Using and Understanding AI in Higher Education” explores practical and ethical approaches to AI literacy.
CINCINNATI —As artificial intelligence transforms classrooms across the country, Mount St. Joseph University (Mount) faculty member Rebecca Allen Ph.D. is helping educators navigate the change. Dr. Allen, chair and assistant professor of the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics at the Mount, has co-authored a new book titled “Using and Understanding AI in Higher Education,” published by Springer Nature in 2025 with colleague Alex Nakonechnyi Ph.D., associate provost for information technology.
The book bridges the gap between how AI is discussed in the media and how it is used in real classrooms. Drawing on years of teaching and research, Dr. Allen and Dr. Nakonechnyi combine conceptual discussion with classroom examples to help educators use AI responsibly and productively.
“AI is here to stay. It’s not a passing trend but a lasting shift in how we create, communicate and share knowledge,” Dr. Allen said. “Our goal is to help educators move beyond fear or fascination and toward informed, confident experimentation.”
Unlike many publications that focus only on technology or theory, “Using and Understanding AI in Higher Education” connects both. Written in accessible language for faculty across disciplines, it explores practical classroom applications and case studies that show how AI can enhance creativity, inclusion, and student engagement.
The book also draws on research conducted at the Mount, including multi-year studies and campus surveys on AI adoption and attitudes. Dr. Allen’s students contributed to data collection and received author credits for their work.
“At the Mount, our size and mission give us the freedom to experiment thoughtfully,” she said. “We can pilot new tools, collect feedback and adapt quickly. This project reflects that community-based approach to innovation.”
Dr. Allen emphasizes that AI literacy is not just a technical skill but a civic and ethical one. “AI systems reflect the data and biases of the societies that create them,” she said. “Teaching students to understand and question these systems prepares them for responsible participation in a world shaped by technology.”
“Using and Understanding AI in Higher Education” is available through Springer Nature here.
About the Mount
As a Catholic institution rooted in the values of the Sisters of Charity, Mount St. Joseph University excels at serving the common good. Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students at the Mount are inspired to think beyond the classroom and redraw the bounds of what’s possible for their futures. This is accomplished through individualized educational experiences, a safe, secure campus environment, and an all-in commitment from faculty and staff to inspire students to reach their highest potential. The Mount fosters life-long learners who serve, care, and contribute to the world beyond their front doors.
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