Understanding AI and Its Place in Higher Education
Location: Online
Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Time: 12:00-13:00
Price: £15.00+VAT for AHEP ‘Associate’, ‘Member’, ‘Accredited’ and ‘Fellow’ with a charge of £30.00+VAT for Intro to AHEP and non-members.
This event is part of a wider series with Martha Horler, the Data Goddess and AHEP Consultant. Check out the events page for more information.
About this session
This session is part of the wider ‘AI Literacy’ webinar series, check out some of the subjects covered in future sessions here and join us as a member to receive free access!
Artificial intelligence is increasingly present in higher education, but many staff are unsure what AI actually is, how it is being used, and what this means for their role.
This session provides a clear, accessible introduction to AI for higher education professionals. It demystifies key concepts such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and generative AI, using plain language and familiar examples from higher education contexts. Participants will explore where AI is already embedded in institutional systems and processes, including admissions, assessment, learning platforms, and professional services tools.
The session also addresses common misconceptions and overclaims about AI, helping delegates develop a realistic understanding of both its potential benefits and its limitations. Throughout the session, emphasis is placed on practical understanding rather than technical detail, and on developing the confidence to ask informed questions about AI use within institutions.
This webinar is designed as a foundational session for those who want to engage more confidently with AI-related discussions, policies, and decisions in higher education.
Why attend?
Gain a clear, non-technical understanding of what AI is and how it is used in higher education
Cut through hype and develop a realistic view of AI’s capabilities and limits
Feel more confident engaging in institutional conversations about AI, data, and digital change
Who is this session suitable for:
This session is aimed at higher education professionals who are new to AI or have limited prior experience. It will be particularly relevant to staff working in professional services, academic leadership, and management roles who need to understand AI’s relevance to their work but do not require technical expertise.
What you will do in the session:
You will participate in short interactive polls, myth-busting questions, and live examples of AI use in higher education systems and workflows. Opportunities for reflection and discussion will be built in to encourage you to connect the content to your own roles and experiences.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, delegates will be able to:
1. Explain key AI concepts, including generative AI, in clear, non-technical terms
2. Identify where AI is already being used within higher education contexts and systems
3. Critically assess common claims about AI, recognising both opportunities and limitations
How does this session align with the AHEP Professional Framework?
Empowering Professional Development
This session enhances participants’ professional understanding of emerging technology by building foundational AI literacy. It supports reflective practice, increasing awareness of personal knowledge and equipping delegates to plan their ongoing development with confidence in AI-related contexts.
2. Demonstrating Responsible Practice and Personal Integrity
The session foregrounds ethical and critical engagement with AI, helping delegates recognise the limits, risks, and responsibilities inherent in using AI tools thoughtfully, especially in higher education settings.
We look forward to welcoming you to this event.
Speaker
Martha Horler
The Data Goddess and AHEP Lead Consultant
About Martha
Martha Horler is a data and AI consultant with extensive experience working across higher education, supporting institutions to use data responsibly, effectively, and ethically. Her work focuses on data strategy, AI literacy, governance, and capability-building for professional services and leadership teams.
Martha has worked with a wide range of higher education providers and sector bodies, delivering training, workshops, and advisory support on data-informed decision-making, AI readiness, and digital change. She brings a practical, non-technical approach to AI, grounded in real institutional contexts and an understanding of the challenges faced by higher education professionals.