AI Goes to College

Craig Van Slyke

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) has taken higher education by storm. Higher ed professionals need to find ways to understand and stay up with developments in GAI. AI Goes to College helps higher ed professionals learn about the latest developments in GAI, how these might affect higher ed, and what they can do in response. Each episode offers insights about how to leverage GAI, and about the promise and perils of recent advances. The hosts, Dr. Craig Van Slyke and Dr. Robert E. Crossler are an experts in the adoption and use of GAI and understanding its impacts on various fields, including higher ed.

  1. AI, Friction, and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Lessons from Gemini 3

    4 DAYS AGO

    AI, Friction, and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Lessons from Gemini 3

    Are you ready to rethink how AI is shaping higher education? Join Craig and Rob in episode 27 of AIGTC as they dive into the recent agentic shift in AI models like Google’s Gemini 3—and what this means for students, faculty, and the future of learning. In this thought-provoking conversation, Craig shares his unsettling experience with Gemini 3’s “agentic” behavior, where AI takes the reins with minimal user input—even when that’s not what the user asked for. The hosts examine how this frictionless, super-helpful technology might make academic shortcuts easier than ever, removing the crucial learning struggles that foster true understanding. Are we on the verge of a “skill inversion,” where students need expertise just to avoid cheating themselves out of learning? But it’s not all doom and gloom: Rob and Craig explore actionable solutions for instructors, focusing on process-oriented teaching, project-based learning, and authentic reflection assignments that resist easy automation. They challenge educators to try just one process-focused change in their next class and offer themselves as resources for peer collaboration and feedback. Throughout the episode, you’ll discover: Why “agentic” AI could undermine deep learning—and what to do about itThe hidden dangers of frictionless assignment completion for student growthPractical strategies to make student assessment more process-driven and meaningfulHow reflection and professionalism can help students stand out in the AI eraThe importance of radical thinking and institutional adaptation for the future of higher ed Plus, stay tuned for details on AIGTC’s first-ever live stream at the International Conference on Information Systems, and learn how you can join the hosts in Nashville or virtually for engaging Q&A and networking. The live stream will be held from 17:00 - 18:00 US Central time (UTC - 6). Link forthcoming. If you’re an educator, administrator, or student eager for honest insights and expert advice on navigating AI in academia, this episode is essential listening. Discover how you can control what you can—and embrace the challenge of teaching and learning in an AI-driven world. Mentioned in this episode: AI Goes to College Newsletter

    43 min

  2. 28 OCT

    Creating the Classroom of Tomorrow: Stephen Fitzpatrick Discusses Generative AI

    Are you an educator navigating the new world of generative AI, or a college faculty member wondering how your incoming students are being shaped by technology? Join hosts Craig and Rob on this episode of AI Goes to College as they sit down with Stephen Fitzpatrick—a veteran secondary school history teacher, debate coach, and leading voice on AI in education—to explore how artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming the classroom experience, from high school to higher ed. Stephen shares his journey from classroom innovator to Substack thought-leader, detailing his hands-on experimentation with emerging AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, NotebookLM, and specialized debate platforms. You'll hear candid stories about students' rapid normalization of AI use, from research projects and note-taking to more controversial applications like essay writing—and the ethical dilemmas teachers face in response. This episode reveals why banning AI in schools is a losing game, and why the true challenge is fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and responsible use among students. Discover how high school educators are wrestling with the balance between preserving “AI-free” learning spaces and adapting assignments for an AI-empowered world. Stephen provides actionable insights on: The rise of AI-powered research and note-taking among high schoolers—what college faculty need to knowThe importance of clear, consistent policies on AI use across classes and institutionsHow educators' comfort level with technology directly impacts their ability to guide studentsPractical solutions for cultivating AI fluency and resilience in both teachers and studentsWhy peer-to-peer training and real-world use cases trump generic professional development Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or college professor, this conversation will equip you to meet students where they are in the age of AI—challenging old paradigms and preparing them for a future where intelligent technology is their constant companion. Stephen’s nuanced perspective, grounded in frontline experience and continuous experimentation, will inspire you to rethink resistance and embrace adaptation. Ready to hear the real story behind “AI Goes to College”? Tune in to learn how you can empower students to use AI as a tool for deeper thinking and lifelong learning—and don’t forget to check out Stephen’s Substack, Teaching in the Age of AI, linked in the show notes for even more practical wisdom. Links: Teaching in the Age of AI: https://fitzyhistory.substack.com Mentioned in this episode: AI Goes to College Newsletter

    49 min

  3. 22 SEPT

    Context rot, AI over-hype and an intriguing, hilarious video

    Welcome to another episode of "AI Goes to College," where hosts Dr. Rob Crossler and Craig dive into the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in higher education. In this episode, they kick things off with a lighthearted look at the viral, AI-generated parody "Redneck Star Trek," using it as a springboard to discuss the rapidly advancing capabilities of AI video creation and what this means for both educators and students. Rob and Craig explore the implications of AI tools making creative content more accessible, shaking up traditional teaching methods, and opening new doors for engagement. They unpack the excitement—and potential pitfalls—around trend topics like vibe coding, the “agentic layer,” governance concerns, and the phenomenon of “context rot” in AI conversations. Along the way, the hosts share personal experiences with different AI platforms, discuss challenges in scaling AI within institutional systems, and highlight the need for critical thinking and strong oversight as universities start to embed AI more deeply into daily operations. Whether you’re a faculty member, student, or just AI-curious, this episode offers practical insights, food for thought, and a dose of humor for anyone navigating the intersection of technology and higher ed. So grab your coffee (or sweet tea) and join Rob and Craig as they “go where no podcasters have gone before” in the world of collegiate AI! Takeaways: The emergence of AI technologies presents unprecedented opportunities for students to create engaging content, thereby transforming traditional classroom dynamics. With AI-generated content, educators can offer varied media presentations, catering to diverse learning styles and enhancing student engagement. The recent advancements in AI tools have made it feasible for novices to produce high-quality content, which was previously the domain of experts alone. Concerns regarding AI-generated outputs necessitate critical evaluation to avoid potential misinformation and ensure educational integrity. Links: Redneck Star Trek - Beam Me Up, Bubba: https://youtu.be/1eqYswiW4eo?si=XvwPdWGTbiSvx6FLThe vibe coding hangover is upon us (Fast Company): https://www.fastcompany.com/91398622/the-vibe-coding-hangover-is-upon-usThe Agentic Layer: Why the Middle of the Cake Matters in AI-Driven Delivery: https://cd.foundation/blog/2025/09/05/agentic-layer-ai/Context rot - What it is and how to avoid it: https://aigoestocollege.substack.com/p/context-rot-the-hidden-challenge Companies mentioned in this episode: Neural Derp Grok Google Vids Wondery Claude ChatGPT Fast Company Microsoft Copilot Suno AI Mentioned in this episode: AI Goes to College Newsletter

    42 min

  4. 13 AUG

    AI Confessions, Energy Costs and Vibe Coding in Academia

    Episode Overview: In this episode, hosts Craig and Rob discuss the evolving landscape of AI in academia, research ethics, and the surprising environmental impact of AI technologies. They also test-drive AI vibe coding, discuss agentic AI, and share practical advice for instructors, researchers, and students navigating a fast-changing technological world. As a bonus, listen to how a border collie would explain epistemic injustice! Key Topics & Takeaways1. Academic Honesty & AI ("AI Confessions" in Publishing)Honesty is the Best Policy: When using AI tools like Elicit or Grammarly for research, be transparent in your academic declarations. Share enough detail to feel honest, but don’t stress if you can’t recall every interaction.Journals & AI Use: Journal policies on AI differ dramatically—some even ban AI use altogether. Question whether those venues align with your publishing values.Editors & Transparency: Journals demand transparency from authors, but rarely provide clear guidelines or disclosure on how your AI usage will be handled.Takeaway: Aim for high-level honesty in your disclosures. If in doubt, err on the side of transparency, but don’t feel compelled to provide exhaustive step-by-steps. 2. The Environmental Cost of AIAI & Resource Consumption: Training large language models consumes massive electricity and water resources. Data centers may bring economic benefits but create significant energy and environmental tensions.Transparency Needed: AI companies and governments should be more open about environmental impacts and strategies for sustainability.User Responsibility: Everyday users contribute to AI’s environmental footprint—using AI efficiently and mindfully is everyone’s responsibility.Takeaway: Educate yourself on the energy/water cost of AI and advocate for sustainable practices in tech. 3. Vibe Coding & AI-Assisted ProgrammingWhat is Vibe Coding? It’s prompting AI (like ChatGPT) to write software for you—sometimes even without traditional coding.Practical Examples: From fun tools that explain complex subjects in dog-speak (‘Colliesplain’), to running advanced text analyses (LDA topic modeling) in Python with minimal programming knowledge.Limits & Opportunities: Fully relying on AI for complex projects can be risky if you can’t debug or fully understand the code. However, AI-assisted coding dramatically speeds up the process and opens doors for those who wouldn’t have coded otherwise.Takeaway: AI is a powerful coding assistant, especially for prototyping or smaller tasks, but a foundational understanding of the code and analysis involved remains essential. 4. Agentic AI & Task AutomationWhat’s Agentic AI? Tools that not only complete tasks but can string together sequences of tasks or collaborate with other agents.Real-World Use: The hosts discuss planning conference materials and lifelong learning using agentic AI, noting it can handle much of the “grunt work” but still requires human direction for nuanced judgement.Governance Cautions: The delegation of decisions to AI agents (especially in areas like applicant screening) can lead to ethical and legal issues if not managed carefully.Takeaway: Embrace AI agents for efficiency, but institute proper oversight and understand the governance and ethical implications. 5. Navigating AI...

    46 min

  5. 22 JUL

    The Future of Entry-Level Employment in a Post-AI World

    In this episode, Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler tackle a growing concern in higher education: how are students really using AI in their learning? Sparked by an article from the Neuron newsletter, they discuss how many students are using AI tools superficially – what they call "brain rot" – instead of engaging deeply with their coursework. The hosts argue that this shallow engagement with AI could seriously impact students' ability to learn and retain information. The conversation then shifts to what this means for students entering the workforce. Van Slyke and Crossler worry about a looming skills gap as AI and automation reshape entry-level jobs. They make a compelling case for moving away from traditional teaching methods toward a mastery-based approach that emphasizes deep understanding and practical skills. This shift, they argue, is crucial for keeping college programs relevant and ensuring graduates are ready for an AI-enhanced workplace. A key concept they explore is "cognitive debt" – what happens when students rely too heavily on AI without thinking critically about what they're learning. The hosts stress how important it is for students to develop better thinking skills and be able to explain their reasoning when using AI tools. Throughout the discussion, Van Slyke and Crossler offer a balanced view of both the challenges and opportunities that AI brings to higher education, emphasizing the need for approaches that encourage critical thinking and adaptability in this rapidly changing landscape. Takeaways: Key Actions and Insights Faculty Development: Prioritize AI training for educators to better guide student use of these toolsStudent Engagement: Design assignments that encourage meaningful AI interaction rather than superficial useSkills Focus: Prepare students for an AI-driven job market by emphasizing critical thinking and practical applicationAssessment Strategy: Shift toward mastery-based learning to promote deeper understandingCombat "Cognitive Debt": Require students to explain their reasoning when using AI tools Links: The Neuron Newsletter: https://www.theneurondaily.comNeuron article - WTF is going on with AI and education?MIT Working Paper: Your brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of cognitive debt when using an AI assistant for [an] essay writing taskTina Austin on Cognitive Debt: Brain Rot Isn’t Real, but Cognitive Offloading IsNick Potkalitsky's excellent newsletter, Educating AI: https://nickpotkalitsky.substack.com/ Note: In the episode, Craig attributed the article to Nick Potkalitsky. The article appears as a guest post in Nick's newsletter, Educating AI.Craig’s article: The belly of the snake: Entry-level unemployment and the coming skills gap AI Goes to College Website: https://www.aigoestocollege.com/ Email the Hosts: Rob: rob.crosser@aigoestocollege.com, Craig: a href="mailto:craig@aigoestocollege.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    51 min

  6. 11 JUN

    AI's Disruption: What It Means for Knowledge Workers and Higher Ed

    The recent discussion between Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler centered around the alarming prediction from Anthropic's CEO regarding the potential displacement of up to 50% of entry-level knowledge work positions within the next five years due to advancements in generative AI. This assertion prompts a critical examination of the implications for higher education, particularly concerning the preparedness of graduates entering an increasingly automated workforce. Both hosts express skepticism about the immediacy and extent of such disruptions, emphasizing the necessity for educational institutions to adapt curricula to cultivate higher skill levels among students. They highlight the importance of fostering AI discernment and ethical considerations in the use of AI technologies, advocating for a proactive approach that prepares students for evolving job market demands. As the conversation unfolds, they underscore the urgent need for educators to engage in thoughtful dialogue and innovative practices to effectively equip students for the future. Takeaways: In recent discussions, a warning was issued stating that potentially half of knowledge work jobs may be eliminated due to AI advancements within the next five years, prompting significant concern among educators and industry professionals. The conversation emphasized the importance of preparing students for a future job market that increasingly favors higher-level skills, particularly in light of the potential displacement of entry-level positions by generative AI technologies. It was noted that while AI may lead to job displacement, it is also anticipated to create new job opportunities, suggesting a complex landscape where education must adapt to these shifting dynamics. The hosts discussed the necessity for higher education institutions to begin incorporating AI discernment into their curricula, ensuring that students understand the ethical implications and operational realities of AI usage in the workplace. The episode highlighted the unprecedented grassroots adoption of AI technologies, as individual workers leverage AI tools independently, often circumventing organizational policies or restrictions. The hosts concluded with a call to action for educators to embrace AI in their teaching, encouraging experimentation and risk-taking as essential components of evolving educational practices. Links referenced in this episode: Survey: aigostocollege.com/survey2025Article on NotebookLM's Mind Map: https://aigoestocollege.substack.com/p/notebooklms-mind-map-a-hidden-gem Mentioned in this episode: AI Goes to College Newsletter

    45 min

  7. 13 MAY

    The Ethical Use of AI in Academia: A Conversation with Carlos I. Torres

    Imagine walking into a classroom where AI isn't the elephant in the room - it's a welcomed partner in learning. That's exactly what's happening in Carlos I. Torres's information security classes at Baylor University. Instead of joining the chorus of educators crying "Ban AI!" Torres is asking a more intriguing question: What if we taught students to dance with artificial intelligence rather than fight against it? In this fascinating discussion, Torres pulls back the curtain on his groundbreaking approach. He's not just teaching information security; he's reimagining how students learn in an AI-powered world. His students don't hide their use of AI - they showcase it, document it, and most importantly, learn to think critically about it. But here's what makes this conversation truly compelling: Torres isn't just preparing students for exams; he's equipping them for a future where AI will be as common as smartphones are today. As we explore the ethical tightropes and practical challenges of this approach, one thing becomes crystal clear: the future of education isn't about fighting AI - it's about learning to harness its power while keeping our human wisdom firmly in the driver's seat. Takeaways: The integration of AI within higher education necessitates a nuanced understanding of its capabilities and limitations. Carlos I. Torres emphasizes the importance of guiding students on effective AI usage to enhance their learning experience. Engaging students with AI prompts fosters critical thinking and deeper engagement in research assignments. The assessment of student work should encompass both the final product and the process of interacting with AI tools. Ethical considerations surrounding AI usage in academia are paramount, necessitating discussions around transparency and integrity. The future workforce must be equipped with skills to supervise AI agents, ensuring their outputs are trustworthy and effective. Companies mentioned in this episode: Washington State University Baylor University Mentioned in this episode: AI Goes to College Newsletter

    43 min

  8. 22 APR

    Of Syllabi, Spells, and Structured Prompts: AI for Fall Teaching

    This podcast episode elucidates the necessity for higher education professionals to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications within the academic sphere. We, Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler, alongside our esteemed co-author France Belanger, delve into practical anecdotes regarding the integration of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, into pedagogical practices. Through illustrative narratives, we highlight both the advantages and limitations of AI, emphasizing the importance of expertise in ensuring accurate and reliable outcomes when employing these technologies. Furthermore, we discuss actionable strategies for faculty members to prepare for the upcoming academic term, advocating for the enhancement of syllabi and the generation of active learning exercises. Ultimately, we reinforce the imperative for educators to embrace AI, not merely as a technological advancement, but as a vital component of modern educational methodologies. Takeaways: Incorporating generative AI into educational practices necessitates an understanding of its limitations and capabilities. Faculty should actively engage with AI tools to enhance their teaching methodologies and improve student learning outcomes. Effective use of AI can streamline the process of creating educational materials, such as syllabi and assessments, thereby saving time. AI's role in generating content must be accompanied by critical evaluation to ensure accuracy and relevance in educational contexts. Links referenced in this episode: aigostocollege.comcraig@aigostocollege.comrob@aigostocollege.comWashingtonStateUniversity.com In an enlightening exploration of generative AI's role in educational environments, the podcast episode scrutinizes the intricate balance between technological assistance and the necessity for human oversight. The discussion is anchored by a personal narrative involving a Dungeons and Dragons gaming session that serves as both a metaphor and a case study for the broader implications of AI in education. As the hosts recount their experiences, they navigate the myriad challenges and advantages that AI presents, particularly in terms of efficiency and creativity. The episode emphasizes the essential role of educators in critically evaluating and refining the outputs generated by AI systems, thus ensuring that the integrity of educational content is preserved. Furthermore, the hosts advocate for a proactive approach to embracing AI technologies, encouraging educators to experiment and adapt rather than remain mired in traditional methodologies. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a clarion call for educational professionals to engage with AI thoughtfully, fostering not only personal growth but also the evolution of pedagogical practices in an era defined by rapid technological advancement. Mentioned in this episode: AI Goes to College Newsletter

    32 min
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About

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) has taken higher education by storm. Higher ed professionals need to find ways to understand and stay up with developments in GAI. AI Goes to College helps higher ed professionals learn about the latest developments in GAI, how these might affect higher ed, and what they can do in response. Each episode offers insights about how to leverage GAI, and about the promise and perils of recent advances. The hosts, Dr. Craig Van Slyke and Dr. Robert E. Crossler are an experts in the adoption and use of GAI and understanding its impacts on various fields, including higher ed.

Information

  • Creator
    Craig Van Slyke
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    AI Goes to College

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