What Higher Ed Needs From AI

by | Sep 16, 2025

What Higher Ed Needs from AI: Security, Success, and Real Student Impact

When Hogan Vansickle sat for the North Carolina Bar exam after finishing her degree at the University of Dayton, she needed tools that fit her needs, met security standards, and let her focus on the test, not the tech. As a quadriplegic lawyer, Hogan used Cephable to study, practice, and perform under strict exam conditions. With voice controls and dictation, she navigated dense legal material, organized her thoughts, and executed tasks. Because Cephable’s AI works offline, it met the requirements for secure exam accommodations without compromising functionality.

“Cephable’s offline capabilities allowed me to study, practice, and perform in exam conditions without worrying about internet connectivity. Its voice dictation and gesture recognition made it possible for me to control my computer seamlessly. The technology simulated mouse movements and clicks, meaning that I could navigate complex legal material, organize my thoughts, and execute tasks with precision.

For me, passing the bar wasn’t just about mastering legal concepts; it was about having the right tools to eliminate the barriers that could have stood in the way. Cephable empowered me to focus on the exam, not the technology. For anyone navigating accessibility challenges, especially in education or professional pursuits, Cephable is proof that technology can bridge the gap, allowing us to meet our goals head-on. It was integral to my success, and I’m excited to see how it continues to transform lives, just as it transformed mine.” 

— Hogan Vansickle

What Students & Educators Actually Want from AI

Hogan’s experience highlights that the best technology is reliable, secure, and supports real outcomes. That’s exactly what we keep hearing that higher education really wants from AI! Tools that:

Support Student Success

Help students stay focused, reduce digital fatigue, and improve learning outcomes.

Protect Privacy and Data

Meet compliance standards (ISO, SOC2, HIPAA). Avoid AI that sends sensitive content to the cloud and/or stores personal data.

Work for All Students

Universally designed solutions for all students, with and without disabilities.

Enhance Academic Integrity

Align with learning and exam goals. Aids studying and productivity without replacing critical thinking.

Deliver Reliability and Trust

Functions offline without the internet, across devices, and in any environment (home, school, lab, coffeeshop)

We are continuing to build Cephable as technology that respects the work, supports the learner, and gets out of the way.