Episode Description

Join Craig and Rob for the very first live stream of AI Goes to College, recorded at the International Conference on Information Systems Education Research Workshop. In this special episode, we explore how generative AI is fundamentally changing knowledge work, starting with our own field of Information Systems as the "canary in the coal mine."

Craig shares his surprising experience with vibe coding—creating deployable web applications and productivity tools in hours rather than days—and explains why this signals a massive shift coming for all knowledge workers. We also tackle the troubling trend of students using AI to avoid productive learning friction, discuss the dark side of AI monetization and data privacy, and wrestle with difficult questions about AI companionship in an increasingly lonely society.

This conversation moves beyond the hype to examine both the genuine opportunities and serious concerns that educators and technologists need to grapple with as AI becomes embedded in every aspect of work and learning.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Welcome and introduction to the live format
Rob's surprising AI use case: Students creating machine-voiced presentations to avoid public speaking
Craig introduces vibe coding and creating deployable apps in minutes
Information Systems as the "canary in the coal mine" for knowledge work disruption
When vibe coding works (and when it doesn't): Simple vs. enterprise applications
The 50% principle: "50% is greater than 100%"
How AI changes systems analysis and prototyping
The job market reality: Entry-level positions disappearing
What should we be teaching students now?
Privacy concerns and institutional AI tools
The monetization problem: When AI platforms need to make money
AI companionship and mental health concerns
Using AI for 24/7 policy questions and course support
Should we accept AI as a solution to technology-created loneliness?

Key Insights

The 50% Principle: Stop trying to get AI to do 100% of a task. Instead, focus on tools that save you half the effort—that's where the real value lies.

Vibe Coding Reality: It's not for enterprise-scale applications, but it's revolutionary for rapid prototyping and creating simple, personal productivity tools without needing current coding skills.

Productive Friction: Students are increasingly using AI to avoid uncomfortable but necessary learning experiences, like public speaking, removing the "friction points" that actually drive growth.

The IS Canary: Information Systems professionals are experiencing AI disruption first, but similar transformations are coming for accounting, finance, law, and virtually all knowledge work.

Privacy Warning: As AI companies struggle to monetize, expect increased data harvesting and advertising. Consider running local models for sensitive work.

Resources Mentioned

AI Goes to College website: aigostocollege.com
LM Studio: Tool for running large language models locally
Claude Code, Codex, Anti Gravity: Professional coding environments mentioned
Meta's LLAMA: Open-source AI model (though future releases uncertain)

Credits

Hosts: Craig Van Slyke and Rob Crossler

Audio: Hazel Crossler

Sponsored by: Association for Information Systems Special Interest Group on Education (SIG ED) https://ais-siged.org/

Event: International Conference on Information Systems Education Research Workshop

Special thanks...

Building Resilience in the AI Era: What Faculty Need to Know (Live from ICISER)

AI Goes to College