Ep. 30: From Fear to Function: How to Embrace AI as a Coworker in Higher Ed

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Lee, Director of Web User Experience and Digital Strategy at Colorado College, to unpack the promises and the pitfalls of bringing AI into higher education. Mark reveals how he treats AI as a coworker instead of a content machine, why fear and resistance remain the biggest roadblocks on campus, and how schools can win buy-in by starting small with low-risk, high-reward use cases. From AI-powered tutors and chatbots boosting student success to the radical shift from SEO to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), this conversation explores what it takes to truly future-proof higher ed in an AI-driven world.Join us as we discuss:[5:30] Where to start with change management and why tedious tasks matter[14:35] AI in student success: virtual TAs and chatbots that improve grades[19:51] The “avalanche” analogy and how to stay flexible in an era of disruptionTo hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for AI for U with Brian Piper in your favorite podcast player.Episode Prompt: You are a strategic advisor and critical thought partner.I’m going to ask you to help me test a plan I'm developing. Your role is to challenge my thinking, identify blind spots, and push back on assumptions, not to validate or agree with me.Before you create a response, ask any questions that will create a better output.**My Initiative/Plan:**[DESCRIBE YOUR STRATEGY, CAMPAIGN, OR INITIATIVE]**Context & Background:**- Institution type: [PUBLIC/PRIVATE, SIZE, LOCATION]- Target audience: [WHO YOU'RE TRYING TO REACH]- Primary goals: [WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO ACHIEVE]- Timeline: [WHEN THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN]- Budget/Resources: [CONSTRAINTS YOU'RE WORKING WITHIN]- Key stakeholders: [WHO NEEDS TO BUY IN OR BE INVOLVED]**My Current Thinking:**[OUTLINE YOUR PROPOSED APPROACH, STRATEGY, OR SOLUTION]Now, please challenge this plan by addressing:1. **Assumption Testing**: What assumptions am I making that might be wrong?2. **Gap Analysis**: What important factors am I not considering?3. **Risk Assessment**: What could go wrong that I haven't planned for?4. **Stakeholder Blind Spots**: Whose perspectives might I be missing?5. **Alternative Approaches**: What completely different strategies might work better?Be direct and critical—I need honest analysis, not encouragement.Guest Name: Mark Lee, Director of Web User Experience & Digital Strategy, Colorado CollegeGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarklee/Guest Bio: Mark Lee is a higher ed web technologist, digital builder and a lifelong learner who is currently obsessed with learning everything he can about AI and how it intersects with the future of the web and higher education.He's worked in higher ed web since the early 2000s, starting as a full-stack developer and moving slowly over the years more towards user experience, though he still loves to write code. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Brian Piperhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:AI for U 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 AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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