Generation AI

• ASU's AI Strategy, Digital Workforce, and the End of Frankenstein Tech

  In this insightful episode of Generation AI, hosts JC Bonilla and Ardis Kadiu speak with Lev Gonick, CIO of Arizona State University, about how AI is reshaping higher education technology systems. Gonick shares ASU's innovative approach to AI implementation, discussing their transition from fragmented "Frankenstein" tech systems to a more integrated architecture using AI agents. He explains how ASU is already deploying orchestrated AI agents across campus operations - from parking to financial aid to classroom instruction - and offers a practical vision for how universities can adapt to this technological shift. This conversation is essential listening for higher education professionals looking to understand how AI can transform student experiences and institutional operations.The Current State of University Technology Systems (00:00:25)Discussion of universities as technology "Frankensteins" with disconnected systemsGonick explains ASU's dual approach to AI: both as additional tools and as potential unifiersThe challenge of balancing pragmatic immediate needs with long-term integration goalsASU's outlook on technology focuses on opportunity and abundance rather than scarcityThe Timeline for Technology Transformation in Higher Education (00:02:14)Gonick suggests the transition away from fragmented systems could take "a generation or two"ASU positions itself as an outlier and model for what a "new American university" can look likeThe importance of proving what's possible by implementing future-focused solutions todayASU's commitment to focusing on "the future today" rather than waiting for perfect solutionsASU's Leadership in AI Implementation (00:03:45)Reference to ASU's publication documenting their AI journey with 40+ implementation storiesDiscussion of ASU's mindset that emphasizes growth and innovationGonick quotes Alan Kay: "If you want to predict the future, invent it"ASU's philosophy: "If you want to invent the future, start" - emphasizing action over debateAI's Transformation of Higher Education (00:05:33)Gonick argues AI represents a "tectonic shift" that will redefine not just how we teach but what we teachMany universities are stuck in an academic debate rather than testing and experimentingASU's approach involves real-world testing while adhering to principles of innovationThe need for agile, iterative approaches to AI implementation similar to software developmentThe Evolution from Generative AI to AI Agents (00:08:57)Reflection on the past year's progress from classroom-focused generative AI to agent-based systemsGonick suggests current generative AI implementations will eventually be seen as "prehistory"Discussion of how voice and video AI experiences may create economic value in educationThe emergence of "agentic" AI systems where multiple specialized agents work togetherASU's Current Work with AI Agents (00:11:35)ASU has developed approximately a dozen purpose-built AI agents for different functionsThese agents are now being orchestrated to work together rather than operating independentlyExamples include agents for syllabus creation, assessment, skills development, and career opportunitiesDiscussion of the need for "Centurion" agents to ensure privacy, security and ethical useAI Applications in Campus Operations (00:14:52)ASU is implementing agentic AI experiences in back-office operations like parking managementPlans for teaching and learning agent implementations starting in August for the new school yearDevelopment of pedagogy agents that support different teaching methods (Socratic, case method, etc.)Financial aid navigation as another major area where AI agents are improving student and family experiencesThe Digital Workforce and Organizational Change (00:20:49)Discussion of AI agents functioning as a "digital workforce" that requires managementThe need to rearchitect how work is done in university settingsHuman resistance to change as a major challenge in AI implementationASU's approach to helping employees transition to new roles through upskilling and reskilling programsThe Near Future of AI in Higher Education (00:24:47)Discussion of the impact of politics and regulations on AI implementationASU's view of challenges as opportunities and their focus on adaptabilityThe concept of building "anti-fragile" institutions that not only survive disruption but thriveThe importance of planning with a longer horizon while remaining agile - - - -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! 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. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  --------  

  28:54
• ChatGPT image magic changes design forever, Gemini 2.5 raises the bar, MCP connects everything, Claude for Education brings AI to classrooms

  In this information-packed episode of Generation AI, hosts JC Bonilla and Ardis Kadiu explore the revolutionary new ChatGPT image generation capabilities that have taken the internet by storm. They break down how this new native image generation differs from previous models, allowing users to create, modify and refine images through conversation. The hosts also cover significant recent AI developments including Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro, Anthropic's Model Context Protocol standard, and new educational initiatives from OpenAI and Claude. This episode gives higher education professionals critical insights into how these visual AI tools will transform marketing, teaching, and creative processes across campus. Recent AI Updates and Developments (00:00:06)Introduction to the episode and upcoming Element451 presence at ASU GSV conferenceBrief mention of new AI releases coming from Element451Overview of recent major AI developments that will be discussedMajor Model Drops and Advances (00:03:13)Google's release of Gemini 2.5 Pro, a powerful reasoning and thinking modelDiscussion of its 1,000,000 token context window and coding capabilitiesAnthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP) as a new standard for AI model connectionsComparison to standardization moments like VHS/Betamax or USB connectivityHow MCP simplifies integration with external tools and APIsOpen Source Models and Coding Advancements (00:09:11)DeepSeek v3 launch continuing the open source momentumDiscussion of "vibe coding" and voice-based natural language programmingThe progression of open weights models (not fully open source)Google's Gemma 3, OpenAI's announced open weights model, and upcoming Llama 4How these models enable natural language "vibe coding" through better reasoningAI Education Initiatives (00:13:53)OpenAI Academy launch for teaching AI skills and prompting techniquesClaude for Education using Socratic methods to teach students how to learnFocus on pedagogy and learning rather than just providing answersImportance of AI literacy as models improveChatGPT Image Generation Revolution (00:18:06)Technical explanation of the new native image generation in GPT-4oHow it differs from previous DALL-E integration by generating images pixel by pixelThe ability to remember context and make incremental changes to imagesComparison to the creative sketch-to-masterpiece process in artImage Generation Examples and Capabilities (00:27:05)Transforming images into anime, Studio Ghibli style, or other artistic stylesImage restoration, sharpening, and enhancement capabilitiesConverting rough sketches into polished marketing materialsCreating consistent multi-panel comics or narrativesFashion coordination and outfit planning from wardrobe itemsInterior design applications by incorporating furniture pieces in roomsCreating travel journals and personalized visual memory booksPractical Applications in Education and Marketing (00:34:23)Educational uses for teachers creating customized visual aidsExplaining complex concepts through dynamic illustrations for different learning stylesMarketing prototyping and rapid campaign creationStoryboarding for entertainment and media productionProduct design acceleration and prototypingTransformative Impact Across Industries (00:37:51)Filters becoming experiences with style transformationsEasier creation of memes and visual communicationBooks and visual storytelling including children's booksImproved slide presentations with conceptual imagesPersonalizing stock photography with school colors and logosRemixing movie scenes in different stylesCreating personalized advertisements at scaleEnabling creatives to produce work faster and tell stories through visualsLearning at Scale Through Visual AI (00:41:46)How educators can use these tools to reach diverse learnersMaking complex concepts accessible through visual adaptationRemoving creative bottlenecks in educationFinal thoughts on the transformative potential of new vision models - - - -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! 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. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  --------  

  44:54
• AI & Admissions: Making Fast, Fair Decisions in Higher Ed

  In this episode of Generation AI, hosts Dr. JC Bonilla and Ardis Kadiu examine how AI can support—not replace—human decision-makers in college admissions. They discuss the growing challenge of application volume (with schools like NYU receiving 120,000 applications) against limited staff resources, creating bottlenecks where reviewers must evaluate hundreds of applications in tight timeframes. The hosts explain how AI tools can bring consistency to evaluation, remove human bias, and dramatically speed up document processing while maintaining quality. They outline specific AI applications in admissions including document verification, essay evaluation, and transcript analysis, emphasizing that the goal is to enhance human judgment rather than replace it.The Admissions Crunch: Record Application Numbers (00:00:57)NYU received 120,000 applications this year, the most for any private universityUniversity of Texas at Austin saw a 24% increase in applicationsUniversity of Washington experienced 57% growth over five yearsHarvard received 60,000 applications for just 2,000 spotsThe Human Workload Problem (00:02:46)Average public university has 60 new students per staff memberApplication-to-staff ratio can reach 600-650 for selective schoolsEach application takes 15-30 minutes to reviewStaff often have multiple responsibilities beyond application reviewThe Student Experience Impact (00:06:08)Long waiting times affect student decision-makingSpeed to response is critical for enrollment strategyReducing review time from 45 days to 24 hours can increase enrollmentEarly decisions are a competitive advantage for institutionsHow College Admissions Work (00:08:12)Holistic admissions evaluate academic achievement, personal statements, extracurricularsRolling admissions focus on meeting basic criteria with rapid turnaroundBoth processes involve significant manual reviewConsistency and speed are major challengesAI Advantages in the Admissions Process (00:11:24)Consistency and fairness through uniform evaluation standardsAI applies the same criteria consistently across all applicationsRemoves human bias that can affect evaluation outcomesMaintains evaluation standards even with reviewer fatigueAI Technology in Document Processing (00:14:54)Optical Character Recognition (OCR) digitizes documents efficientlyNatural Language Processing (NLP) analyzes qualitative aspects of applicationsMultimodal models like Gemini 2.0 extract data from documents accuratelyReasoning models can evaluate applications based on specific criteriaCurrent State of AI in Admissions (00:17:53)OCR technology for transcript scanning exists but is limitedSome schools use data extraction when loading information into CRMsFew comprehensive solutions integrate all aspects of AI evaluationTechnology is just becoming available for full-scale implementationTechnical Applications of AI in Admissions (00:19:17)Document verification automates checking for completeness and accuracyEssay evaluation can extract themes about student readinessCourse equivalency mapping connects courses across institutionsTranscript evaluation helps with transfer credits and placementAdmissions as a Rubric (00:25:37)Admissions decisions are based on measurable criteriaCriteria can be objective (in-state status) or subjective (leadership qualities)Digital application review transforms criteria into software evaluationsAI can work effectively with rubric-based evaluation systemsElement451's AI-Powered Admissions Approach (00:29:08)AI agent ingests institutional rubrics and evaluation criteriaSystem analyzes all submitted documents through data extractionProvides scores and reasoning for each evaluation criterionPlaces AI recommendation alongside human evaluationThe Future: Your First Read is Your Second Read (00:31:08)AI provides efficient, fair, consistent and scalable admissions processGoal is to enhance human judgment, not replace itRemoves human bias while maintaining quality evaluationFrees staff time for personal interaction with prospective students - - - -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! 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. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  --------  

  35:08
• The State of Personal AI Agents: Manus, Deep Research, Perplexity, Grok, Lovable, Cursor, Lindy.ai, and the Future of Autonomous Workflows

  In this episode of Generation AI, hosts JC Bonia and Ardis Kadiu explore the rapidly evolving landscape of personal AI agents. They analyze four types of agents - general task agents, researcher agents, workflow agents, and code generation agents - before diving into the recent sensation around Manus AI. The hosts discuss how AI agents are shifting from simple task execution to complex autonomous workflows, potentially transforming how work gets done across industries. The conversation highlights a critical turning point where AI can now operate with minimal human supervision, challenging previous assumptions about the "human in the loop" paradigm.Introduction to AI Agents and Recent Developments (00:00:00)JC and Ardis introduce the episode's focus on AI agentsBrief mention of Manus AI creating waves in the tech worldSetting the stage for understanding personal AI agents in 2025Discussion of how these agents will shape workflows and productivityThe Evolution of AI Agents (00:01:48)The shift from frontier models to foundational agent AIHow 2023 saw the emergence of autonomous personal agentsRequirements for agents: reasoning, adaptation, and action capabilitiesTime compression in AI development with DeepSeek and Grok 3Categories of Personal AI Agents (00:05:52)Four main types of agents identified by the hostsGeneral task agents for personal productivity and schedulingResearcher agents for deep knowledge gathering and synthesisWorkflow agents for orchestrating multi-step processesCode generation agents for software developmentDeep Research Agents in Action (00:09:41)Ardis shares how research agents have changed his workflowExamples of using AI for market research and data gatheringTools like Perplexity offering free research capabilitiesClaude and Gemini providing deep research featuresThe value of referenced, data-backed insights for decision makingWorkflow Agents: Connecting the Pieces (00:15:10)Explanation of how workflow agents orchestrate multiple processesZapier and Make.com for workflow automationRelevance for personalizationLindy.ai for Gmail integration and automationThe ability to mix and match between different LLMs for optimal resultsCode Generation Agents (00:18:00)The acceleration of AI code writing capabilitiesReference to Anthropic CEO's claim about AI writing 90% of code soonCursor and Anthropic Code Agent toolsLovable - no-code solution for building applicationsBolt as another code generation platformIntroduction to "vibe coding" - collaborating with AI on code without technical expertiseManus AI: A Game-Changing Personal Agent (00:24:45)Overview of what makes Manus different from previous agentsThe massive waitlist and $10,000 access codes showing huge demandHow Manus provides autonomous task execution with minimal human inputThe open-source alternative "Anus" created using Manus itselfThe ability to work continuously in the background and notify when completeThe Future of Work with Autonomous Agents (00:32:16)Implications for knowledge work and job rolesThe shift from "human in the loop" to "human as supervisor" modelsArdis acknowledging the difficulty in claiming AI won't replace certain rolesDiscussion about which jobs might remain relevant in the AI futureHow autonomous agents are changing organizational designClosing Thoughts on the AI Landscape (00:39:34)Reflection on how major AI releases create excitement and commercialization racesAnticipation of more autonomous agent solutions following ManusThe rapid pace of change in the AI spaceHow these tools will continue to democratize access to advanced capabilitiesExpectations for what might emerge in the coming months - - - -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! 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. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  --------  

  37:10
• Goodbye Chatbots, Hello Voice AI Agents

  In this exciting episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonia examine the rapid evolution of voice AI agents and their impact on higher education. They spotlight Sesame, a new open-source voice model that crosses the "uncanny valley" with its remarkably human-like speech capabilities. The hosts demonstrate these advanced voice technologies live and discuss how they're already transforming student support services, enrollment management, and call centers. As voice becomes the primary interface for AI interaction, colleges must adapt to meet student expectations for 24/7 instant support while maintaining an authentic, empathetic experience.The Voice AI Revolution Arrives (00:00:00)Introduction to the rapidly evolving voice AI landscape in spring 2025Shift from text-based prompting to voice as the primary AI interfaceVoice modes now standard in major AI platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity)Growing prevalence of AI voice agents in customer service contextsIntroducing Sesame: Breaking the Internet (00:02:00)Overview of Sesame, an ultra-realistic, open-source AI voice modelHow Sesame differentiates from previous voice technologiesThe significance of its open-source MIT license for wider adoptionCrossing the "uncanny valley" with human-indistinguishable speechLive Demonstration with Maya (00:09:00)Interactive conversation with the Sesame voice model "Maya"Demonstrations of emotional range, empathy, and conversational realismRole-play examples showing versatility for higher education scenariosShowcasing natural pauses, breathing patterns, and emotional intelligenceTechnical Approaches to Voice AI (00:14:00)Comparison of different voice technology architecturesTraditional pipeline: Speech-to-Text → LLM processing → Text-to-SpeechNative voice models: direct voice-to-voice processingHow end-to-end approaches improve latency, accuracy, and emotional contextParallels to human language processing and bilingual thinkingVoice AI Providers and Implementation (00:18:00)Overview of key players in the voice AI market (11Labs, OpenAI, Meta)Recent announcements including Llama 4's voice capabilitiesBuilding voice agent systems that minimize latencyMulti-channel implementation strategies beyond traditional phone callsHigher Education Use Cases (00:25:00)Enrollment support with multilingual family communication24/7 student services that match student productivity patternsIntegration across multiple communication channelsVoice as a natural query interface on campusEnhancing accessibility while maintaining personalizationTransforming Call Centers (00:30:00)How voice AI is replacing traditional IVR phone treesBenefits of AI-powered routing without human limitationsCost-saving potential with AI handling 30-50% of callsEliminating wait times during peak periods like financial aid seasonParallel processing capabilities versus sequential human staffingBalancing Technology and Responsibility (00:38:00)Ethical considerations for voice AI implementationImportance of accurate information deliveryHow human staff can focus on more complex, high-value interactionsReal-world implementations at Johnson Community College and other institutionsLooking ahead to continued voice technology improvements - - - -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! 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. Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register

  --------  

  42:20

More Technology podcasts

Trending Technology podcasts

About Generation AI