Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Creativity in Higher Education: Faculty Perspectives Across Disciplines

• In Event: Creativity, AI, and Learning

Abstract

As artificial intelligence tools become prevalent in higher education, understanding their influence on creativity is critical. This qualitative study explores faculty perceptions across disciplines through interviews with 14 faculty from six U.S. universities, revealing key insights into AI’s role in academic creativity. First, AI plays an important role in fostering creativity across teaching, research, and learning. Second, individuals with strong content knowledge are better positioned to use AI creatively. Third, participants called for stronger institutional support, including reliable technology, clear ethical guidelines, and professional development to foster responsible and creative AI use. Fourth, despite some concerns, all participants expressed optimism on AI’s potential to enhance creativity, viewing it as a catalyst for innovation if used thoughtfully and ethically.

Authors

• Fangfang Mo, Purdue University

• Yao Yang, Purdue University