hands-on learning?
5. Media Literacy: what initiatives is your institution considering to improve students’ ability to critically evaluate information and combat misinformation and disinformation?
6. Assessing Student Skills: is your institution considering piloting any methods to authentically assess student skills to better ensure their preparation for the future academic?

The goal is to better understand which of these matters most to you, what your institution's goals might be with them, and where you are at in the process (are you discussing these topics more seriously or already measuring the impact of some early efforts?).

Your Participation Matters

By participating in this survey, you’re contributing to a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education right now. 

Because we know your time is valuable, we’ve designed the survey to focus on your top three issues. It will take approximately 10 - 15 minutes to complete, and all responses are collected anonymously. Nonetheless, your feedback could potentially be included in our report of findings IF you provide express permission to share.

Get Involved

We invite you to share your experiences and thoughts on these critical issues. Your feedback will be shared within Instructure and a report of findings will be shared back here in the Community as well.

[Click Here to Participate in the Survey]

We appreciate your ongoing support and dedication to improving education through technology. Together, we can elevate student success, amplify the power of teaching, and inspire everyone to learn together.

Thank You!

The Academic Strategy Team

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Feel free to share this post with your colleagues and peers who might be interested in contributing to this important conversation!

[MakenaHolt]

I personally believe as a student that, the Institutions are increasingly focusing on issuing on students and faculty with the skills to navigate an AI-driven future, that involves that knowledge of critical thinking skills and exposing the ones who are really using it in a way that is wrong and not right. Many uses social media and AI Technology in misunderstanding ways. 

Although educators are also being trained to use AI as a tool for ensuring students who can critically evaluate information in an understanding, balancing technology screen time use with well-being, supporting overall well-being mentally, and training educators and student to use AI responsibly.

[Jeff_F]

@MakenaHolt CoPilot did a nice job of rewriting your text.

As a student, I believe that institutions are increasingly focusing on equipping students and faculty with the skills needed to navigate an AI-driven future. This includes fostering critical thinking skills and identifying those who misuse AI and social media. Many people misunderstand and misuse these technologies.

Educators are also being trained to use AI as a tool to help students critically evaluate information, balance screen time with well-being, support mental health, and use AI responsibly.

[JessicaEllswort]

I really do not care for all the new technology and social media, or how now day everyone depends on it. I have 3 kids and It is crazy how it’s like a life line. Not so much my 15 yr old but he’s on his ps5 all the time. Now my 10 yr and 7 yr old, they watch those crazy weird videos that I don’t like. The things said and how they say things. I believe that the new technology and social media is corrupting the generation. It all great and helpful for school and research. Even send emails and or messages. But everyone uses it for so many different ways good or bad. Plus I have a hard time getting things done. Definitely not computer smart. I am having trouble right now. Have been trying to find some info bout my next few course for assignment in a class.

[Jeff_F]

@JessicaEllswort -  just yesterday I watched a father and son walking. The boy (perhaps 5 yrs. of age) held onto a tablet and was viewing something or perhaps playing a game while walking across a large parking lot to their destination. At the time I sighed as I perceived what was a failure in setting limits. I know, judge not...    An interesting read on the topic:  https://www.notconsumed.com/why-electronics-are-killing-your-parenting/

Also, for anyone not aware, several apps exist which empower parents to set screen time limits for certain apps or to set downtimes . 

[Ai]

I have a friend that limits her daughter's access to TikTok to 3 minutes a day. She will not budge on the issue 😁