October 16, 2025 • 11 mins
AI in higher education is shifting from hype to habit. In this episode, Lynn “Coach” Austin explores how colleges and universities are using artificial intelligence to expand human learning and close opportunity gaps. From California’s 24/7 AI tutoring initiative to new global policies on ethical assessment, this conversation highlights what it means to build AI systems that serve—not replace—educators.
Coach Lynn shares how faculty-led AI literacy can empower inclusion, trust, and ethical innovation across classrooms and campuses. It’s not about more tech—it’s about smarter, fairer teaching.Stay mindful, stay focused, and remember that every great change starts with a single step. Keep thriving, understanding that “Life happens for you, not to you, to live your purpose.”
Stay mindful, stay focused, and remember—every great change starts with a single step. Keep thriving, understanding that life happens for you, not to you, to live your purpose.Follow Lynn “Coach” Austin for more episodes, articles, and updates:
🌐 https://www.lynnfaustin.com
📩 Connect or share feedback: https://www.lynnfaustin.com/contact-us/
Coach Lynn shares how faculty-led AI literacy can empower inclusion, trust, and ethical innovation across classrooms and campuses. It’s not about more tech—it’s about smarter, fairer teaching.Stay mindful, stay focused, and remember that every great change starts with a single step. Keep thriving, understanding that “Life happens for you, not to you, to live your purpose.”
Stay mindful, stay focused, and remember—every great change starts with a single step. Keep thriving, understanding that life happens for you, not to you, to live your purpose.Follow Lynn “Coach” Austin for more episodes, articles, and updates:
🌐 https://www.lynnfaustin.com
📩 Connect or share feedback: https://www.lynnfaustin.com/contact-us/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
Welcome to Inspiration Moments. I'm your host, coach Lynn Austin.
Today Angelina and I are diving deeper into something that's
really shaking up the world of higher education, artificial intelligence.
And I'm not talking about just tinkering around the edges anymore.
We're well beyond that, aren't we.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Absolutely, Lynn, It's such a timely topic. For so long,
the conversation felt like it was all about the what
if or how do we stop cheating? But the brief
makes it so clear that the new frontier isn't just
about adding more tech. It's about building comprehensive systems that
actually expand human learning and crucially close those persistent gaps
(00:57):
and opportunity. That's a huge shift.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
It really is. The brief points out that colleges and
universities are no longer just tinkering with tools. They're strategically
aligning their pedagogy, their policies, and their core purpose to
make AI a genuine enabler of equity and access. That's
a much more intentional approach, exactly, and it's happening across
(01:24):
the board.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
From large public systems to major research institutions. Leaders are
embedding AI tutoring creating ethics frameworks, and integrating data in
formed teaching right into the heart of their academic missions.
The pattern is so clear. The institutions advancing fastest are
the ones grounding AI innovation in human centered values, things
(01:47):
like equity, ethics, and truly empowering educators.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
That phrase human centered values really resonates with me. It's
not about replacing humans, it's about amplifying what we do.
And we've got some fantastic examples in the brief. Starting
with California's community colleges, this is huge system wide AI tutoring.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Oh, this is a game changer. In California's one hundred
and sixteen community colleges are launching a unified twenty four
to seven AI tutoring program through Necktear. We're talking free
academic support for over a million students. Think about the
implications for access right there, twenty for seven free. That
(02:32):
just levels the playing field so much for students who
might not have had those resources before.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Right, and it's not just a generic chatbot. The details
say it uses course aligned prompts, personalized study planning, and
faculty dashboards that reveal student misconceptions early, so instructors can
actually tailor interventions before students even fall behind. It's integrated
(02:58):
with their LMS holistic approach.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
That's the key. Holistic. It's not just about providing an answer,
it's about providing support that's truly integrated into the learning
process and those faculty dashboards that empowers instructors to be proactive,
which I think is a huge step forward for student success.
It transforms AI from a convenience into a catalyst for
(03:23):
educational justice, just like the brief says.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Exactly, it's a model for how public systems can use
technology to keep access and affordability at the core of
student success. And speaking of student success, the brief also
highlights a fascinating study about adult learners and chat GPT.
This really reframes how we might think about AI from
(03:49):
the student perspective.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
Oh Lynn's study on adult learners is brilliant. It looks
at how they use chat GPT to strengthen self regulation, persistence,
and reflective learn learning. The participants actually described AI as
a study partner that improved their discipline and confidence, especially
when guided by structured prompts. This isn't about cheating, It's
(04:11):
about empowerment.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
A studied partner. I love that it completely shifts the
narrative from AI as a shortcut to AI as a
tool for deeper engagement and faculty who implemented reflective AI
exercises saw increased motivation and engagement without losing that crucial
instructional connection. That's vital, right. We don't want to lose
(04:36):
that human element.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Not at all. This research really underscores that when used intentionally,
AI can support learner autonomy and critical thinking, which are
core principles of adult learning or androgogy for educators. It
offers evidence that guided AI use can genuinely deepen learning
without diminishing academic rigor. It's about designing smart assignments, not
(05:00):
just banning AI.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
That's a perfect segue into the policy and governance section
of the brief, which really tackles this idea of academic
rigor head on. TVSA, Australia's higher education regulator, has a
strong message here. They caution that chasing AI detection tools
is a dead end.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Oh thank goodness someone said it. I think so many
institutions were caught in that trap of how do we
catch them? But TVSA is spot on. Instead, they encourage
assessment redesign that elevates reasoning and originality through things like
oral defenses, project iterations, and reflection. That's where the real
(05:42):
learning happens.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Anyway, Exactly, it's about rewarding process, not just perfection, and
ensuring fairness across student populations. It acknowledges that AI is
here and we need to adapt our teaching and assessment
methods rather than fighting an unwinning battle against.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Technology, and that ties into another point in the brief.
The systematic review of one hundred and thirty eight studies
on AI and higher ed it showed that AI applications
have diversified rapidly from tutoring and analytics to academic advising.
But the authors warn that without ethical oversight and equitable implementation,
(06:22):
innovation risks deepening existing inequalities.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
That's a crucial point, Angelina. The technology itself isn't inherently
good or bad. It's how we design and implement it
that matters. We have to be mindful of those ethical
considerations from the very beginning, especially concerning bias and accessibility.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Absolutely, it's not just about what AI can do, but
what it should do and for whom. And on that note,
the brief mentions the GENAI learning ecology framework. This is
about programs, research and infrastructure right.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
Yes, the GENAI well Framework for adult education. It maps
how instructors, learners, and systems collaborate in AI enhanced environments.
And what's really important is that it prioritizes equity, inclusion,
and digital fluency. It's all about ensuring that generative AI
(07:17):
augments human teaching rather than replacing it. It's that augmentation
piece that's key.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Augmentation not replacement. That's a great mantra, and it brings
us back to the core of what the brief emphasizes
the role of the educator. It talks about betting on
faculty led AI literacy. What exactly does that mean.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
It means shifting the focus. It's not about faculty mastering
code or model training. It's about mastering interpretation. It's understanding
what large language models can and cannot do, recognizing their limitations,
identifying bias or hallucination, and using that awareness to guide
(08:00):
students ethically. It's a different kind of literacy, you know,
I see.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
So it's about critical engagement and informed guidance rather than
deep technical expertise. That's much more approachable for most educators,
and it makes sense what are the core competencies for
this faculty led AI literacy?
Speaker 1 (08:20):
The brief lays out three key ones. First, interpretive skill,
the ability to evaluate AI output critically and contextually. This
is where discernment comes in, really understanding what you're looking at.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
So not just taking AI output at face value, but
asking is this reliable? Is it accurate for my context exactly?
Speaker 1 (08:43):
The second is ethical awareness, knowing when and how AI
use aligns with institutional values. This is crucial for maintaining
academic integrity and fostering a responsible learning environment.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
That's huge because ethical guidelines around AI are still evolving
and institutions need to define what's acceptable and what's not,
and faculty need to embody that precisely.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
And the third competency is pedagogical creativity, designing learning that
uses AI to extend human curiosity and inclusion. This is
where educators become true innovators, leveraging AI to create richer,
more engaging, and more equitable learning experiences.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
I love that it's about using AI to spark curiosity,
to differentiate learning, to make education more accessible for everyone.
It's not just using AI, it's using AI creatively and
thoughtfully for learning outcomes.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
Yes, absolutely. The brief concludes that higher education's AI future
will rise or fall on these capabilities. The institutions leading
the charge are those investing not in more tools, but
in more trust. Equipping educators to model, discern, design, fairness,
and drive equitable innovation. Betting on faculty led AI literacy
(10:06):
truly means investing in educators as the architects of trust, autonomy,
and transformation.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
That's such a powerful takeaway, Lynn, It shifts the focus
from AI is coming, what do we do to how
do we empower our most valuable asset, our educators, to
harness AI for good. It's about building confidence before capacity,
giving them the time, the training, and the trust to
really shape this technology.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Couldn't agree more. It's all about making meaningful choices for
a more fulfilling future in education. This week, let's remember
that every great change starts with a single step. We're
building confidence, equipping educators, and shaping technology to truly serve learning.
So keep thriving everyone, and remember what I always say,
(10:55):
Life happens for you, not to you to live your purpose.
Uill next time.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Thank you, Lynn. That's a perfect way to end a
huge thank you to all our listeners. For joining us
today on this deep dive into AI and higher education.
We hope this conversation sparks some ideas and encouragement for
your own institutions and learning journeys. Keep engaging, keep learning,
and we'll catch you on the next episode.
Welcome to Inspiration Moments. I'm your host, coach Lynn Austin.
Today Angelina and I are diving deeper into something that's
really shaking up the world of higher education, artificial intelligence.
And I'm not talking about just tinkering around the edges anymore.
We're well beyond that, aren't we.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Absolutely, Lynn, It's such a timely topic. For so long,
the conversation felt like it was all about the what
if or how do we stop cheating? But the brief
makes it so clear that the new frontier isn't just
about adding more tech. It's about building comprehensive systems that
actually expand human learning and crucially close those persistent gaps
(00:57):
and opportunity. That's a huge shift.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
It really is. The brief points out that colleges and
universities are no longer just tinkering with tools. They're strategically
aligning their pedagogy, their policies, and their core purpose to
make AI a genuine enabler of equity and access. That's
a much more intentional approach, exactly, and it's happening across
(01:24):
the board.
Speaker 2 (01:24):
From large public systems to major research institutions. Leaders are
embedding AI tutoring creating ethics frameworks, and integrating data in
formed teaching right into the heart of their academic missions.
The pattern is so clear. The institutions advancing fastest are
the ones grounding AI innovation in human centered values, things
(01:47):
like equity, ethics, and truly empowering educators.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
That phrase human centered values really resonates with me. It's
not about replacing humans, it's about amplifying what we do.
And we've got some fantastic examples in the brief. Starting
with California's community colleges, this is huge system wide AI tutoring.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Oh, this is a game changer. In California's one hundred
and sixteen community colleges are launching a unified twenty four
to seven AI tutoring program through Necktear. We're talking free
academic support for over a million students. Think about the
implications for access right there, twenty for seven free. That
(02:32):
just levels the playing field so much for students who
might not have had those resources before.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Right, and it's not just a generic chatbot. The details
say it uses course aligned prompts, personalized study planning, and
faculty dashboards that reveal student misconceptions early, so instructors can
actually tailor interventions before students even fall behind. It's integrated
(02:58):
with their LMS holistic approach.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
That's the key. Holistic. It's not just about providing an answer,
it's about providing support that's truly integrated into the learning
process and those faculty dashboards that empowers instructors to be proactive,
which I think is a huge step forward for student success.
It transforms AI from a convenience into a catalyst for
(03:23):
educational justice, just like the brief says.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Exactly, it's a model for how public systems can use
technology to keep access and affordability at the core of
student success. And speaking of student success, the brief also
highlights a fascinating study about adult learners and chat GPT.
This really reframes how we might think about AI from
(03:49):
the student perspective.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
Oh Lynn's study on adult learners is brilliant. It looks
at how they use chat GPT to strengthen self regulation, persistence,
and reflective learn learning. The participants actually described AI as
a study partner that improved their discipline and confidence, especially
when guided by structured prompts. This isn't about cheating, It's
(04:11):
about empowerment.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
A studied partner. I love that it completely shifts the
narrative from AI as a shortcut to AI as a
tool for deeper engagement and faculty who implemented reflective AI
exercises saw increased motivation and engagement without losing that crucial
instructional connection. That's vital, right. We don't want to lose
(04:36):
that human element.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Not at all. This research really underscores that when used intentionally,
AI can support learner autonomy and critical thinking, which are
core principles of adult learning or androgogy for educators. It
offers evidence that guided AI use can genuinely deepen learning
without diminishing academic rigor. It's about designing smart assignments, not
(05:00):
just banning AI.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
That's a perfect segue into the policy and governance section
of the brief, which really tackles this idea of academic
rigor head on. TVSA, Australia's higher education regulator, has a
strong message here. They caution that chasing AI detection tools
is a dead end.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Oh thank goodness someone said it. I think so many
institutions were caught in that trap of how do we
catch them? But TVSA is spot on. Instead, they encourage
assessment redesign that elevates reasoning and originality through things like
oral defenses, project iterations, and reflection. That's where the real
(05:42):
learning happens.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Anyway, Exactly, it's about rewarding process, not just perfection, and
ensuring fairness across student populations. It acknowledges that AI is
here and we need to adapt our teaching and assessment
methods rather than fighting an unwinning battle against.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Technology, and that ties into another point in the brief.
The systematic review of one hundred and thirty eight studies
on AI and higher ed it showed that AI applications
have diversified rapidly from tutoring and analytics to academic advising.
But the authors warn that without ethical oversight and equitable implementation,
(06:22):
innovation risks deepening existing inequalities.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
That's a crucial point, Angelina. The technology itself isn't inherently
good or bad. It's how we design and implement it
that matters. We have to be mindful of those ethical
considerations from the very beginning, especially concerning bias and accessibility.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Absolutely, it's not just about what AI can do, but
what it should do and for whom. And on that note,
the brief mentions the GENAI learning ecology framework. This is
about programs, research and infrastructure right.
Speaker 1 (06:57):
Yes, the GENAI well Framework for adult education. It maps
how instructors, learners, and systems collaborate in AI enhanced environments.
And what's really important is that it prioritizes equity, inclusion,
and digital fluency. It's all about ensuring that generative AI
(07:17):
augments human teaching rather than replacing it. It's that augmentation
piece that's key.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Augmentation not replacement. That's a great mantra, and it brings
us back to the core of what the brief emphasizes
the role of the educator. It talks about betting on
faculty led AI literacy. What exactly does that mean.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
It means shifting the focus. It's not about faculty mastering
code or model training. It's about mastering interpretation. It's understanding
what large language models can and cannot do, recognizing their limitations,
identifying bias or hallucination, and using that awareness to guide
(08:00):
students ethically. It's a different kind of literacy, you know,
I see.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
So it's about critical engagement and informed guidance rather than
deep technical expertise. That's much more approachable for most educators,
and it makes sense what are the core competencies for
this faculty led AI literacy?
Speaker 1 (08:20):
The brief lays out three key ones. First, interpretive skill,
the ability to evaluate AI output critically and contextually. This
is where discernment comes in, really understanding what you're looking at.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
So not just taking AI output at face value, but
asking is this reliable? Is it accurate for my context exactly?
Speaker 1 (08:43):
The second is ethical awareness, knowing when and how AI
use aligns with institutional values. This is crucial for maintaining
academic integrity and fostering a responsible learning environment.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
That's huge because ethical guidelines around AI are still evolving
and institutions need to define what's acceptable and what's not,
and faculty need to embody that precisely.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
And the third competency is pedagogical creativity, designing learning that
uses AI to extend human curiosity and inclusion. This is
where educators become true innovators, leveraging AI to create richer,
more engaging, and more equitable learning experiences.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
I love that it's about using AI to spark curiosity,
to differentiate learning, to make education more accessible for everyone.
It's not just using AI, it's using AI creatively and
thoughtfully for learning outcomes.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
Yes, absolutely. The brief concludes that higher education's AI future
will rise or fall on these capabilities. The institutions leading
the charge are those investing not in more tools, but
in more trust. Equipping educators to model, discern, design, fairness,
and drive equitable innovation. Betting on faculty led AI literacy
(10:06):
truly means investing in educators as the architects of trust, autonomy,
and transformation.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
That's such a powerful takeaway, Lynn, It shifts the focus
from AI is coming, what do we do to how
do we empower our most valuable asset, our educators, to
harness AI for good. It's about building confidence before capacity,
giving them the time, the training, and the trust to
really shape this technology.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Couldn't agree more. It's all about making meaningful choices for
a more fulfilling future in education. This week, let's remember
that every great change starts with a single step. We're
building confidence, equipping educators, and shaping technology to truly serve learning.
So keep thriving everyone, and remember what I always say,
(10:55):
Life happens for you, not to you to live your purpose.
Uill next time.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Thank you, Lynn. That's a perfect way to end a
huge thank you to all our listeners. For joining us
today on this deep dive into AI and higher education.
We hope this conversation sparks some ideas and encouragement for
your own institutions and learning journeys. Keep engaging, keep learning,
and we'll catch you on the next episode.
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