|
This past Friday, I attended the online virtual conference for CHEC, the Coaching in Higher Education Consortium. Keynote speaker, higher ed coaching and AI consultant Dr. Claire Brady, had a positive message amongst the concern that the ubiquity and lure of gen AI is encouraging students to bypass learning and effort. Brady noted that coaches, with their direct, no-judgment connection with students, are uniquely positioned to support the development of critical thinking about how and when to use AI. As she noted, "every major change eventually shows up in a coaching appointment." She emphasized that AI will elevate, not diminish, the importance of coaching.
More and more, emphasis is being placed on the importance of being discerning and metacognitive around AI, in college and beyond. Dr. Wael Ibrahim, ECPI University Dean of the School of Engineering Technology, calls on institutions of higher learning to go beyond building AI training into coursework and teach students how to use it thoughtfully and strategically. "The companies that figure out how to quickly deploy AI strategically will gain a decisive advantage in the years ahead. If higher education does its job, our graduates should be the ones helping them get there."
To say there is a lot to talk about on this topic is an understatement. For today, I will hone in on one key point: The absolute necessity of trust in a coaching relationship. We know that many students are already using AI in all kinds of ways. Users may be unsure of whether it is ethical — or, sure it is not and using it anyway, for a host of reasons. For coaches to be able to support ethical and discerning use of AI, students must be willing and able to talk about how they use it in our sessions. They must know that we provide a no-judgment space for them to unpack their confusion and concern with AI tools.
I'll share more on this next week with some specific strategies. In the meantime, whether you're new to coaching or a seasoned coach, now is the perfect time to strengthen your coaching practice for the academic year ahead through LifeBound's August and September coaching programs.
Explore which course is right for you at www.lifebound.com.
| 
