AI in Higher Education: Teaching and Learning – Applying a Learner-Centered Lens to AI Integration
July 2, 2026
An important start to the discussion of AI in higher education is its application to teaching and learning. This report provides an overview of how AI is being thoughtfully integrated into teaching and learning in higher education and how universities and colleges must play a critical role in that process. Central to this process is the role of learner agency and awareness in the learning process and the extent to which AI can be used in ways that can augment rather than replace learning. In terms of academic relevance and engagement, faculty and instructors are grappling with how to effectively and authentically assess learning, the importance of preparing students for an AI-era workplace, and what guardrails or guidance is needed to ensure academic integrity. Finally, the learner experience in higher education has the potential to be transformed through AI agents, chatbots, and other tools that reduce repetitive and administrative workloads. Institutional leaders have important decisions to make in each of these areas. Each of these topics is covered in this report, which is comprised of three main sections: learner agency and awareness, academic relevance and engagement, and learner experience. To support policymakers and leaders as they navigate AI, there are call-out boxes throughout the report that highlight institutional challenge and decision points. Click here to here to learn more about the AI in Higher Education series .
