How AI is transforming higher education

AI continues to be a powerful force in education, revolutionizing how we learn, teach, and work. Over the past year, AI has made learning more accessible, supported educators in addressing diverse student needs, and automated routine tasks to enhance productivity.

In higher education, AI is both reshaping how education is delivered and highlighting the growing importance of essential human skills like creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. By embracing AI, colleges and universities aren't just improving how these skills are taught but also preparing students for their future careers. Here’s why AI matters in higher education and how it’s helping students develop the skills they need to thrive in today’s visual world.

AI is shaping the future of work

We know AI and visual communication are booming⁠(opens in a new tab or window) in the workforce – our Visual Economy Report showed that 82% of business leaders have used AI-powered tools to produce visual content in the past year. Generative AI⁠ is here to stay, and organizations are getting more comfortable with the idea that safe AI tools can accelerate creative thinking⁠⁠(opens in a new tab or window) rather than hinder it.

As AI continues to evolve, the demand for these soft skills will only increase. For students in higher education, developing these skills throughout their college journey will give them the best chance of success when it comes to joining the workforce⁠(opens in a new tab or window).

By encouraging the use of AI to enhance creativity and problem-solving, educational institutions can equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a future where these skills are a key driver of success.

AI boosts creativity

Creativity is becoming one of the most sought-after skills in the workforce, and AI is supercharging this skill in college by making it easier for students to express and refine their ideas. One of the reasons we were so excited to launch Canva for Campus⁠(opens in a new tab or window) last year was the potential of our AI tools to supercharge creativity.

Magic Write⁠(opens in a new tab or window) helps students quickly generate drafts for essays, reports, and even resumes or portfolios, overcoming writer’s block so they can focus on refining their ideas.

Magic Design⁠(opens in a new tab or window) allows students to turn any idea into a design in seconds, whether creating a presentation or a visual report. By reducing the time spent on technical tasks, students can focus on crafting compelling, innovative content that showcases their unique perspectives.

Beyond academics, students are also using AI to produce new designs for clubs, side hustles, and events, bringing their creativity into everyday activities.

Addressing the call for change

Educational institutions are at a real turning point, with both students and educators calling for a more engaging and relevant educational experience⁠(opens in a new tab or window). Research from Wiley⁠(opens in a new tab or window) shows that only 46% of college students feel prepared for employment, and 55% struggle to stay interested in their studies. Educators face challenges too, with two-thirds finding it hard to keep students engaged and nearly half struggling to ensure students retain what they learn.

AI can help bridge this gap by making learning more personalized, exciting, and relevant. With simple tools like Magic Animate⁠(opens in a new tab or window), students can bring their presentations and static reports to life with dynamic animations to make their work more engaging.

For educators and lecturers, AI tools can help ensure that learning materials are inclusive and accessible to all students. Canva’s Translate tool⁠(opens in a new tab or window) lets you translate designs in over 100 languages in seconds, while accessibility tools⁠(opens in a new tab or window) like Text Suggestions can instantly generate captions and tags for images and videos to ensure every design meets every learner’s needs.

This personalized college experience can create a more interactive and supportive learning environment to help students make the most of their education.

Shaping the future of education

At Canva, we’re incredibly excited to see how AI tools are transforming the higher education experience and creating a more engaging environment for students.

Colleges and universities have a unique opportunity to prepare students with the soft skills crucial for success in today’s workforce. By leveraging the right tools, we can make college a meaningful journey and pave the way for student success.

Find out more about how Canva for Campus⁠(opens in a new tab or window) empowers everyone on your campus to create, collaborate, and communicate.

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