Unfixed is a podcast for anyone interested in how generative AI is transforming higher education, from teachers and administrators to students and curious learners. Hosted by the faculty behind the blog Melts into Air, it offers candid reflections on a university system in flux, where even the mission of higher ed is up for debate.
Hosts: Nik Janos and Zach Justus
Producer and Editor: Jamie Gunderson
Ep. 30 Preparing Teachers for the Age of AI with Jamie Gunderson
In this episode of Unfixed, Nik and Zach are joined by our producer and special education scholar Jamie Gunderson to explore how AI is reshaping teacher education and K-12 classrooms. Drawing from her work preparing future teachers and her expertise in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Jamie discusses the major gaps in AI training for educators, the challenges facing teachers already in the classroom, and the opportunities AI creates for accessibility and inclusion. The conversation examines what teacher preparation programs must rethink as AI becomes a permanent part of education. From critical AI literacy to equitable classroom design, this episode explores what it means to prepare teachers for an AI-shaped future.
In this episode of Unfixed, Nik and Zach are joined by our producer and special education scholar Jamie Gunderson to explore how AI is reshaping teacher education and K-12 classrooms. Drawing from her work preparing future teachers and her expertise in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Jamie discusses the major gaps in AI training for educators, the challenges facing teachers already in the classroom, and the opportunities AI creates for accessibility and inclusion. The conversation examines what teacher preparation programs must rethink as AI becomes a permanent part of education. From critical AI literacy to equitable classroom design, this episode explores what it means to prepare teachers for an AI-shaped future.
Aniya Greene-Santos, Does AI Have a Bias Problem?
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Subscribe to the Unfixed Newsletter—The AI Higher Ed Breakdown our bi-weekly newsletter unpacking the top news stories at the intersection of AI and higher education.
Ep. 29 What Higher Ed Gets Wrong About AI and Critical Thinking with Inara Scott
In this episode of Unfixed, Nik and Zach sit down with Inara Scott, a leading expert on AI strategy and innovation in higher education, to examine why the conversation around AI may be moving backward instead of forward. They explore faculty resistance, the limits of AI bans and opt-out policies, and the widespread concern that generative AI is eroding students’ critical thinking. Inara introduces her “AI Cognitive Pyramid” as a new framework for understanding where meaningful thinking actually happens in AI-integrated learning. The discussion reframes what it means to take AI seriously in teaching, learning, and institutional strategy.
In this episode of Unfixed, Nik and Zach sit down with Inara Scott, a leading expert on AI strategy and innovation in higher education, to examine why the conversation around AI may be moving backward instead of forward. They explore faculty resistance, the limits of AI bans and opt-out policies, and the widespread concern that generative AI is eroding students’ critical thinking. Inara introduces her “AI Cognitive Pyramid” as a new framework for understanding where meaningful thinking actually happens in AI-integrated learning. The discussion reframes what it means to take AI seriously in teaching, learning, and institutional strategy.
Inara Scott at Oregon State University
Nik Janos, AI Is Not Antithetical to Human Intelligence: What The Guardian gets wrong
Unfixed Ep. 26 From Grief to Action
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Subscribe to the Unfixed Newsletter—The AI Higher Ed Breakdown our bi-weekly newsletter unpacking the top news stories at the intersection of AI and higher education.
Ep. 28 AI Retrofit Workshops: Redesigning Teaching for the Age of AI
In this episode of Unfixed, we unpack what it actually means to run AI retrofit workshops—where faculty redesign assignments and learning outcomes for a world shaped by generative AI. Rather than hype or quick fixes, this work starts from disruption: courses no longer behave as intended, and instructors are left to figure out what still holds. We explore the emotional and intellectual reality faculty face, and why time, structure, and trust—not tools—are the real interventions. Retrofit emerges not as innovation, but as necessary maintenance for teaching that still has to function.
In this episode of Unfixed, we unpack what it actually means to run AI retrofit workshops—where faculty redesign assignments and learning outcomes for a world shaped by generative AI. Rather than hype or quick fixes, this work starts from disruption: courses no longer behave as intended, and instructors are left to figure out what still holds. We explore the emotional and intellectual reality faculty face, and why time, structure, and trust—not tools—are the real interventions. Retrofit emerges not as innovation, but as necessary maintenance for teaching that still has to function.
Different Approaches to AI and Faculty Learning
AI Is Not Antithetical to Human Intelligence: What The Guardian gets wrong
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Subscribe to the Unfixed Newsletter—The AI Higher Ed Breakdown our bi-weekly newsletter unpacking the top news stories at the intersection of AI and higher education.
Ep. 27 The Future of Higher Education with Nick Dirks
In this episode of Unfixed, we talk with Nicholas (Nick) Dirks, President and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences and former Chancellor of UC Berkeley, about what AI really means for the future of higher education. Rather than treating generative AI as just another technological shift, Dirks helps us unpack where institutions may be misreading the moment—and what a serious response could look like. We explore the growing pressures on universities, from legitimacy and funding to enrollment and disruption, and what role they should play in a rapidly changing world. The conversation ultimately asks a bigger question: what is the university actually for in the decades ahead?
In this episode of Unfixed, we talk with Nicholas (Nick) Dirks, President and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences and former Chancellor of UC Berkeley, about what AI really means for the future of higher education. Rather than treating generative AI as just another technological shift, Dirks helps us unpack where institutions may be misreading the moment—and what a serious response could look like. We explore the growing pressures on universities, from legitimacy and funding to enrollment and disruption, and what role they should play in a rapidly changing world. The conversation ultimately asks a bigger question: what is the university actually for in the decades ahead?
Nick @ The New York Academy of Sciences
The New York Academy of Sciences
Justus and Janos, No, the Pre-AI Era Was Not That Great, IHE
Janos, Builders: Designing the Post-AI University
Justus, Elites Are Distorting the AI Discourse
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Subscribe to the Unfixed Newsletter—The AI Higher Ed Breakdown our bi-weekly newsletter unpacking the top news stories at the intersection of AI and higher education.
Ep. 26 From Grief to Action: How Instructional Designers Are Leading AI Change
In this episode of Unfixed, we sit down with William Hardaway and Jason McGensy from CSU Fresno to explore how institutions are actually implementing AI in higher education. The conversation moves from the practical—faculty training, instructional design, and scaling AI initiatives—to the emotional, including the idea of “grief” as faculty confront rapid technological change. We also examine how this work connects to broader efforts around equity and institutional transformation. The episode closes by interrogating the limits of using therapeutic metaphors to understand AI adoption in academia.
In this episode of Unfixed, we sit down with William Hardaway and Jason McGensy from CSU Fresno to explore how institutions are actually implementing AI in higher education. The conversation moves from the practical—faculty training, instructional design, and scaling AI initiatives—to the emotional, including the idea of “grief” as faculty confront rapid technological change. We also examine how this work connects to broader efforts around equity and institutional transformation. The episode closes by interrogating the limits of using therapeutic metaphors to understand AI adoption in academia.
Report on our Academic Affairs Staff AI Community of Practice
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Subscribe to the Unfixed Newsletter—The AI Higher Ed Breakdown our bi-weekly newsletter unpacking the top news stories at the intersection of AI and higher education.
Ep. 25 Are Asynchronous Online Classes Broken?
Asynchronous online courses have become a cornerstone—and a cash engine—of modern higher education, but in the age of AI, the model is starting to crack. In this episode, we unpack how large-scale, low-touch online classes create fragile conditions for trust, especially as generative AI makes it easier than ever for students to outsource their thinking. We explore the growing tension between institutional incentives to scale enrollment and the reality of eroding learning quality, faculty burnout, and widespread uncertainty about what student work actually represents. Drawing on firsthand teaching experience, we examine how instructors are adapting and where those efforts fall short. The result is a stark question: can asynchronous education be rebuilt for the AI era, or are we sustaining a system we no longer fully believe in?
Asynchronous online courses have become a cornerstone—and a cash engine—of modern higher education, but in the age of AI, the model is starting to crack. In this episode, we unpack how large-scale, low-touch online classes create fragile conditions for trust, especially as generative AI makes it easier than ever for students to outsource their thinking. We explore the growing tension between institutional incentives to scale enrollment and the reality of eroding learning quality, faculty burnout, and widespread uncertainty about what student work actually represents. Drawing on firsthand teaching experience, we examine how instructors are adapting and where those efforts fall short. The result is a stark question: can asynchronous education be rebuilt for the AI era, or are we sustaining a system we no longer fully believe in?
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Subscribe to the Unfixed Newsletter—The AI Higher Ed Breakdown our bi-weekly newsletter unpacking the top news stories at the intersection of AI and higher education.
Ep. 24 Teaching Writing in the Age of AI With Stephanie Tran and Tamara Tate
Generative AI is transforming how students write and how professors teach writing. In this episode of Unfixed, we’re joined by Stephanie Tran (Cypress College) and Tamara Tate (UC Irvine Digital Learning Lab) to explore what AI means for composition, academic writing, and digital literacy in higher education. Together, we examine the scale of the challenge facing writing instructors as AI models become increasingly proficient at generating polished text. What does “writing” mean across disciplines? And how can educators integrate AI into writing instruction without offloading the essential cognitive work that writing is meant to develop? Stephanie shares her work leading district-wide faculty development on equitable and human-centered AI practices. Tamara discusses her leadership at UC Irvine’s Digital Learning Lab and her experience developing AI-based writing tools designed to support — not replace — student skill building.
Generative AI is transforming how students write and how professors teach writing. In this episode of Unfixed, we’re joined by Stephanie Tran (Cypress College) and Tamara Tate (UC Irvine Digital Learning Lab) to explore what AI means for composition, academic writing, and digital literacy in higher education. Together, we examine the scale of the challenge facing writing instructors as AI models become increasingly proficient at generating polished text. What does “writing” mean across disciplines? And how can educators integrate AI into writing instruction without offloading the essential cognitive work that writing is meant to develop? Stephanie shares her work leading district-wide faculty development on equitable and human-centered AI practices. Tamara discusses her leadership at UC Irvine’s Digital Learning Lab and her experience developing AI-based writing tools designed to support — not replace — student skill building.
UC Irvine Digital Learning Lab
PapyrusAI Resources, “Starting to use PapyrusAI or generative AI for writing?”
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Subscribe to the Unfixed Newsletter—The AI Higher Ed Breakdown our bi-weekly newsletter unpacking the top news stories at the intersection of AI and higher education.
Ep. 23 Under Pressure: AI, Earnings Tests, and the New Squeeze on Higher Ed
Higher education is facing two converging pressures: generative AI disrupting early-career labor markets and new federal “earnings test” accountability rules tying program viability to graduate income. In this episode of Unfixed, we examine how AI is thinning entry-level work, why mid-tier public universities may be especially exposed, and how federal accountability metrics could amplify wage suppression caused by automation. Drawing on reporting from Jeffrey Selingo, PBS NewsHour, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and U.S. Department of Education materials, we explore why GenAI and federal regulation are no longer separate stories. We close by asking what university leaders, faculty, and systems—especially in California—should do before signaling effects and enrollment shocks reshape the sector.
Higher education is facing two converging pressures: generative AI disrupting early-career labor markets and new federal “earnings test” accountability rules tying program viability to graduate income. In this episode of Unfixed, we examine how AI is thinning entry-level work, why mid-tier public universities may be especially exposed, and how federal accountability metrics could amplify wage suppression caused by automation. Drawing on reporting from Jeffrey Selingo, PBS NewsHour, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and U.S. Department of Education materials, we explore why GenAI and federal regulation are no longer separate stories. We close by asking what university leaders, faculty, and systems—especially in California—should do before signaling effects and enrollment shocks reshape the sector.
Jeffrey Selingo, New York Magazine / Intelligencer, What Is College For in the Age of AI?
PBS NewsHour, How AI may be robbing new college graduates of traditional entry-level jobs
U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education Reaches Consensus on Historic New Accountability Framework
Brian O’Leary, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Colleges Face a New Test on Their Grads’ Earnings. These Programs Fail It. (Note: Paywalled)
California State University, Strategic Planning for the CSU (CSU Forward)
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Ep. 22 Building AI Capacity in Public Higher Ed with James Frazee
In this episode of Unfixed, we’re joined by Dr. James Frazee, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at San Diego State University, to unpack how large public universities are navigating AI strategy, governance, and equity at scale. As a nationally recognized leader in AI and data-informed decision-making, Frazee shares insights from spearheading SDSU’s AI and digital transformation survey—an effort that has since been adopted systemwide across the California State University system.
In this episode of Unfixed, we’re joined by Dr. James Frazee, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at San Diego State University, to unpack how large public universities are navigating AI strategy, governance, and equity at scale. As a nationally recognized leader in AI and data-informed decision-making, Frazee shares insights from spearheading SDSU’s AI and digital transformation survey—an effort that has since been adopted systemwide across the California State University system.
SDSU Statement on Generative AI (GenAI) Privacy
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing atmeltsintoair.org
Ep. 21 Unfixed Newswire, winter 2026 AI stories shaping higher education
In this episode of Unfixed Newswire, Nik and Zach break down the most consequential—and occasionally absurd—AI news. The conversation spans OpenAI’s push toward ads and potential NSFW content; the relentless churn of new AI models like Gemini 3 and GPT-5.x; and why tools like Claude Code and Claude Cowork may signal a real shift toward AI agents as co-workers. They also interrogate the current AI investment bubble, unpack why enterprise tools like Google Gemini’s Canvas integration may matter more than headline-grabbing launches, and close with some deliberately irresponsible speculation about humanoid robots.
In this episode of Unfixed Newswire, Nik and Zach break down the most consequential—and occasionally absurd—AI news. The conversation spans OpenAI’s push toward ads and potential NSFW content; the relentless churn of new AI models like Gemini 3 and GPT-5.x; and why tools like Claude Code and Claude Cowork may signal a real shift toward AI agents as co-workers. They also interrogate the current AI investment bubble, unpack why enterprise tools like Google Gemini’s Canvas integration may matter more than headline-grabbing launches, and close with some deliberately irresponsible speculation about humanoid robots.
OpenAI begins piloting advertisements
AI Daily Brief, January 19, 2026, How to Make ChatGPT Ads Not Suck
The Verge,ChatGPT’s ‘adult mode’ is expected to debut in Q1 2026, https://www.theverge.com/news/842657/openai-chatgpt-adult-mode-debut-q1-2026
The Crimson, 1994, Porn on the internet!
Humai, GPT-5.2 vs Claude Opus 4.5 vs Gemini 3 Pro: The Complete Comparison
The AI Daily Brief, January 13 2026, Claude Cowork is Claude Code for everyone else
Wired, Anthropic’s Claude Cowork Is an AI Agent That Actually Works
Instructure, Unleash the Power of AI in Canvas with Gemini LTI™
Marques Bownlee (MKBHD) on the problem with NEO the robot
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Ep. 20 Make College Great Again? Nostalgia, AI, and Academic Anxiety
In this episode of Unfixed, Nik and Zach take on a difficult but necessary conversation about nostalgia in higher education. Using real media headlines, faculty experiences, and their own teaching histories, they explore how AI panic taps into a deeper longing for a pre-pandemic, pre-ChatGPT past that may never have been as stable as we remember. The discussion unpacks what nostalgia is, why it’s so powerful right now, and how scapegoating AI can obscure long-standing challenges around reading, writing, and motivation. Rather than a call to “go back,” this episode walks the line between insight and wake-up—arguing that AI often reveals what’s already broken and, in some cases, opens space to fix it.
In this episode of Unfixed, Nik and Zach take on a difficult but necessary conversation about nostalgia in higher education. Using real media headlines, faculty experiences, and their own teaching histories, they explore how AI panic taps into a deeper longing for a pre-pandemic, pre-ChatGPT past that may never have been as stable as we remember. The discussion unpacks what nostalgia is, why it’s so powerful right now, and how scapegoating AI can obscure long-standing challenges around reading, writing, and motivation. Rather than a call to “go back,” this episode walks the line between insight and wake-up—arguing that AI often reveals what’s already broken and, in some cases, opens space to fix it.
Zach Justus and Nik Janos, Inside Higher Ed, No, the Pre-AI Era Was Not That Great
Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, What Happens after A.I. Destroys College Writing
New York Magazine, Everyone Is Cheating Their Way Through College
Lindsay McKenzie, 2018, Inside Higher Ed, Learning Tool or Cheating Aid?
Raphael, The School of Athens
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Ep. 19 AI in Higher Ed Year in Review (2025)
Nik and Zach review the best and worst of AI in higher ed for 2025. AI and Higher Education: 2025 We unpack the collapse of AI detection, the rise of system-wide AI partnerships like CSU and OpenAI, uneven assessment redesign, growing faculty stratification, and mounting concern that generative AI is hollowing out entry-level knowledge-work jobs. The episode closes by looking ahead to 2026, including model updates, political backlash, environmental impacts, and what higher education faces if the AI bubble bursts.
Nik and Zach review the best and worst of AI in higher ed for 2025. AI and Higher Education: 2025 We unpack the collapse of AI detection, the rise of system-wide AI partnerships like CSU and OpenAI, uneven assessment redesign, growing faculty stratification, and mounting concern that generative AI is hollowing out entry-level knowledge-work jobs. The episode closes by looking ahead to 2026, including model updates, political backlash, environmental impacts, and what higher education faces if the AI bubble bursts.
Nik and Zach’s top five of the year:
Zach Justus, That terrible “Everyone is cheating their way through college” essay
Nik Janos, The Assistant for the Rest of Us
Nik Janos, Builders: Designing the Post-AI University
Zach Justus and Nik Janos, No, The Pre-AI Era Wasn’t that Great (Inside Higher Ed)
Zach Justus and Nik Janos, Why professors are more important than ever in the AI era (EdSource)
Mentioned:
Experts Weigh In on “Everyone” Cheating in College (Inside Higher Ed, May 20, 2025)
Unfixed episode 16: Inside the CSU-OpenAI Partnership
CSU, OpenAI roll out ChatGPT Edu to California college students (Axios, Feb 4, 2025)
OpenAI targets higher education with ChatGPT rollout at CSU (Reuters, Feb 4, 2025)
2025 EDUCAUSE AI Landscape Study: Into the Digital AI Divide (EDUCAUSE, Feb 2025)
AI is Destroying the University and Learning Itself (Current Affairs, Dec 2025)
These Students Use AI a Lot — but Not to Cheat (The Chronicle of Higher Education, 2025)
How AI Is Changing—Not ‘Killing’—College (Inside Higher Ed, Aug 29, 2025)
2025 AI Index Report (Stanford HAI, 2025)
How to Think of AI in Education (MIT Open Learning, July 2025)
Unfixed episode 11: AGI and the Future of Higher Ed: talking with Ray Schoeder
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Ep. 18 Parenting and Teaching in an AI World: Guidance from Child Development Scholar Shelley Hart
Dr. Shelley Hart joins Nik and Zach to explore how children and adolescents are forming relationships with generative AI. We discuss what “too young” means in an AI-saturated world, and how parents, teachers, and caregivers can responsibly shape norms, boundaries, and ethics around AI use. Drawing on her expertise in child development, Dr. Hart offers practical insights for guiding kids through emerging technologies.
Dr. Shelley Hart joins Nik and Zach to explore how children and adolescents are forming relationships with generative AI. We discuss what “too young” means in an AI-saturated world, and how parents, teachers, and caregivers can responsibly shape norms, boundaries, and ethics around AI use. Drawing on her expertise in child development, Dr. Hart offers practical insights for guiding kids through emerging technologies.
Nik Janos, Typing, Talking, Googling: Seeing the AI-first generation
Todd Feathers, Wired, Parents Fell in Love with Alpha School’s Promise then They Wanted Out
UC Irvine study, California Parents Report their Fears and Hopes for AI
Michael Connelly’s novel The Proving Ground
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Ep. 17 AI has gone MAGA and What it means for higher education
In this episode, Nik and Zach unpack how Trump’s alignment with AI labs, deregulation, and political culture wars collide with higher education. With weak federal guidance, states—and universities—are left to chart their own AI futures.
In this episode, Nik and Zach unpack how Trump’s alignment with AI labs, deregulation, and political culture wars collide with higher education. With weak federal guidance, states—and universities—are left to chart their own AI futures.
Zach Justus and Nik Janos, Inside Higher Ed, AI Has Gone MAGA
Mohar Chatterjee, Politico, AI is Opening a MAGA-Trump Split
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Ep. 16 Inside the CSU–OpenAI Partnership
California State University leaders Emily Magruder and Leslie Kennedy join Unfixed to discuss how the CSU–OpenAI partnership is reshaping conversations about teaching, technology, and faculty work. They share lessons from system-level innovation, union tensions, and the future of AI in higher education.
California State University leaders Emily Magruder and Leslie Kennedy join Unfixed to discuss how the CSU–OpenAI partnership is reshaping conversations about teaching, technology, and faculty work. They share lessons from system-level innovation, union tensions, and the future of AI in higher education.
Nik Janos, Melts into Air, Thoughts on the first AI-powered university
Julie Bajaras, LAist, Inside Cal State's big $17 million bet on ChatGPT for all
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing atmeltsintoair.org
Ep. 15 Bridging the Gaps: AI, EdTech and Consulting with Brett Christie
Alchemy Learning’s Brett Christie joins us to unpack real gaps on campus—tools, culture, and strategy—and how partners can help. We discuss “build vs. buy” to faculty buy-in and smart governance and explore how Universal Design for Learning is as important as ever in the AI age.
Alchemy Learning’s Brett Christie joins us to unpack real gaps on campus—tools, culture, and strategy—and how partners can help. We discuss “build vs. buy” to faculty buy-in and smart governance and explore how Universal Design for Learning is as important as ever in the AI age.
Zach Justus on Melts into Air, “AI Is Making Edtech Pricier”
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing atmeltsintoair.org
Ep. 14 Hello Agent Smith: AI Agents in Higher Education
In this episode of Unfixed, Nik and Zach explore the rise of AI agents—autonomous, goal-driven systems that can research, plan, and even collaborate with learners. From inbox triage and coding prototypes to the not-yet-ready world of full computer control, they unpack where agents are already useful on campus and where hype outpaces reality. The conversation turns to higher ed implications: assessment, advising, operations, and governance. Tune in for a clear look at how AI agents are reshaping student learning, faculty work, and the future of universities.
In this episode of Unfixed, Nik and Zach explore the rise of AI agents—autonomous, goal-driven systems that can research, plan, and even collaborate with learners. From inbox triage and coding prototypes to the not-yet-ready world of full computer control, they unpack where agents are already useful on campus and where hype outpaces reality. The conversation turns to higher ed implications: assessment, advising, operations, and governance. Tune in for a clear look at how AI agents are reshaping student learning, faculty work, and the future of universities.
Note: Dear listener please forgive the substandard audio. We had a technical malfunction during the recording of this episode.
Google Cloud. “What are AI agents? Definition, examples, and types.”
Nik Janos, Melts into Air, The Assistant for the Rest of Us
Unfixed Podcast, AGI and the Future of Higher Education with Ray Schroeder
Hard Fork, A.I. School Is in Session: Two Takes on the Future of Education.
Zach Justus, Melts into Air, AI Is Making Edtech Pricier—and In-House Builds Plausible Again
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Ep. 13 The Enforcement Illusion: Why AI Use Policies Are Obsolete
In this episode of Unfixed, Nik and Zach unpack the “enforcement illusion” behind AI use policies in higher education. From the impossibility of a true “no-AI” classroom to the cultural gap between faculty and students, they argue why cultivating dispositions, transparency, and dialogue offers a more meaningful path than rigid rules in the age of generative AI.
In this episode of Unfixed, Nik and Zach unpack the “enforcement illusion” behind AI use policies in higher education. From the impossibility of a true “no-AI” classroom to the cultural gap between faculty and students, they argue why cultivating dispositions, transparency, and dialogue offers a more meaningful path than rigid rules in the age of generative AI.
Note: Dear listener please forgive the substandard audio. We had a technical malfunction during the recording of this episode.
Zach Justus and Nik Janos, Inside Higher Ed, Your AI Policy is Already Obsolete
Nik Janos, Melts into Air, Tools and Brains: UX For Assignments
Zach Justus, Melts into Air, ChatGPT in a Writing Class
Zach Justus, Melts into Air, ChatGPT: A Classroom Update
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Ep. 12 Unfixed Newswire: Fall AI Stories Shaping Higher Education
Zach and Nik brings you the biggest AI-in-education headlines shaping higher ed this fall—from ChatGPT’s new Study Mode and Canvas integrations to Microsoft’s agents, Big Tech partnerships, and Grammarly’s AI grade oracle.
Instructure: Canvas ChatGPT integration
Reuters: Google Pledges Over $1 Billion for AI Training
Grammarly, What Grade Will I Get?
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org
Ep. 11 AGI and the Future of Higher Ed: Talking with Ray Schroeder
In this episode of Unfixed, we talk with Ray Schroeder—Senior Fellow at UPCEA and Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois Springfield—about Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and what it means for the future of higher education. While most of academia is still grappling with ChatGPT and basic AI tools, Schroeder is thinking ahead to AI agents, human displacement, and AGI’s existential implications for teaching, learning, and the university itself. We explore why AGI is so controversial, what institutions should be doing now to prepare, and how we can respond responsibly—even while we’re already overwhelmed.
In this episode of Unfixed, we talk with Ray Schroeder—Senior Fellow at UPCEA and Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois Springfield—about Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and what it means for the future of higher education. While most of academia is still grappling with ChatGPT and basic AI tools, Schroeder is thinking ahead to AI agents, human displacement, and AGI’s existential implications for teaching, learning, and the university itself. We explore why AGI is so controversial, what institutions should be doing now to prepare, and how we can respond responsibly—even while we’re already overwhelmed.
Ray Shroeder, Uncharted Territory: Artificial General Intelligence and Higher Ed
Ray Shroeder, Higher Education in 2025: AGI Agents to Displace People
Thoughts and suggestions? Email us at unfixed@meltsintoair.org
You can find the full show notes and our writing at meltsintoair.org