A recent Inside Higher Ed survey reveals a concerning trend: half of college CTOs report their institutions don't grant students access to generative AI tools, primarily citing cost as the primary barrier. This lack of widespread access raises significant digital equity concerns as AI literacy becomes increasingly crucial for workforce readiness. While some institutions proactively provide access through institution-wide licenses or specific programs, a substantial portion are either hesitant or not considering it at all, potentially disadvantaging their students.

Experts emphasize the importance of institutional access for security, privacy, and the opportunity to provide essential AI training. They argue that cost barriers can be overcome and that all graduates should have meaningful exposure to these transformative tools. The disparity in access based on institutional resources risks creating a "generative AI gap," where students at some colleges are significantly better prepared for an AI-driven future than others.

Read the full article on Inside Higher Ed (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/artificial-intellig…) for a deeper dive into the survey findings, the reasons behind limited access, and expert perspectives on bridging this digital divide. Understanding how your college compares is crucial to ensuring all students have the necessary skills for the evolving technological landscape.