Three Questions on AI for Notre Dame's Director of Digital Learning

Artificial intelligence continues to reshape how universities rethink their teaching and learning strategies. A recent interview published by Inside Higher Ed, conducted by journalist Joshua Kim, features the perspective of Sonia Howell, director of the Office of Digital Learning at the University of Notre Dame, on the challenges and opportunities AI brings to higher education.

The role of digital learning in the AI era

According to Inside Higher Ed, Howell leads Notre Dame's efforts to integrate digital technologies into the educational process, and in recent years artificial intelligence has become a central part of that mission. The conversation explores how institutions of higher learning must strike a balance between quickly adopting new tools and preserving academic rigor.

A key point raised in the discussion is the need for universities to view AI not merely as a technical tool, but as a force that is fundamentally reshaping the relationship between teacher and student. According to Inside Higher Ed, Howell emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to adopting these technologies.

Challenges for educators

The interview also highlights the difficulties faculty face in adapting curricula to a reality in which students have easy access to generative AI tools. Digital learning departments, like the one Howell leads, are playing an increasingly important role in training educators, providing them with resources and strategies to responsibly integrate these technologies into the classroom.

According to the source, the emphasis is on ongoing faculty development, so that teachers can use AI as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for genuine learning.

What's next for higher education institutions

The discussion closes with a look ahead, urging universities to develop clear, flexible AI policies that are continuously adapted to the fast pace of technological innovation. Notre Dame's example shows that investing in dedicated digital learning structures can make a real difference in the transition toward education augmented by artificial intelligence.

The full interview, conducted by Joshua Kim, is available on the Inside Higher Ed platform and offers a valuable look at how an American university is navigating the changes AI is bringing to education.