AI Goes to College, Episode 33: Accessibility Hacks, 81,000 Interviews, and the Choppy Waters of Academic AI

Higher education is drowning in accessibility deadlines, grappling with what 81,000 AI interviews reveal about how people actually use these tools, and watching the academic publishing system creak under new pressures. In this episode, Craig and Rob dig into all three, with practical advice, a few uncomfortable truths, and their usual mix of optimism and healthy skepticism.

The Accessibility Crunch Is Here (and AI Can Help)

The episode opens with a problem that's top of mind for faculty everywhere...

Craig and Rob kick off this episode with a deep dive into Claude's Constitution — the 84-page document Anthropic released to explain how Claude is governed. The document lays out a four-part hierarchy of priorities: be broadly safe, be broadly ethical, follow Anthropic's guidelines, and be genuinely helpful — in that order. Craig walks through the key language, and both hosts zero in on the uncomfortable questions it raises. Who gets to define "broadly ethical"? Whose values count? Craig points out that collectivist and individualist cultures would answer those questions very differently, and Rob raises the example of how privacy has hist...

Dr. Bette Ludwig spent 20 years in higher ed working directly with students before leaving to build something different — a Substack (AI Can Do That), a consulting practice, and most recently, the Socratic AI Method, an AI literacy program that teaches students how to think critically alongside AI while keeping their own voice intact.

That last part is the hard part.

Craig opens with the question that drives the whole episode: Socratic dialogue requires you to already know enough to ask good questions. So what happens when a student doesn’t know enough to push back on w...

Recording from the Deep Freeze: Craig broadcasts from snow-covered north Louisiana (running on generator and Starlink!), where AI helped him MacGyver a propane tank solution involving ratchet straps, a plastic bucket, and a shop light. Welcome to the wild world of practical AI applications.

Featured Topics

Oboe.com: The Future of Self-Directed Learning?

Craig and Rob explore Oboe (oboe.com), a free AI-powered platform that creates customized courses on virtually any topic in minutes. Craig demonstrates by building a course on AI agents, and Rob becomes his first student. The hosts discuss:

Welcome to another episode of AI Goes to College, the podcast where Craig and Rob break down what’s really happening with Generative AI in higher education. In this episode, Rob shares a professional update and the hosts dive straight into a candid conversation about the urgent need for action when it comes to embracing and experimenting with AI in the classroom. Forget waiting for the “perfect plan.” Craig and Rob encourage faculty and academic leaders to start doing, iterating, and learning as the technology—and the educational landscape—continues to evolve.

They tackle the risks and realities...

Episode Description

Join Craig and Rob for the very first live stream of AI Goes to College, recorded at the International Conference on Information Systems Education Research Workshop. In this special episode, we explore how generative AI is fundamentally changing knowledge work, starting with our own field of Information Systems as the "canary in the coal mine."

Craig shares his surprising experience with vibe coding—creating deployable web applications and productivity tools in hours rather than days—and explains why this signals a massive shift coming for all knowledge workers. We also tackle the troubling tren...

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 strug...

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 Chat...

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...

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 & Takeaways

1. Academic Honesty & AI ("AI Confessions" in Publishing)

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...

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...

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...

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...

In a timely discussion, Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler discuss the latest advancements in generative artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on the unveiling of Claude Sonnet 3.7. This development has prompted a wave of excitement and speculation regarding its implications for the future of programming. The hosts articulate their observations on how this model could revolutionize the way coding is approached, potentially rendering traditional entry-level programming roles obsolete while enhancing the efficiency of seasoned professionals. This raises critical questions about the evolving nature of job markets and the skills required in the face of such technological advancements.<...

In this wide-ranging discussion, Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler explore recent AI developments and tackle the fundamental challenges facing higher education in an AI-enhanced world. They begin by examining GPT Tasks, highlighting practical applications like automated news summaries and scheduled tasks, while sharing personal experiments that demonstrate the importance of playful exploration with new AI tools.

The conversation then turns to Gemini's new fact-checking features, with important cautions about source verification and the need to balance convenience with critical evaluation of AI-generated content.

The hosts have an engaging discussion about the challenge of "...

AI hallucinations, or confabulations, can actually foster scientific innovation by generating a wealth of ideas, even if many of them are incorrect. Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler explore how AI's ability to rapidly process information allows researchers to brainstorm and ideate more effectively, ultimately leading to significant breakthroughs in various fields. They discuss the need for a shift in how we train scientists, emphasizing critical thinking and the ability to assess AI-generated content. The conversation also touches on the potential risks of AI in education, including the challenge of maintaining student engagement and the fear of students...

This episode of AI Goes to College discuss the practical applications of generative AI tools in academic research, focusing on how they can enhance the research process for higher education professionals. Hosts Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler discuss three key tools: Connected Papers, Research Rabbit, and Scite_, highlighting their functionalities and the importance of transparency in their use. They emphasize the need for human oversight in research, cautioning against over-reliance on AI-generated content, as it may lack the critical thought necessary for rigorous academic work. The conversation also touches on the emerging tool NotebookLM, which allows users...

Generative AI is reshaping the landscape of higher education, but the introduction of AI detectors has raised significant concerns among educators. Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crosler delve into the limitations and biases of these tools, arguing they can unfairly penalize innocent students, particularly non-native English speakers. With evidence from their own experiences, they assert that relying solely on AI detection tools is misguided and encourages educators to focus more on the quality of student work rather than the potential use of generative AI. The conversation also highlights the need for context and understanding in assignment design, suggesting...

Craig and Rob dig into the innovative features of Google's Notebook LM, a tool that allows users to upload documents and generate responses based on that content. They discuss how this tool has been particularly beneficial in an academic setting, enhancing students' confidence in their understanding of course materials. The conversation also highlights the importance of using generative AI as a supplement to learning rather than a replacement, emphasizing the need for critical engagement with the technology. Additionally, they share their personal AI toolkits, exploring various tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, and Claude, each with unique strengths for different tasks...

This episode of AI Goes to College explores the transformative role of generative AI in higher education, with a particular focus on Microsoft's Copilot and its application in streamlining administrative tasks. Dr. Craig Van Slyke and Dr. Robert E. Crossler share their personal experiences, highlighting how AI tools like Copilot can significantly reduce the time spent on routine emails, agenda creation, and recommendation letters. They emphasize the importance of integrating AI tools into one's workflow to enhance productivity and the value of transparency when using AI-generated content. The episode also explores the broader implications of AI adoption in educational...

Is ChatGPT bull ...? Maybe not.

In this episode Rob and Craig talk about how generative AI can be used to improve communication, give their opinions of a recent article claiming that ChatGPT is bull$hit, and discuss why you need an AI policy.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of AI Goes to College, Craig and Rob dig into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on higher education. They explore three critical areas where AI is reshaping the academic landscape, offering valuable perspectives for educators, administrators, and students alike.

The episode kicks off with a thoughtful discussion on helping students embrace a long-term view of learning in an era where AI tools make short-term solutions readily available. Craig and Rob tackle the challenges of detecting AI-assisted cheating and propose innovative approaches to course design and assessment. They emphasize the importance of aligning learning...

We're in an odd situation with AI. Many ethical students are afraid to use it and unethical students use it ... unethically. Rob and Craig discuss this dilemma and what we can do about it.

They also cover the concept of AI friction and how Apple's recent moves will address this under appreciated barrier to AI use.

Other topics include:

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The AI Goes to...

In this episode of "AI Goes to College," Rob and Craig discuss

Craig and Rob explore the implications of GPT-4 Omni's enhanced capabilities, including faster processing, larger context windows, improved voice capabilities, and an expanded feature set available to all users for free.

They emphasize the importance of exploring and experimenting with these new technologies, highlighting the transition from prompt engineering to prompt design for a more user-friendly approach. They discuss how prompt design...

In this episode, Craig discusses:

The highlights of this newsletter are available as a podcast, which is also

called AI Goes to College. You can subscribe to the newsletter and the

podcast at https://www.aigoestocollege.com/. The newsletter is also

available on Substack: (https://aigoestocollege.substack.com/).

On Tuesday, April 30 at 5 P.M. Eastern time, I’ll be giving a talk on

the ethics of human-AI co-production. This is part of an annual series

called the Marbury Ethics Lectures. I’m quite honored to be the speaker;

two years ago, the speaker was then Louisiana Governor John Bell

Edwards.

Anyone in the area is welcome to attend in-person, but the event will also be live streamed:

https://mediasite.latech.edu/Mediasite/Play/8aa374384ff541bc8d76dcf98be7aab91d

I’d love i...

In this episode of AI Goes to College Craig dives deep into the world of AI in education, exploring new tools and models that could revolutionize the way we approach learning and teaching. Join Craig as he shares insights from testing various AI models and introduces a groundbreaking tool called The Curricula.

In this episode, Craig talks about:

A terrible new anti-AI detection "tool"

Does AI hurt critical thinking and academic performance?

How not to talk about AI in education

Claude 3 takes the lead

Using Google Docs w...

In this week's episode of AI Goes to College, Craig covers a range of topics related to generative AI and its impact on higher education. Here are the key highlights from the episode:

This week's episode covers:

--- AI generated description ---

Welcome to AI Goes to College, where we navigate the ever-changing world of generative AI in higher education. In this thought-provoking episode, I, your host, Dr. Craig Van Slyke, delve into the...

Generative AI is transforming education, not just for learning, but also for performing administrative tasks. In this special episode of AI Goes to College, Craig and Dr. Rob Crossler of Washington State University talk about how generative AI can help students learn and faculty streamline those pesky administrative tasks that most of us find so irritating.

Rob and Craig dig into a wide array of topics, including the early adoption of technology and the risks it brings, the need to experiment and accept occasional failure, and our ethical obligation to help students learn to use generative AI...

Welcome to AI Goes to College! In this episode, your host, Dr. Craig Van Slyke, invites you to explore the latest developments in generative AI and uncover practical insights to navigate the changing landscape of higher education.

Discover key takeaways from Dr. Van Slyke's firsthand experiences with Google's Gemini and Zoom's AI Companion, as he shares how these innovative tools have enhanced his productivity and efficiency. Gain valuable insights into Google's Gemini, a powerful AI extension with the potential to revolutionize administrative tasks in higher education. I'll delve into the finer aspects of Gemini's performance, extensions, and...

In this episode, Craig has a mini-rant about misleading click-bait headlines, discusses two recent generative AI surveys, gives the rundown on Google's rebrand from Brard to Gemini and Perplexity.ai and shares a modest experiment in redesigning an assignment to prevent generative AI academic dishonesty (which is a fancy way to say cheating).

More details are available at https://www.aigoestocollege.com/p/newsletter/, where you can subscribe to the AI Goes to College newsletter.

Contact Craig at https://www.aigoestocollege.com/ or craig@EthicalAIUse.com

--- Transcript ---

C...

In the debut episode of AI Goes to College, join host Craig Van Slyke as he delves into the critical question: Should you trust AI? Drawing on his expertise in the field, Craig explores the nuanced answer to this question, shedding light on the capabilities and limitations of generative AI in various contexts. Listeners will gain valuable insights into when it's appropriate to trust AI, and how to navigate the consequences of relying on its output.

Additionally, Craig reviews Consensus, a promising AI research app, sharing his firsthand experience and recommendations for its use. The episode also...

In this episode, Craig provides an insightful overview of what to anticipate from the AI Goes to College podcast. He talks about his inspiration for launching the podcast and emphasizes how it can help higher education faculty and staff navigate the transformative impact of generative AI. Tune in to gain a clear understanding of the podcast's purpose and how it can support you in staying abreast of developments within the higher education landscape.

Craig also tells you how you can get his new e-book, Getting Started with Generative AI: A Guide for Higher Ed Professionals. (It's free!)<...