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5. Students Want Skills and Credentials—Faculty Need Support

Our Research Shows

AI is here to stay. As learners increasingly seek flexible, skills-based and career-aligned credentials, institutions are challenged to rethink traditional course and program models. Faculty engagement is key: When educators are empowered and resourced to co-design modular, competency-based, AI-enabled pathways, institutions can respond nimbly to workforce needs while preserving academic quality and faculty agency.

0%

29% of educators think students turn to AI as their first stop for help. But just 17% of students say they actually do.

89%

of students are interested in non-degree credentials

33% of students and 64% of instructors

now prefer face-to-face instruction

Students overwhelmingly prefer human-centered support (84%) over AI

“I am not excited about AI in education. We are already losing the benefits of human relationships”

“I’m concerned that AI will replace critical thinking skills”

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Women working on a tablet

Actions to Consider

  1. Use AI to support modular course design and competency-based education
  2. Align LMS capabilities with workforce development goals
  3. Engage faculty in co-designing credentialing models and career pathways
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Key Takeaway

AI is here to stay. As learners increasingly demand flexible, skills-focused, and career-oriented credentials, institutions must rethink traditional course and program structures. Faculty engagement is critical: When educators are equipped and supported to co-create modular, competency-based, AI-enhanced learning pathways, institutions can adapt quickly to workforce needs while safeguarding academic quality and faculty autonomy.