Episodes

  • AI vs. Application Fraud: Protecting Admissions from Digital Deception

    AI vs. Application Fraud: Protecting Admissions from Digital Deception
    Nov 26 2024
    In this episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla, joined by CTO Petar, explore the growing challenge of college application fraud and Element451's innovative AI solution. They discuss how fraudulent applications impact institutions through resource theft, financial aid abuse, and system manipulation. The conversation reveals how Element451's new AI-powered fraud detection system uses behavioral data and LLM reasoning to identify suspicious applications while avoiding demographic bias. The team explains their approach of keeping humans in the loop while using advanced technology to process applications at scale.Introduction and Context (00:00:07)Hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla welcome special guest PetarDiscussion focuses on college application fraud detectionElement451's development of AI-powered solutionUnderstanding Application Fraud (00:02:26)Impact on non-selective institutions and community colleges without application feesFraudulent applications seeking .edu email addresses for free resourcesFinancial aid fraud through fake applicationsMultiple levels of fraud affecting institutionsManual review process becoming overwhelming for schoolsCurrent Detection Methods and Challenges (00:05:05)Discussion of sophisticated fraud schemes beyond simple automationFraudsters using real data and identity theftVPN usage to mask locationsCurrent manual review processes and their limitationsTime constraints in application review during peak seasonsElement451's AI Solution: Bolt AI (00:10:16)Introduction to Bolt AI as Element451's AI frameworkMultiple factors considered in fraud detectionBehavioral data analysis approachFocus on non-demographic indicators to prevent biasKey Detection Factors (00:12:21)Time to submission analysisApplication submission patternsIP address verification and VPN detectionEmail validation and bounce rate checkingGeographic location analysisCross-system duplicate detectionAI Implementation and Reasoning (00:21:13)Use of Large Language Models (LLMs) for reasoningAdvantage over traditional rule-based systemsExplainable AI decisions with detailed reasoningProcessing of 60,000 applications in initial weeksHuman feedback integration for system improvementBias Prevention and Fair Evaluation (00:32:33)Focus on behavioral data rather than demographic informationHuman-in-the-loop approach for final decisionsImportance of transparency in decision-makingFeedback collection for system refinementOperational Impact (00:38:18)Creation of separate workflows for high-risk applicationsQuarantine system for suspicious applicationsBalance between fast processing and securityResource protection and cost savingsImproved student experience through faster legitimate application processingFuture Developments (00:42:55)Plans for generative UI in student experienceDevelopment of proactive AI systemsEnhanced personalization capabilitiesIntegration with student hubDynamic workflow planning based on student behaviorBenefits and Innovation (00:46:18)Improved data integrity in application processingTransparent decision-making processEnhanced speed without compromising securityBetter resource allocation for legitimate applications - - - -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. 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
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    49 mins
  • Beyond the Limits: How AI Models Are Redefining Capabilities

    Beyond the Limits: How AI Models Are Redefining Capabilities
    Nov 19 2024
    In this episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla explore the intricate world of AI scaling in higher education. They break down the concept of scaling, from its foundational components to its implications for AI development and implementation. Drawing on real-world examples, they delve into the triad of model size, data, and computational power, and discuss challenges like data scarcity, computational limits, and diminishing returns. The episode also offers insights into how industry leaders like OpenAI, Google, and Meta are tackling these roadblocks.‍Key TakeawaysAI Scaling Defined: Scaling in AI refers to how efficiently and effectively models can accomplish tasks of increasing complexity, measured by speed and intelligence.The Triad of AI Scaling: Model size, data quality, and computational power are the key elements driving AI advancements.Challenges in AI Scaling:Data scarcity, particularly for high-quality, domain-specific datasets.Skyrocketing computational costs and energy requirements.Diminishing returns as larger models yield less exponential improvement.Mitigation Strategies: Techniques like synthetic data generation, hyperparameter tuning, and reasoning-focused models address scaling challenges.Future of AI Models: Companies are shifting focus from generalist models to domain-specific and reasoning-oriented solutions.‍What Does AI Scaling Mean?AI scaling refers to how effectively artificial intelligence can solve increasingly complex tasks. Hosts Ardis Kadu and JC Bonilla explain this through a lens of "smartness"—can a model achieve in minutes, hours, or days what humans might take weeks to accomplish? Scaling doesn’t just mean faster; it also means smarter. For example, GPT-4 is 10 times more capable than GPT-3.5 in many areas, but the diminishing returns of scaling larger models have prompted researchers to rethink strategies.‍What Are the Key Challenges in Scaling AI?The conversation explores three primary challenges in scaling AI:Data Scarcity: High-quality training data is increasingly hard to source. While earlier models relied on vast amounts of freely available online data, this resource has been largely exhausted. Additionally, domain-specific datasets, like those in healthcare or education, are often inaccessible or proprietary.Computational Costs: Training large models costs hundreds of millions—and soon billions—of dollars. Companies face challenges balancing the need for immense computing power with energy efficiency and sustainability.Diminishing Returns: As models grow, they require exponentially more computational resources to achieve only incremental improvements in performance. This raises questions about whether scaling efforts are sustainable.‍How Are Companies Tackling Scaling Challenges?The podcast highlights how leading tech companies are approaching these roadblocks:OpenAI: Focuses on reasoning-based models and test-time compute, allowing AI to think dynamically during task execution.Google: Invests in multimodal capabilities and domain-specific applications, such as its advancements in protein folding and specialized coding models.Meta: Explores alternative architectures and world models, aiming to overcome the limitations of transformer-based AI systems.XAI (Elon Musk's Initiative): Prioritizes "truth-seeking" AI and first-principles problem-solving.‍What Role Do Mitigation Strategies Play?To address the challenges of scaling, companies and researchers are leveraging innovative strategies, including:Synthetic Data Generation: Creating artificial datasets to fill gaps in training data.Hyperparameter Tuning: Optimizing how models learn to improve efficiency.Reasoning-Based Models: Enhancing AI’s ability to think and adapt dynamically during real-time tasks.The hosts share how these approaches are unlocking new possibilities for AI in higher education. For instance, at Element, reasoning-focused AI is being used to identify fraudulent applications by analyzing behavioral patterns and contextual data.‍What Does the Future Hold for AI Scaling?The episode closes with a discussion of where AI is headed. The hosts emphasize that while scaling generalist models may slow, there’s growing momentum around domain-specific applications and reasoning engines. These advancements could revolutionize fields like marketing attribution, student engagement, and personalized learning in 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 ...
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    41 mins
  • Post election AI agenda, Chegg's ChatGPT nightmare, Tech consolidation ahead

    Post election AI agenda, Chegg's ChatGPT nightmare, Tech consolidation ahead
    Nov 12 2024

    In this timely episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonilla examine how the recent election results could reshape AI's role in higher education. They analyze potential shifts in AI regulation, funding, and innovation under the new administration. The hosts explore how changes in merger policies and efficiency mandates might accelerate AI adoption, while also discussing the cautionary tale of Chegg's dramatic market value loss due to ChatGPT's emergence. This episode offers crucial insights for education professionals navigating the rapidly evolving intersection of politics, AI, and higher education.

    Election Impact on AI Regulation (00:00:07)

    • Introduction of key themes around election results
    • Expected rollback of Biden's AI executive order
    • Shift toward less regulation and oversight of AI development

    Mergers and Innovation in AI (00:07:14)

    • Discussion of potential changes to merger regulations
    • Impact on AI company acquisitions and innovation
    • Analysis of how reduced regulation could benefit AI startups

    Efficiency and Government Reform (00:16:16)

    • Role of AI in government efficiency initiatives
    • Analysis of FAFSA implementation failures
    • Discussion of potential Department of Education reforms

    AI and National Competition (00:24:31)

    • Meta's LLAMA model licensing changes for government use
    • Discussion of US-China AI competition
    • Analysis of semiconductor regulations and AI compute power

    The Chegg Case Study (00:28:44)

    • Detailed analysis of Chegg's market collapse
    • Impact of ChatGPT on education technology
    • Loss of $14.5 billion in market value
    • Failed attempts at AI adaptation

    Future of Educational Content (00:37:26)

    • Discussion of AI's impact on learning management systems
    • Analysis of content generation in education
    • Implications for service providers and agencies
    • Examples of new AI-powered learning platforms

    Closing Thoughts (00:41:13)

    • Summary of key points about AI under new administration
    • Discussion of accelerated technology adoption
    • Final insights on AI's future in education


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
    Ardis Kadiu
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/
    https://twitter.com/ardis

    Dr. JC Bonilla
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/
    https://twitter.com/jbonillx

    About 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.

    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
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    44 mins
  • Gen AI Powered Search - How will ChatGPT Search and Perplexity change SEO?

    Gen AI Powered Search - How will ChatGPT Search and Perplexity change SEO?
    Nov 5 2024
    In this live episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla dive into the groundbreaking shifts happening in AI-powered search technology. They discuss how major players like OpenAI, Google, and Meta are driving a paradigm shift in online search. Joined by Ty Fujimura, an expert in UX and SEO, they explore how generative AI is transforming the way users interact with information, from natural language search to real-time personalization. This conversation highlights both the opportunities and challenges for marketers, content creators, and higher education professionals looking to stay ahead in an AI-driven digital landscape.‍Key TakeawaysNatural Language Search: Generative AI enables search without keywords, allowing users to communicate queries conversationally, transforming how they find information.Personalization in Real Time: AI-powered search adapts based on user behavior, location, and even time of day, enabling a more tailored information retrieval experience.The Role of Authentic Content: As AI search engines source information from various platforms, producing authentic, context-rich content across multiple channels is key to maintaining brand presence.Impact on SEO and Website Strategy: Traditional SEO practices are shifting; now, the emphasis is on creating diverse, authoritative content that AI can reference and summarize effectively.Predicted Drop in Organic Traffic: As AI search improves, website visits may decline, making social media and paid search essential for driving traffic and engagement.‍Episode SummaryWhat Is AI-Powered Search, and Why Does It Matter?In this episode, Ardis and JC discuss the evolution of AI-powered search and how it’s disrupting traditional methods of information retrieval. Unlike traditional keyword-based searches, AI-powered search relies on natural language processing, making it more intuitive and conversational. The hosts highlight how tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s Gemini are enabling users to ask complex questions in everyday language, making search experiences feel more interactive and responsive. By bridging the gap between keywords and conversation, AI is setting the stage for a more user-centric internet, particularly significant for higher education and content-driven industries.‍How Does Personalization Transform the Search Experience?AI-powered search isn’t just conversational; it’s also deeply personalized. According to the hosts, AI can now remember preferences and adapt its responses to individual users based on their browsing habits, location, and even the device they use. Ty Fujimura adds that personalization can extend to contextualizing responses based on user history, allowing searches to align more closely with individual needs and timing. For example, if a user often searches for research articles in the morning, AI could prioritize academic sources. The ability to provide such a customized experience makes it vital for marketers to rethink content strategies, ensuring their material remains relevant across varied user contexts.‍How Will AI Change SEO and Content Strategy?With generative AI reshaping search, SEO is evolving from keyword optimization to content diversification and authenticity. Ty suggests that instead of focusing on keywords, website owners and marketers need to emphasize genuine, unique content. AI now aggregates information from multiple sources, including websites, social media, and forums, to deliver comprehensive answers, bypassing the need for users to click on individual links. In the higher education space, this shift means that content must be readily accessible and informative across channels like Substack, Medium, and even Reddit, as AI pulls from these diverse data streams.This trend of reduced organic traffic to websites emphasizes the importance of social media as a branding tool and reinforces the value of paid search to drive user engagement. As AI technologies like Perplexity and ChatGPT enhance user experience with organized, real-time search results, it’s clear that SEO strategies must pivot to include broader content ecosystems and a heightened focus on brand authenticity.‍What Are the Implications for Content Monetization and Advertising?One potential challenge discussed is the future monetization of AI-powered search. As AI search tools from companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Google gain popularity, the ad-free experience may not last indefinitely. JC points out that, much like social media before it, AI search platforms could begin incorporating subtle paid influences, raising questions about transparency and the authenticity of information. In the meantime, brands should capitalize on the ad-free landscape by establishing a solid, authentic content presence across platforms AI frequently references.For marketers, this shift also means strategizing around paid search and social media for direct traffic, as organic traffic from traditional search engines ...
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    41 mins
  • JC Returns to Element451 + Higher Ed's AI Reality Check as 91% of CTOs Feel Unprepared

    JC Returns to Element451 + Higher Ed's AI Reality Check as 91% of CTOs Feel Unprepared
    Oct 29 2024

    In this milestone episode, Dr. JC Bonilla returns home to Element451 as COO and Head of AI Practice, joining forces again with CEO Ardis Kadiu after their 17-year journey from NYU to now. The timing is critical - new data shows 91% of higher education CTOs feel unprepared for AI adoption. The longtime friends discuss how Element451's AI-first approach will help colleges tackle their biggest challenges, from talent gaps to budget constraints.

    Major Announcement: JC Joins Element451 (00:00:07)

    • Dr. JC Bonilla joins Element451 as COO and Head of AI Practice
    • 17-year history of collaboration between JC and Ardis
    • Focus on implementing AI across operations and products

    Element451's AI-First Vision (00:07:08)

    • Discussion of company's commitment to AI integration
    • Emphasis on infusing AI into all aspects of operations
    • Strategy for implementing AI across marketing, analytics, and customer success

    The State of AI in Higher Education (00:23:27)

    • Survey reveals only 9% of CTOs feel prepared for AI
    • 46% express enthusiasm but only 23% make it high priority
    • Discussion of budget allocation challenges

    Current AI Applications on Campus (00:27:09)

    • Virtual chatbots and assistants lead adoption at 50%
    • Cybersecurity applications second at 35%
    • Predictive analytics for student performance at 27%

    Key Challenges in AI Implementation (00:34:26)

    • Difficulty hiring qualified AI professionals
    • Compensation gaps between higher ed and private sector
    • Policy and governance concerns

    Digital Transformation Priority (00:38:27)

    • 62% of CTOs prioritize digital transformation
    • Discussion of technology adoption strategies
    • Balance between technical expertise and practical implementation

    Future of Higher Education Technology (00:42:49)

    • Vision for transforming student engagement
    • Importance of AI literacy in higher education
    • Role of Element451 in driving innovation


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
    Ardis Kadiu
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/
    https://twitter.com/ardis

    Dr. JC Bonilla
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/
    https://twitter.com/jbonillx

    About 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.

    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
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    46 mins
  • Catching Rockets, Self-Driving Taxis, and Supercomputers: Elon Musk's Vision

    Catching Rockets, Self-Driving Taxis, and Supercomputers: Elon Musk's Vision
    Oct 22 2024
    In this eye-opening episode of Generation AI, we dive into Elon Musk's game-changing breakthroughs that are reshaping our future. From SpaceX's Starship catching rockets mid-air to Tesla's steering wheel-free robotaxis, and xAI's record-breaking supercomputer built in just 19 days, we explore how these innovations are pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Learn how Musk's relentless application of first principles thinking is driving rapid advancements in space travel, transportation, and artificial intelligence. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by how cutting-edge tech and innovative thinking can solve humanity's biggest challenges and accelerate our journey into an exciting future.Introduction: Exploring Elon Musk's Latest Breakthroughs (00:00:06)Overview of recent achievements at SpaceX, Tesla, and xAIIntroduction to Musk's first principles thinking approachHow these breakthroughs are changing multiple industriesFirst Principles Thinking Framework (00:08:40)Breakdown of the five steps in first principles thinkingExample of how Musk applied this to rocket development at SpaceXThe importance of questioning assumptions and rapid iterationSpaceX's Starship Test Flight Success (00:17:06)Details of the October 13, 2024 Starship test flightThe significance of the Super Heavy booster return and catch mechanismHow reusability is key to Musk's vision of Mars colonizationTesla's Robotaxis and Humanoid Robots (00:22:46)Unveiling of the Cybercab robotaxi prototypeDevelopment of Tesla Bots (Optimus) for factory workHow Tesla is positioning itself as a robotics companyThe role of the Dojo supercomputer in advancing self-driving techxAI's Record-Breaking Supercomputer (00:35:16)Partnership with NVIDIA and Oracle to build the fastest AI supercomputerHow the system was built in just 19 daysThe goal of developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)Potential impacts on AI research and developmentMusk's Leadership Principles and Vision (00:41:51)How first principles thinking is applied across Musk's companiesThe importance of rapid iteration and embracing failureCreating connections between space, transportation, and AI technologiesDiscussion on Impact and Innovation (00:49:46)Balancing technological achievements with controversial aspectsThe role of individual impact in driving innovationReflecting on how history may view current innovations and their creatorsConclusion: Building the Future Today (00:55:51)Final thoughts on innovation and its messy natureThe importance of making an impact, regardless of scaleEncouragement for listeners to pursue their own innovations - - - -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. 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
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    57 mins
  • OpenAI's voice API, Notebook LM, Meta's AR glasses wow, Google's $120M AI education push ALT: From Voice Interfaces to Virtual Reality

    OpenAI's voice API, Notebook LM, Meta's AR glasses wow, Google's $120M AI education push ALT: From Voice Interfaces to Virtual Reality
    Oct 15 2024

    In this exciting episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla dive deep into the latest AI developments from five major tech companies: OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, and Meta. They explore groundbreaking innovations like real-time voice APIs, AI-powered glasses, and advanced language models, discussing their potential impact on various industries, including higher education. The hosts also touch on the business aspects, such as OpenAI's shift to a for-profit model and its record-breaking fundraising. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in staying up-to-date with the rapidly evolving AI landscape and understanding how these advancements might shape our future interactions with technology.

    Introduction and OpenAI Updates (00:00:07)

    • Hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla introduce the episode's focus on recent AI developments
    • Discussion of OpenAI's Dev Day announcements, including the real-time voice API
    • Overview of OpenAI's shift to a for-profit model and record-breaking $6.6 billion fundraising

    Microsoft's AI Investments and Challenges (00:11:21)

    • Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI and its struggle to keep up with compute demand
    • Acquisition of Three Mile Island for data center power
    • Updates to Microsoft Copilot and its integration with productivity tools

    Google's Notebook LM and AI Education Investment (00:16:30)

    • Introduction to Google's Notebook LM for document ingestion and summarization
    • Demonstration of Notebook LM's podcast generation capabilities
    • Google's $120 million investment in AI education through Google.org

    Anthropic's Recent Developments (00:25:47)

    • Discussion of Anthropic's Claude AI and its artifacts feature
    • Launch of cloud enterprise plans similar to OpenAI Enterprise
    • Anthropic's position in the AI market and its appeal to advanced users

    Meta's Exciting AI and AR Innovations (00:30:52)

    • Introduction of Project Orion, Meta's experimental AR glasses
    • Comparison with Apple Vision Pro and potential impact on the AR market
    • Meta's AI-powered creator tools for social media, including MovieGen for video generation


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
    Ardis Kadiu
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/
    https://twitter.com/ardis

    Dr. JC Bonilla
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/
    https://twitter.com/jbonillx

    About 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.

    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
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    39 mins
  • Why AI Agents Are the Future of Software

    Why AI Agents Are the Future of Software
    Oct 8 2024

    In this eye-opening episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonilla dive deep into the world of AI agents and their transformative potential in higher education. They explore how AI agents are evolving from reactive to proactive systems, reshaping software delivery, and revolutionizing student engagement. The hosts discuss real-world applications, from streamlining orientation processes to personalizing marketing campaigns at scale. This episode is a must-listen for higher education professionals looking to understand how AI agents can act as powerful teammates, enhancing workflows and expanding organizational capabilities without replacing human roles.

    Understanding AI Agents and Their Evolution (00:00:06)

    • Definition and characteristics of AI agents
    • Historical context: from ELIZA to modern AI assistants
    • The shift from reactive to proactive AI systems

    Key Components of Modern AI Agents (00:16:16)

    • Autonomy, perception, reactivity, reasoning, learning, and communication
    • The importance of large language models in enabling sophisticated AI agents
    • Multi-modal communication capabilities: text, voice, and beyond

    AI Agents in Higher Education: Real-World Applications (00:32:37)

    • Revolutionizing new student orientation processes
    • Streamlining administrative tasks across departments
    • Enhancing personalized communication with students

    Transforming Marketing Campaigns with AI Agents (00:38:10)

    • Creating dynamic, personalized campaigns at scale
    • The role of human input in guiding AI-driven marketing strategies
    • Proactive agents: Real-time campaign optimization based on fresh data

    The Future of AI Agents in Higher Education (00:45:55)

    • Multi-agent systems: Orchestrating complex workflows
    • AI agents as teammates, not replacements for human staff
    • The potential for AI to expand organizational capabilities

    Implementing AI Agents: Considerations and Challenges (00:49:00)

    • The importance of thoughtful implementation and human oversight
    • Balancing automation with personalization and brand safety
    • Preparing for the next wave of AI technology in education


    - - - -

    Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
    Ardis Kadiu
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/
    https://twitter.com/ardis

    Dr. JC Bonilla
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/
    https://twitter.com/jbonillx

    About 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.

    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
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    51 mins