AI in higher ed: resistance is futile - James Spellos

Life in Higher Ed

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In this episode, James Spellos, president of Meeting U, talks about generative AI and addresses the concern many educators have voiced, "So it's never going to replace the acumen of an educator, never. But what it's going to do is supplement the ability to maybe do a first pass on information, use the tool."
James Spellos

For over 20 years, Jim has led Meeting U with a mission to make technology more accessible and impactful. His innovative approach to AI and education has made him a recognized industry leader. In 2024, Meetings Today honored him as an industry trendsetter for "AI Education with Integrity." Last year, Meeting Professionals International named him one of the 50 Most Influential People, following his inclusion in their 2022 list of the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. In 2021, Glisser recognized Jim as one of the most influential people in virtual events.

Jim also has a strong commitment to social causes. He serves on the Board of Directors for Rock and Wrap It Up, an anti-poverty organization that combats hunger by recovering excess food from events. He co-created the Whole Earth Calculator app and speaks nationwide on food recovery and sustainability. His contributions to sustainability earned him a spot on BizBash’s list of top 500 people in 2018 and 2019.

Beyond his work in technology and sustainability, Jim is also an accomplished musician. He released his first solo album, Stroke of Genius, in 2020. A passionate advocate for healthy living, he holds a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies and is a certified instructor for the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine’s Food for Life program. His dedication to promoting a plant-based lifestyle, which played a key role in his own health journey, earned him the title of Plant Powered Metro New York’s Grassroots Champion in 2024.

Tune in to this episode to learn how generative AI can complement the irreplaceable expertise of educators and much more!

Resources
Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing) (2024) by Salman Khan
How Generative AI Can Augment Human Creativity: Use it to promote divergent thinking (2023) by Tojin T. Eapen, Daniel J. Finkenstadt, Josh Folk, and Lokesh Venkataswamy