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About the Episode
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About the Episode:
What does it actually look like to teach with AI — and teach about it — in higher ed today? In this episode, Dustin chats with Dr. Evan Kropp, Executive Director of Distance Education at the University of Florida, about how AI is transforming course design, assessment strategies, and the student experience. Dr. Kropp offers practical examples and powerful insights on how institutions can embrace AI ethically, equitably, and intentionally.
Why Should We Teach With and About AI?
Dr. Evan Kropp emphasizes a dual imperative for today’s educators: teach with AI to improve instructional effectiveness and teach about AI to foster critical digital literacy. As AI tools become more prevalent, students need to understand not just how to use them, but how to think about them—ethically, strategically, and contextually. Higher ed institutions have a responsibility to prepare students for an AI-enhanced workforce, and that starts in the classroom.
This isn’t just about adopting flashy ed tech tools—it’s about building frameworks that help students critically engage with the tools shaping their world. As Dr. Kropp notes, AI is now part of the academic and professional landscape, and higher education must rise to the challenge of embedding it across both pedagogy and curriculum.
By creating space for both instruction about AI and instruction using AI, educators can create more dynamic learning environments and empower students to be thoughtful, informed users of technology.
How Can AI Make Teaching More Effective?
AI isn’t here to replace professors—it’s here to help them work smarter. Dr. Kropp outlines ways AI can make teaching more efficient, from automating administrative tasks like grading and feedback to enhancing classroom interactivity through AI-powered platforms. These tools free up valuable time for faculty to focus on higher-order instructional goals, including mentorship, critical thinking, and student engagement.
Moreover, incorporating AI into the teaching process allows students to experience the technology firsthand. Faculty can demonstrate real use cases in coursework, model responsible AI practices, and create opportunities for students to explore AI in their field of study. This dual exposure—seeing AI in action while learning about its impact—is a win-win.
Ultimately, using AI in instruction doesn’t just improve outcomes—it helps educators demonstrate the kind of digital fluency that students will need in the real world. It’s a student success strategy that prepares learners for life beyond graduation.
Why Is AI Literacy Important Across All Disciplines?
While Dr. Kropp comes from a journalism and communication background, he underscores a key point: AI literacy is not just for tech majors. Whether you’re in business, healthcare, the arts, or education, AI is shaping how industries operate—and students must be prepared to navigate these shifts.
In fields like journalism, AI is already being used to draft content, analyze audience data, and support editorial decisions. In healthcare, AI tools assist with diagnostics and patient care. In marketing, AI is central to data analytics, audience targeting, and campaign automation. The implications are wide-reaching and demand thoughtful discussion in every classroom.
By embedding AI topics into course content across departments, colleges and universities can better prepare students to be ethical, effective contributors in a rapidly changing workforce. AI shouldn’t be siloed in computer science—it should be integrated into general education and major-specific learning outcomes alike.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek 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 Generation AI.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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