Bridging the Algorithmic Divide: Refocusing Faculty Artificial Intelligence Literacy in Higher Education

Qiuxiang Bian; Xiaoxu Ling; Siyuan Yan

doi:10.25159/1947-9417/17983

Authors

Qiuxiang Bian Jiangsu University of Science and Technology
Xiaoxu Ling Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
Siyuan Yan East China University of Science and Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/1947-9417/17983

Keywords:

AI Literacy, faculty development, STEM education , higher education, educational transformation

Abstract

The urgency for artificial intelligence (AI) literacy has been highlighted by the 2024 Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry, awarded for groundbreaking AI research. Despite AI’s transformative potential in higher education, a digital divide persists between faculty and students, with educators often lagging behind in AI adoption. This commentary addresses the critical need to enhance AI literacy among faculty, examines the barriers to AI adoption, and emphasises the evolving role of students as contributors to faculty development. The commentary outlines future research and development directions, including interdisciplinary studies, ethical frameworks, and international collaboration, to foster an inclusive and effective AI-integrated educational environment. Through these efforts, higher education can cultivate a technologically adept and ethically informed academic community, prepared to leverage AI for scientific discovery and innovation.

Author Biographies

Qiuxiang Bian, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology

Prof. Qiuxiang Bian is the Professor and Head of the Department of Information and Computing Science at Jiangsu University of Science and Technology. She received PhD from Nanjing Normal University. Her research focuses on the complex network, artificial intelligence, computing science, and information technology. Her works appear in numerous SCI journals including Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation; Abstract and Applied Analysis; Mathematical Problems in Engineering, etc.

Xiaoxu Ling, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics

Dr. Xiaoxu Ling is an assistant professor at the School of Accountancy at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. She currently also serves as the senior research fellow at the Institute of Accounting and Finance at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. She received a PhD and was a senior postdoctoral research fellow at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Her research focuses on information systems, blockchain, accounting information, and business ethics. Her work appears in top-tier academic journals including Journal of Business Finance & Accounting; Accountability in Research; Journal of Medical Ethics, etc.

Siyuan Yan, East China University of Science and Technology

Dr. Siyuan Yan is an assistant professor at the School of Business at East China University of Science and Technology. He received a PhD and was a senior postdoctoral research fellow at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His research focuses on fintech, innovation, marketing, and interdisciplinary research involving artificial intelligence, ethics, education, sociology, and philosophy. His work appears in top-tier SSCI/SCI journals including Journal of Business Research; Journal of Business Finance & Accounting; Accountability in Research; and Journal of Medical Ethics.

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