Welcome to another episode of "AI Goes to College," where hosts Dr. Rob Crossler and Craig dive into the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in higher education. In this episode, they kick things off with a lighthearted look at the viral, AI-generated parody "Redneck Star Trek," using it as a springboard to discuss the rapidly advancing capabilities of AI video creation and what this means for both educators and students.

Rob and Craig explore the implications of AI tools making creative content more accessible, shaking up traditional teaching methods, and opening new doors for engagement. They unpack the excitement—and potential pitfalls—around trend topics like vibe coding, the “agentic layer,” governance concerns, and the phenomenon of “context rot” in AI conversations.

Along the way, the hosts share personal experiences with different AI platforms, discuss challenges in scaling AI within institutional systems, and highlight the need for critical thinking and strong oversight as universities start to embed AI more deeply into daily operations. Whether you’re a faculty member, student, or just AI-curious, this episode offers practical insights, food for thought, and a dose of humor for anyone navigating the intersection of technology and higher ed.

So grab your coffee (or sweet tea) and join Rob and Craig as they “go where no podcasters have gone before” in the world of collegiate AI!

Takeaways:

• The emergence of AI technologies presents unprecedented opportunities for students to create engaging content, thereby transforming traditional classroom dynamics.
• With AI-generated content, educators can offer varied media presentations, catering to diverse learning styles and enhancing student engagement.
• The recent advancements in AI tools have made it feasible for novices to produce high-quality content, which was previously the domain of experts alone.
• Concerns regarding AI-generated outputs necessitate critical evaluation to avoid potential misinformation and ensure educational integrity.

Links:

• Redneck Star Trek - Beam Me Up, Bubba: https://youtu.be/1eqYswiW4eo?si=XvwPdWGTbiSvx6FL
• The vibe coding hangover is upon us (Fast Company): https://www.fastcompany.com/91398622/the-vibe-coding-hangover-is-upon-us
• The Agentic Layer: Why the Middle of the Cake Matters in AI-Driven Delivery: https://cd.foundation/blog/2025/09/05/agentic-layer-ai/
• Context rot - What it is and how to avoid it: https://aigoestocollege.substack.com/p/context-rot-the-hidden-challenge

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Neural Derp
• Grok
• Google Vids
• Wondery
• Claude
• ChatGPT
• Fast Company
• Microsoft Copilot
• Suno AI

Mentioned in this episode:

AI Goes to College Newsletter

Episode Overview: In this episode, hosts Craig and Rob discuss the evolving landscape of AI in academia, research ethics, and the surprising environmental impact of AI technologies. They also test-drive AI vibe coding, discuss agentic AI, and share practical advice for instructors, researchers, and students navigating a fast-changing technological world.

As a bonus, listen to how a border collie would explain epistemic injustice!

• Honesty is the Best Policy: When using AI tools like Elicit or Grammarly for research, be transparent in your academic declarations. Share enough detail to feel honest, but don’t stress if you can’t recall every interaction.
• Journals & AI Use: Journal policies on AI differ dramatically—some even ban AI use altogether. Question whether those venues align with your publishing values.
• Editors & Transparency: Journals demand transparency from authors, but rarely provide clear guidelines or disclosure on how your AI usage will be handled.
• Takeaway: Aim for high-level honesty in your disclosures. If in doubt, err on the side of transparency, but don’t feel compelled to provide exhaustive step-by-steps.

• AI & Resource Consumption: Training large language models consumes massive electricity and water resources. Data centers may bring economic benefits but create significant energy and environmental tensions.
• Transparency Needed: AI companies and governments should be more open about environmental impacts and strategies for sustainability.
• User Responsibility: Everyday users contribute to AI’s environmental footprint—using AI efficiently and mindfully is everyone’s responsibility.
• Takeaway: Educate yourself on the energy/water cost of AI and advocate for sustainable practices in tech.

• What is Vibe Coding? It’s prompting AI (like ChatGPT) to write software for you—sometimes even without traditional coding.
• Practical Examples: From fun tools that explain complex subjects in dog-speak (‘Colliesplain’), to running advanced text analyses (LDA topic modeling) in Python with minimal programming knowledge.
• Limits & Opportunities: Fully relying on AI for complex projects can be risky if you can’t debug or fully understand the code. However, AI-assisted coding dramatically speeds up the process and opens doors for those who wouldn’t have coded otherwise.
• Takeaway: AI is a powerful coding assistant, especially for prototyping or smaller tasks, but a foundational understanding of the code and analysis involved remains essential.

• What’s Agentic AI? Tools that not only complete tasks but can string together sequences of tasks or collaborate with other agents.
• Real-World Use: The hosts discuss planning conference materials and lifelong learning using agentic AI, noting it can handle much of the “grunt work” but still requires human direction for nuanced judgement.
• Governance Cautions: The delegation of decisions to AI agents (especially in areas like applicant screening) can lead to ethical and legal issues if not managed carefully.
• Takeaway: Embrace AI agents for efficiency, but institute proper oversight and understand the governance and ethical implications.

• Emerging Tools: New features like ChatGPT’s Agent Mode, Study & Learn, and Gemini’s Guided Learning are making AI more accessible and interactive for learners and educators.
• Practical Use: Satisficing—choosing a tool that works well enough rather than chasing constant upgrades—can save time and reduce frustration.
• Institutional Policies: Heed privacy regulations (like FERPA in the US) when using AI with student or confidential data. Many universities approve only specific platforms.
• Takeaway: Test new offerings, pick what works for you, but remain vigilant about data privacy and security.

For all things AI Goes to College, including the podcast, go to https://www.aigoestocollege.com/.

Email Rob - [email protected]

Email Craig - [email protected]

Mentioned in this episode:

AI Goes to College Newsletter

In this episode, Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler tackle a growing concern in higher education: how are students really using AI in their learning? Sparked by an article from the Neuron newsletter, they discuss how many students are using AI tools superficially – what they call "brain rot" – instead of engaging deeply with their coursework. The hosts argue that this shallow engagement with AI could seriously impact students' ability to learn and retain information.

The conversation then shifts to what this means for students entering the workforce. Van Slyke and Crossler worry about a looming skills gap as AI and automation reshape entry-level jobs. They make a compelling case for moving away from traditional teaching methods toward a mastery-based approach that emphasizes deep understanding and practical skills. This shift, they argue, is crucial for keeping college programs relevant and ensuring graduates are ready for an AI-enhanced workplace.

A key concept they explore is "cognitive debt" – what happens when students rely too heavily on AI without thinking critically about what they're learning. The hosts stress how important it is for students to develop better thinking skills and be able to explain their reasoning when using AI tools. Throughout the discussion, Van Slyke and Crossler offer a balanced view of both the challenges and opportunities that AI brings to higher education, emphasizing the need for approaches that encourage critical thinking and adaptability in this rapidly changing landscape.

Takeaways:

Key Actions and Insights

1. Faculty Development: Prioritize AI training for educators to better guide student use of these tools
2. Student Engagement: Design assignments that encourage meaningful AI interaction rather than superficial use
3. Skills Focus: Prepare students for an AI-driven job market by emphasizing critical thinking and practical application
4. Assessment Strategy: Shift toward mastery-based learning to promote deeper understanding
5. Combat "Cognitive Debt": Require students to explain their reasoning when using AI tools

Links:

• The Neuron Newsletter: https://www.theneurondaily.com
• Neuron article - WTF is going on with AI and education?
• MIT Working Paper: Your brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of cognitive debt when using an AI assistant for [an] essay writing task
• Tina Austin on Cognitive Debt: Brain Rot Isn’t Real, but Cognitive Offloading Is
• Nick Potkalitsky's excellent newsletter, Educating AI: https://nickpotkalitsky.substack.com/
• Note: In the episode, Craig attributed the article to Nick Potkalitsky. The article appears as a guest post in Nick's newsletter, Educating AI.
• Craig’s article: The belly of the snake: Entry-level unemployment and the coming skills gap

AI Goes to College Website: https://www.aigoestocollege.com/

Email the Hosts: Rob: [email protected], Craig: [email protected]

Mentioned in this episode:

AI Goes to College Newsletter

Craig makes a mistake

The recent discussion between Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler centered around the alarming prediction from Anthropic's CEO regarding the potential displacement of up to 50% of entry-level knowledge work positions within the next five years due to advancements in generative AI. This assertion prompts a critical examination of the implications for higher education, particularly concerning the preparedness of graduates entering an increasingly automated workforce. Both hosts express skepticism about the immediacy and extent of such disruptions, emphasizing the necessity for educational institutions to adapt curricula to cultivate higher skill levels among students. They highlight the importance of fostering AI discernment and ethical considerations in the use of AI technologies, advocating for a proactive approach that prepares students for evolving job market demands. As the conversation unfolds, they underscore the urgent need for educators to engage in thoughtful dialogue and innovative practices to effectively equip students for the future.

Takeaways:

• In recent discussions, a warning was issued stating that potentially half of knowledge work jobs may be eliminated due to AI advancements within the next five years, prompting significant concern among educators and industry professionals.
• The conversation emphasized the importance of preparing students for a future job market that increasingly favors higher-level skills, particularly in light of the potential displacement of entry-level positions by generative AI technologies.
• It was noted that while AI may lead to job displacement, it is also anticipated to create new job opportunities, suggesting a complex landscape where education must adapt to these shifting dynamics.
• The hosts discussed the necessity for higher education institutions to begin incorporating AI discernment into their curricula, ensuring that students understand the ethical implications and operational realities of AI usage in the workplace.
• The episode highlighted the unprecedented grassroots adoption of AI technologies, as individual workers leverage AI tools independently, often circumventing organizational policies or restrictions.
• The hosts concluded with a call to action for educators to embrace AI in their teaching, encouraging experimentation and risk-taking as essential components of evolving educational practices.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Survey: aigostocollege.com/survey2025
• Article on NotebookLM's Mind Map: https://aigoestocollege.substack.com/p/notebooklms-mind-map-a-hidden-gem

Mentioned in this episode:

AI Goes to College Newsletter

Imagine walking into a classroom where AI isn't the elephant in the room - it's a welcomed partner in learning. That's exactly what's happening in Carlos I. Torres's information security classes at Baylor University. Instead of joining the chorus of educators crying "Ban AI!" Torres is asking a more intriguing question: What if we taught students to dance with artificial intelligence rather than fight against it?

In this fascinating discussion, Torres pulls back the curtain on his groundbreaking approach. He's not just teaching information security; he's reimagining how students learn in an AI-powered world. His students don't hide their use of AI - they showcase it, document it, and most importantly, learn to think critically about it.

But here's what makes this conversation truly compelling: Torres isn't just preparing students for exams; he's equipping them for a future where AI will be as common as smartphones are today. As we explore the ethical tightropes and practical challenges of this approach, one thing becomes crystal clear: the future of education isn't about fighting AI - it's about learning to harness its power while keeping our human wisdom firmly in the driver's seat.

Takeaways:

• The integration of AI within higher education necessitates a nuanced understanding of its capabilities and limitations.
• Carlos I. Torres emphasizes the importance of guiding students on effective AI usage to enhance their learning experience.
• Engaging students with AI prompts fosters critical thinking and deeper engagement in research assignments.
• The assessment of student work should encompass both the final product and the process of interacting with AI tools.
• Ethical considerations surrounding AI usage in academia are paramount, necessitating discussions around transparency and integrity.
• The future workforce must be equipped with skills to supervise AI agents, ensuring their outputs are trustworthy and effective.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Washington State University
• Baylor University

Mentioned in this episode:

AI Goes to College Newsletter

This podcast episode elucidates the necessity for higher education professionals to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications within the academic sphere. We, Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler, alongside our esteemed co-author France Belanger, delve into practical anecdotes regarding the integration of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, into pedagogical practices. Through illustrative narratives, we highlight both the advantages and limitations of AI, emphasizing the importance of expertise in ensuring accurate and reliable outcomes when employing these technologies. Furthermore, we discuss actionable strategies for faculty members to prepare for the upcoming academic term, advocating for the enhancement of syllabi and the generation of active learning exercises. Ultimately, we reinforce the imperative for educators to embrace AI, not merely as a technological advancement, but as a vital component of modern educational methodologies.

Takeaways:

• Incorporating generative AI into educational practices necessitates an understanding of its limitations and capabilities.
• Faculty should actively engage with AI tools to enhance their teaching methodologies and improve student learning outcomes.
• Effective use of AI can streamline the process of creating educational materials, such as syllabi and assessments, thereby saving time.
• AI's role in generating content must be accompanied by critical evaluation to ensure accuracy and relevance in educational contexts.

Links referenced in this episode:

• aigostocollege.com
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• WashingtonStateUniversity.com

In an enlightening exploration of generative AI's role in educational environments, the podcast episode scrutinizes the intricate balance between technological assistance and the necessity for human oversight. The discussion is anchored by a personal narrative involving a Dungeons and Dragons gaming session that serves as both a metaphor and a case study for the broader implications of AI in education. As the hosts recount their experiences, they navigate the myriad challenges and advantages that AI presents, particularly in terms of efficiency and creativity. The episode emphasizes the essential role of educators in critically evaluating and refining the outputs generated by AI systems, thus ensuring that the integrity of educational content is preserved. Furthermore, the hosts advocate for a proactive approach to embracing AI technologies, encouraging educators to experiment and adapt rather than remain mired in traditional methodologies. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a clarion call for educational professionals to engage with AI thoughtfully, fostering not only personal growth but also the evolution of pedagogical practices in an era defined by rapid technological advancement.

Mentioned in this episode:

AI Goes to College Newsletter

In a timely discussion, Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler discuss the latest advancements in generative artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on the unveiling of Claude Sonnet 3.7. This development has prompted a wave of excitement and speculation regarding its implications for the future of programming. The hosts articulate their observations on how this model could revolutionize the way coding is approached, potentially rendering traditional entry-level programming roles obsolete while enhancing the efficiency of seasoned professionals. This raises critical questions about the evolving nature of job markets and the skills required in the face of such technological advancements.

As the dialogue unfolds, the hosts transition to a discussion on the ethical and educational ramifications of integrating AI into academic environments. They express concerns regarding the diminishing emphasis on critical thinking skills, particularly among students who may rely heavily on AI-generated outputs. Van Slyke and Crossler emphasize the necessity for educators to not only familiarize themselves with these technologies but also to instill a sense of skepticism and analytical rigor in their students. This approach is vital for ensuring that future professionals are equipped to discern and evaluate the information generated by AI, fostering a culture of informed decision-making and innovation. Van Slyke and Crossler offer some interesting ways in which AI can be used to help students improve their critical thinking skills.

The hosts also discuss how new AI tools, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT Deep Research may reshape the way in which academic research is done, for faculty and students. Higher ed professionals may need to rethink the very purpose of learning activities such as research papers.

The episode concludes with a call to action for higher education institutions, urging them to rethink their pedagogical strategies in light of the rapid proliferation of AI technologies. By fostering a collaborative and adaptive educational environment, educators can empower students to harness the capabilities of generative AI responsibly, thereby paving the way for a future where technology and critical thinking coexist in ways that enhance critical thinking skills.

Takeaways:

• The recent advancements in generative AI, particularly Claude Sonnet 3.7, have significant implications for coding practices across various disciplines.
• There exists a growing concern amongst educators regarding the potential displacement of entry-level programming jobs due to the capabilities of generative AI technologies.
• It is essential for higher education institutions to adapt their pedagogical approaches to effectively integrate generative AI into the curriculum for enhanced critical thinking.
• Generative AI tools can serve as valuable resources for academic research, but they must be used carefully to avoid over-reliance and ensure the integrity of scholarly work.
• The conversation around generative AI's impact on critical thinking skills reveals a dual potential for either degradation or enhancement based on how these tools are utilized.
• Educators need to cultivate a deeper understanding of generative AI technologies to guide students in their effective and ethical use in academic contexts.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Anthropic
• OpenAI
• Microsoft
• Peapod
• Doordash
• Uber Eats
• Walmart
• Chewy

Mentioned in this episode:

AI Goes to College Newsletter

In this wide-ranging discussion, Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler explore recent AI developments and tackle the fundamental challenges facing higher education in an AI-enhanced world. They begin by examining GPT Tasks, highlighting practical applications like automated news summaries and scheduled tasks, while sharing personal experiments that demonstrate the importance of playful exploration with new AI tools.

The conversation then turns to Gemini's new fact-checking features, with important cautions about source verification and the need to balance convenience with critical evaluation of AI-generated content.

The hosts have an engaging discussion about the challenge of "transactional education" - where learning has become a points-for-grades exchange - and explore alternative approaches like mastery-based learning and European assessment models. They discuss concrete strategies for moving beyond traditional grading schemes, including reducing assignment volume and focusing on process over outcomes.

The episode concludes with an announcement of an upcoming repository for AI-enhanced teaching activities and a call for educators across disciplines to share their innovative approaches.

• GPT Tasks enables automated, scheduled AI interactions - from news summaries to daily content delivery
• Gemini's new fact-checking feature provides source verification but requires careful evaluation of source credibility
• Deepseek, the new AI model, is worth checking out but be aware of privacy concerns
• The challenge of "transactional education" requires rethinking traditional assessment methods
• Practical alternatives to points-based grading include focusing on mastery and reducing assignment volume
• Faculty across disciplines are invited to contribute to a new repository of AI-enhanced teaching activities

Outline

GPT Tasks and Functionalities

• AI agents conducting various tasks.
• Use case: AI travel planner and email agent.
• Development of GPT tasks to run scheduled prompts.
• Example uses:
• Receiving AI and higher ed news updates.
• Daily dad joke feature.

Exploration of New AI Tools

• Importance of experimenting with AI tools for learning.
• Application play and psychological basis for learning technology.
• Encouragement to try new tools without overcomplicating the process.

Comparison of Search Tools

• Comparing ChatGPT with Google alerts.
• Tailoring information relevance and accuracy.
• Importance of validating AI-generated information.

Privacy and Availability of AI Tools

• Availability limited to certain user levels and regions.
• Variability in tool features across different platforms.

DeepSEEK: A New AI Model

• Introduction and capability of DeepSEEK.
• Cost efficiency and openness as an open-source model.
• Privacy concerns related to data sharing and Chinese government access.
• Impact on NVIDIA stock and benchmarks comparison.

Open Source and Computational Needs

• Role of open source in future AI model development.
• Computational requirements and challenges with local running versions.

Privacy and Intellectual Property Concerns

• Distinction between privacy and intellectual property.
• Concerns about research data compliance and institutional rules.

Writing with AI Tools

• Differentiating writing and editing.
• Using AI to enhance rather than replace human creativity.
• Increase in writing quality in published work.

Transactional Education Model

• Challenges posed by transactional nature of education.
• Importance of mastery and process focus in learning.
• Discussions on final exams vs. continuous assessment.

Proposed Repository for Active Learning Activities

• Building a shared resource for educators.
• Encouragement for community contribution and collaboration.
• Long-term vision for enhancing educational engagement with AI.

Conclusion and Call for Interaction

• Inviting listeners to contribute ideas and share practices.
• Encouragement for community-driven improvement in AI-integrated education.

[00:00] Introduction and GPT Tasks discussion

[15:45] Gemini's new features and source verification

[25:20] Writing process and AI tools

[35:10] Transactional education challenges

[45:00] Announcement of teaching activity repository

• ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/
• Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/
• DeepSeek: https://deepseek.ai/
• Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com/
• Claude: https://www.anthropic.com/claude
• Llama: https://ai.facebook.com/blog/large-language-model-llama-meta-ai/ (This links to a blog post about Llama, as there isn't a dedicated website for the model itself.)

Mentioned in this episode:

AI Goes to College Newsletter

AI hallucinations, or confabulations, can actually foster scientific innovation by generating a wealth of ideas, even if many of them are incorrect. Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler explore how AI's ability to rapidly process information allows researchers to brainstorm and ideate more effectively, ultimately leading to significant breakthroughs in various fields. They discuss the need for a shift in how we train scientists, emphasizing critical thinking and the ability to assess AI-generated content. The conversation also touches on the potential risks of AI in education, including the challenge of maintaining student engagement and the fear of students using AI to cheat. As they dive into the latest tools like Google's Gemini and NotebookLM, the hosts highlight the importance of adapting teaching methods to leverage AI's capabilities while ensuring students develop essential skills to thrive in an AI-augmented world.

The latest podcast episode features an engaging discussion between Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler about the impact of AI on innovation and education. They dive into the concept of AI hallucinations and confabulations, noting that while these outputs may be inaccurate, they can spark creative thinking and lead to valuable scientific breakthroughs. Crossler emphasizes that trained scientists can sift through these AI-generated ideas, helping to separate the wheat from the chaff. This perspective reframes the way we view AI's role in generating new knowledge and highlights the importance of human expertise in guiding this process.

As the dialogue progresses, the hosts address the implications of AI on educational practices. They express concern about the reliance on self-directed learning, noting that many students struggle to engage deeply without structured support. Van Slyke and Crossler advocate for a reimagined educational framework that incorporates AI tools, encouraging educators to foster critical thinking and analytical skills. By challenging students to interact with AI outputs actively, such as critiquing AI-generated reports or creating quizzes based on their work, instructors can ensure that learning is meaningful and substantive.

The episode also explores practical applications of AI tools like Google’s Gemini and NotebookLM for enhancing educational experiences. They discuss how these tools can facilitate research and content creation, making it easier for students to engage with complex topics. However, they also acknowledge the potential for misuse, such as cheating. The hosts argue that by redesigning assignments to focus on critical engagement with AI-generated content, educators can mitigate these risks while enriching the learning process. In summary, the episode provides a thought-provoking examination of how AI can both challenge and enhance the educational landscape, urging educators to adapt their approaches to prepare students for a future where AI is an integral part of knowledge acquisition.

Takeaways:

• AI hallucinations, referred to as confabulations, can stimulate scientific innovation by generating diverse ideas.
• The rapid consumption of information by AI accelerates connections that human scientists might miss.
• Future scientists must adapt their training to critically assess AI-generated confabulations for practical use.
• Education needs to evolve to help students engage with AI as a tool for learning.
• Using AI tools in the classroom can enhance critical thinking skills and analytical abilities.
• Collaboration among educators is essential to share effective strategies for utilizing AI technologies.

Links

1. New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/23/science/ai-hallucinations-science.html

2. Poe.com voice generators: https://aigoestocollege.substack.com/p/an-experiment-with-poecoms-new-speech?r=2eqpnj

3. Gemini Deep Research: https://aigoestocollege.substack.com/p/gemini-deep-research-a-true-game?r=2eqpnj

4. Notebook LM and audio overviews: https://open.substack.com/pub/aigoestocollege/p/notebook-lm-joining-the-audio-interview

Mentioned in this episode:

AI Goes to College Newsletter

This episode of AI Goes to College discuss the practical applications of generative AI tools in academic research, focusing on how they can enhance the research process for higher education professionals. Hosts Craig Van Slyke and Robert E. Crossler discuss three key tools: Connected Papers, Research Rabbit, and Scite_, highlighting their functionalities and the importance of transparency in their use. They emphasize the need for human oversight in research, cautioning against over-reliance on AI-generated content, as it may lack the critical thought necessary for rigorous academic work. The conversation also touches on the emerging tool NotebookLM, which allows users to query research articles and create study guides, while raising ethical concerns about data usage and bias in AI outputs. Ultimately, Craig and Rob encourage listeners to explore these tools thoughtfully and integrate them into their research practices while maintaining a critical perspective on the information they generate.

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The integration of generative AI tools into academic research is an evolving topic that Craig and Rob approach with both enthusiasm and caution. Their conversation centers around a recent Brown Bag series at Washington State University, where Rob's doctoral students showcased innovative AI tools designed to assist in academic research. The discussion focuses on three tools in particular: Connected Papers, Research Rabbit, and Scite_. Connected Papers stands out for its transparency, utilizing data from Semantic Scholar to create a visual map of related research, which aids users in finding relevant literature. This tool allows researchers to gauge the interconnectedness of papers and prioritize their reading based on citation frequency and relevance.

In contrast, Research Rabbit's lack of clarity regarding its data sources and the meaning of its visual representations raises significant concerns about its reliability. Rob's critical assessment of Research Rabbit serves as a cautionary tale for researchers who might be tempted to rely solely on AI for literature discovery. He argues that while tools like Research Rabbit can provide useful starting points, they often fall short of the rigorous standards required for academic research. The hosts also discuss Cite, which generates literature reviews based on user input. Although Cite can save time for researchers, both Craig and Rob emphasize the necessity of critical engagement with the content, warning against over-reliance on AI-generated summaries that may lack depth and nuance.

Throughout the episode, the overarching message is clear: while generative AI can enhance research efficiency, it cannot replace the need for critical thinking and human discernment in the research process. Craig and Rob encourage their listeners to embrace these tools as aides rather than crutches, fostering a mindset of skepticism and inquiry. They underscore the importance of maintaining academic integrity in the face of rapidly advancing technology, reminding researchers that their insights and interpretations are invaluable in shaping the future of scholarship. By the end of the episode, listeners are equipped with practical advice on how to navigate the intersection of AI and research, ensuring that they harness the power of these tools responsibly and effectively.

Takeaways:

• Generative AI tools can help streamline academic research but should not replace critical thinking.
• Connected Papers offers transparency in sourcing research papers, unlike some other tools.
• Students must remain skeptical of AI outputs, ensuring they apply critical thought in research.
• Tools like NotebookLM can assist in summarizing and querying research articles effectively.
• Using AI can eliminate busy work, allowing researchers to focus on adding unique insights.
• Educators need to guide students on how to leverage AI tools responsibly and ethically.

Link to Craig's Notebook LM experiment description:

• https://aigoestocollege.substack.com/p/is-notebook-lm-biased

Links referenced in this episode:

• Notebook LM: notebooklm.google.com
• AI Goes to College: aigostocollege.com
• Google Learn About: learning.google.com
• Connected Papers: https://www.connectedpapers.com/
• Scite_: https://scite.ai/
• Research Rabbit: https://www.researchrabbit.ai/

Mentioned in this episode:

AI Goes to College Newsletter