Engaged By Design

Unbundled: How AI and Economics Are Redefining Faculty Roles

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Episode 9

Welcome to a new season of the Engaged by Design podcast! In this episode, Dr. Michael Cottam interviews his co-host Dr. Vernon Smith—this time in the role of featured guest—to explore how artificial intelligence, economic pressures, and platformization are driving the unbundling of professional roles in higher education.

Drawing from Vernon's dissertation research and recent policy shifts, this episode dives deep into what’s happening behind the scenes of your course shell, syllabus, or advising software.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • What “unbundling” means and how it applies to the faculty role
  • Examples from other industries (like restaurants and healthcare) that mirror higher ed’s transformation
  • The difference between Craft, Collegial, and Virtual Assembly Line course models
  • How AI and automation are accelerating labor and capital substitutions
  • What roles and tasks are most likely to remain “bundled”—and which will be offloaded or outsourced

    • Reflective Questions:

    1. Is your role being unbundled as we speak?
    2. Where do you see unbundling happening in your institution or department?
    3. What parts of your professional bundle feel irreplaceable—and what could be supported or restructured?

      4. Mentioned in the Episode:

      • Vernon's dissertation on course production models in community college e-learning
      • The rise of OPMs (Online Program Managers) and revenue-share outsourcing
      • William Baumol’s theory of cost disease and its relevance to education
      • Real-world analogies from restaurants, healthcare, and gig-based platforms

        • Next Up:

        In Episode 2, we’ll explore how to rebundle intentionally—focusing on human-centered leadership, MACRO strategies, and what should never be outsourced in the student experience.

        Share your thoughts or questions with us at EngagedByDesign.com and join the conversation on LinkedIn or your favorite podcast platform.

        Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with colleagues navigating the future of learning and leadership!

        Affiliate Links: 

        • MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP   

          • The technology we used 

          • Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC  
            • Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 
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              Engaged By DesignBy Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith