This paper develops a global analysis on access to higher education and how it has evolved between 2000 and 2018, and the associated drivers and impediments to its achievement. The paper also addresses the concept of higher education’s importance to human, social and economic development, as well as from a human rights’ perspective. The study draws from a two-pronged methodology. First, a data analysis on the main indicators used to monitor access to higher education, disaggregated by region, gender and income group. Secondly, a comprehensive literature review on the drivers and barriers to achieving access to higher education. This access has increased globally, however, stark differences are noticed at region, gender, and income-group level. Economic development of nations and the rise of middle-class aspirations, the growth of private institutions and the expansion of distance education institutions have been major contributors to this increase in access. Poverty, crises, adverse institutional admission practices and the location of institutions pose continuous challenges to universal access. A combination of policies and actions can be adopted and taken by national governments and higher education institutions to further increase access, taking into particular account populations which are falling behind.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly developing and being implemented in every area of society, including higher education (HE). Evidence shows that AI has become an important subject among the academia representing about 2.2% of all scientific publications in 2018 and counting. Higher education institutions (HEIs), especially in developed countries, have already started to use AI technology in various areas such as teaching and learning and management. At the same time, AI has been increasingly appearing in curricula, in an attempt to prepare current students with the skills required by the changing job market. HEIs need to gather the infrastructure, digital and human capacity, and frameworks to properly and safely use such technology while putting students at the center. As such, this chapter provides an initial overview of the practical applications of AI in HEIs, particularly in the areas of teaching, learning, and administration.
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