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.

Note: Dear listener please forgive the substandard audio. We had a technical malfunction during the recording of this episode.

World Economic Forum & Capgemini. Navigating the AI Frontier: A Primer on the Evolution and Impact of AI Agents

Google Cloud. “What are AI agents? Definition, examples, and types.”

Yan, L. (2025). From Passive Tool to Socio-cognitive Teammate: A Conceptual Framework for Agentic AI in Human-AI Collaborative Learning.

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

Nik Janos

Professor of Sociology at California State University, Chico.

https://nikjanos.org
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Ep. 13 The Enforcement Illusion: Why AI Use Policies Are Obsolete