Infinite Stream

In this episode of Infinite Stream, host Kyle Bylin is joined by Dr. Scott Latham, professor of strategy at UMass Lowell and author of “Are You Ready for the AI University?”—a provocative Chronicle of Higher Education essay calling academia to confront the era of artificial intelligence.

Together, they dive into higher ed’s moment of creative destruction, where AI isn’t just another tool but a force reshaping the foundations of learning, teaching, and institutional survival.

Latham draws on his experience in high-tech startups, research into organizational decline, and a lifelong fascination with creative destruction. The conversation explores the coming split between the “AI haves and have-nots,” why simply integrating AI into legacy systems will not save struggling colleges, and how tomorrow’s universities may be unrecognizable from today’s.

From the administrative back office to the classroom, the pair unpack how agentic systems and intelligent automation will challenge everything—from who gets hired to what gets taught to who gets left behind.

Takeaways

• AI is not a feature but a force: The “AI University” means rebuilding higher education from the ground up, not merely layering technology onto legacy systems.
• Creative destruction is underway: Higher ed faces an existential reckoning as AI disrupts economic models, teaching roles, and institutional value propositions.
• The next great divide: A chasm is opening between “AI haves and have-nots”—colleges able to invest in intelligent infrastructure, and those left behind.
• Administrative and faculty roles will shift: AI will first transform back-office processes and, soon after, rewire how courses are delivered and who teaches them.
• Assessment and learning must evolve: Faculty need to move beyond “defeating AI” in assessment and refocus on fostering deep, meaningful learning in an AI-rich world.
• AI literacy is the new baseline: Future students and educators must develop fluency not just in prompt engineering, but in navigating, critiquing, and leveraging AI as a co-intelligent partner.
• Institutions need an AI narrative and inventory: Every campus must define who “owns” AI, audit existing experiments, and build a unique AI story to remain relevant.
• Strategic foresight is essential: Surviving the intelligence age will require colleges to anticipate rapid technological shifts, embrace uncertainty, and lead institutional reinvention rather than trail it.

In this conversation, Kyle Bylin and Cortney Harding explore the transformative potential of spatial computing and artificial intelligence. They discuss the evolution of technology, the integration of AI in everyday life, and the implications for education and communication. Cortney emphasizes the importance of real-time translation, personalized experiences, and the need for critical thinking in a world increasingly shaped by AI. They also reflect on past technological waves and consider the future of work, learning, and societal impact as AI continues to evolve.

Takeaways

• Spatial computing is the next big step for the internet.
• The evolution of VR and AR has been rapid yet slow in adoption.
• Real-time translation could revolutionize communication.
• Personalized advertising will change how we interact with brands.
• The dangers of echo chambers must be addressed as technology evolves.
• AI will take over mundane tasks, allowing for more leisure time.
• Education must adapt to incorporate AI and critical thinking skills.
• Flexibility and problem-solving will be essential skills for the future.
• The future of work will involve more remote and virtual interactions.
• Societal impacts of AI must be considered to avoid instability.

In this episode of Infinite Stream, host Kyle Bylin speaks with Nicole Henning, an expert in instructional design and AI education, about the transformative impact of AI on higher education. They discuss the recent adoption of AI tools in universities, the importance of AI literacy, and the need for equitable access to technology. Nicole shares her insights on staying updated in the rapidly changing AI landscape, the role of libraries in promoting AI literacy, and the creation of accessible AI tutorials. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of continual learning and critical thinking in navigating the complexities of AI.

Takeaways

• AI tools are being widely adopted in higher education, enhancing access and capabilities for students.
• Equity in AI access is crucial, as not all students have the same resources or knowledge.
• Continual learning is essential in the fast-evolving AI landscape.
• Libraries play a vital role in promoting AI literacy and providing resources.
• Understanding AI bias is important for effective use and critical thinking.
• Self-education and experimentation with AI tools are necessary for effective integration into learning.
• Misconceptions about AI can hinder its adoption and effective use.
• Creating accessible AI tutorials can help bridge the knowledge gap in AI literacy.
• Collaboration between librarians and IT staff is important for equitable AI access.
• The future of AI in education will require adaptability and a focus on ethical considerations.

In this episode of the Infinite Stream podcast, host Kyle Bylin speaks with Chris Porter, an associate professor of computer science at Drake University, about the early establishment of an AI program at the university, the importance of creating 'robot-proof' graduates, and the evolving landscape of AI education. They discuss the impact of generative AI tools like ChatGPT on curriculum, the necessity of AI literacy in higher education, and the potential for Iowa to emerge as an innovation hub in the tech industry. The conversation also touches on the future of work in an AI-driven world and the importance of bridging the digital divide to ensure equitable access to AI technologies.

Takeaways

• Drake University launched its AI program in 2020, ahead of the ChatGPT boom.
• The program aims to create 'robot-proof' graduates with a blend of technical and human skills.
• Human literacy, including creativity and critical thinking, is essential in AI education.
• Generative AI tools are being integrated into existing courses to enhance learning.
• AI literacy is becoming crucial for students in all fields, not just tech.
• The future of work will require adaptability and new skill sets due to AI.
• There is a growing concern about the digital divide in access to AI tools.
• Iowa has the potential to become a significant innovation hub in AI.
• The role of AI in society will continue to evolve and raise ethical questions.
• Students need to be prepared for a job market increasingly influenced by AI.