AKA Weekly Review– October 22, 2021

From Inside Higher Education:
Is the Metaverse Finally Emerging?
By Ray Schroeder

The web is constantly evolving. Emerging now is a more immersive 3-D environment that features augmented reality, virtual reality, and persistent connections. While the metaverse is far from complete, it is rapidly evolving and has the potential to revolutionize distance learning by providing a persistent 24-hour venue through which synchronous, asynchronous, interactive, 3-D video can be delivered in virtual and augmented reality modes to bridge the “real” world and cyberspace . Read this article

From University of California:
UC adopts recommendations for the responsible use of artificial intelligence
By Carolyn McMillan
The University of California System is one of the first universities to establish overarching principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. While AI has increasingly been used in higher education to enhance efficiency, refine decision making, and improve service delivery, it has not come without the risk of unrepresentative data sets or poor model design, unintentionally exacerbating biases and discrimination. The UC guidelines include a governance process that prioritizes transparency and accountability in decisions about when and how AI is deployed . Read this article

From Designisso:
In the 21st century universities and museums are facing the same challenge – Interview with András Szántó
By Schneider Ákos

Such classical social institutions as universities and museums face common challenges to their legitimacy as boundaries between science and art, presentation and interpretation, and data and visualization are re-defined. Both need to find better ways to connect with their communities and break down the elitist hierarchies of the past. The interview discusses how one institution is composing its own forward-looking narrative . Read this article

From The White House:
Executive Order on White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans

While great strides have been made in ensuring equal access to education for Black Americans, there are still significant racial disparities. This executive order seeks to advance educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity for Black Americans. In particular, it focuses on increasing understanding of the causes of educational challenges, expanding opportunities for Black students to receive a high-quality education, and breaking down barriers to access higher education. Read this article