In this episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla dive deep into the current state of AI adoption in higher education, drawing insights from their experience at the University System of Georgia AI Summit 2024. They explore the evolution of AI technology, from its historical roots to the latest developments in generative AI and AI assistants. The conversation highlights the gap between the potential of AI in education and the current readiness of institutions to adopt these technologies. Ardis introduces a fascinating framework for understanding the AI stack, explaining how it can revolutionize student engagement and personalization at scale.The Current State of AI Adoption in Higher Education (00:00:06)Insights from the University System of Georgia AI Summit 2024Discussion on the readiness of institutions to adopt AI technologiesThe gap between AI potential and current implementation in educationHistorical Context and Evolution of AI (00:05:48)Overview of AI development since the 1950sThe progression from simple models to neural networks and transformersHow recent advancements have led to the current capabilities of generative AIThe AI Stack: A Framework for Understanding AI Systems (00:13:48)Explanation of the four layers: Brain (LLM), Memory, Skills, and OrchestrationHow these layers work together to create sophisticated AI assistantsThe importance of context and personality in AI interactionsPersonalization at Scale in Higher Education (00:27:24)The challenge of providing personalized experiences to studentsHow AI can enable segment-of-one marketing and engagementThe concept of a digital team powered by AI to enhance student experiencesThe Future of AI in Higher Education (00:28:38)Survey results on perceived usefulness of AI in different areas of educationDiscussion on the overemphasis on teaching and learning applicationsThe potential for AI in enrollment management and student experienceBeyond Prompt Engineering (00:29:24)Why prompt engineering may become less relevant in the near futureThe evolution of AI interfaces and how they're becoming more user-friendlyThe importance of focusing on practical applications rather than technical detailsChallenges in AI Adoption for Higher Education Institutions (00:34:13)The tendency for institutions to be late adopters of new technologiesThe need for education and early adopters to drive innovationHow AI readiness varies across different departments within universitiesClosing Thoughts (00:38:53)The potential for AI to reinforce silos within universitiesThe importance of enterprise-level AI readinessThe ongoing work needed to fully integrate AI into higher education - - - -Connect With Our Co-Hosts:Ardis Kadiuhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/https://twitter.com/ardisDr. JC Bonillahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/https://twitter.com/jbonillxAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast and Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook.Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com. Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30Register now for this free, virtual event.The future of higher ed is being redefined by the transformative power of AI. The AI Engage Summit brings together higher ed leaders, innovators, and many of your favorite Enrollify creators to explore AI’s impact on student engagement, enrollment marketing, and institutional success. Experience firsthand how AI is improving content personalization at scale, impacting strategic decision-making, and intuitively automating the mundane tasks that consume our time. The schedule is packed with real examples and case studies, so you leave knowing how to harness AI to drive meaningful change at your institution. Whether you’re looking to enhance student outcomes, optimize enrollment marketing, or simply stay ahead of the curve, the AI Engage Summit is your gateway to the next level of higher education innovation. Registration is free, save your spot today.
