Meeting Summary
Zoom Meeting Summary with AI Companion
Meeting Summary for UCI Compass Community of Practice Book Club Session 1 with Drs. Michael Smith and Vijay Gurbaxani
May 02, 2024
Quick recap
Author, Dr. Michael Smith explored the potential of machine learning to enhance customer engagement with digital content and suggested disruptive strategies to improve equity in higher education. He also discussed the need for a clear mission, adaptability, and a focus on systemic problems to succeed in both the entertainment industry and higher education.
Summary
Disruptive Technologies and Equitable Education
Michael discussed the potential impact of machine learning on customer engagement with digital content and its cost advantages over physical media. He noted the ability to collect consumer data digitally for personalized recommendations. Michael suggested the entertainment industry's dominance by a few firms could be disrupted by smaller companies leveraging technological shifts. He highlighted the need to adapt teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles. Michael expressed concern about inequities in college admissions based on income and proposed using disruptive methods to promote greater access and equity in higher education.
Entertainment Industry's Adaptability and Higher Education
Michael highlighted the entertainment industry's adaptability and success in responding to technological changes as a case study for higher education. He noted the new entertainment industry leaders' clear mission and willingness to disrupt their business model allowed them to thrive. He then compared this to higher education, suggesting that a clear mission and a willingness to adapt could lead to success and equity, despite potential ranking declines. Richard Arum questioned the effect of the role of state funding in higher education around the suggested disruptive changes, and Michael expressed concern about the current state of voters' trust in higher education, emphasizing the need to address this issue.
Reimagining Mission and Expanding Access to Education
There was discussion around the potential of changing the mission and marketing strategy towards voters, with Michael suggesting a focus on addressing systemic problems in higher education, such as the growing student loan debt, and scaling their offerings to reach more people, while prioritizing in-person interactions and critical thinking skills. They discussed the success of Arizona State University's approach to teaching organic chemistry online, and the need for more inclusive and intelligent implementation of online education. The group also emphasized the importance of serving a diverse student body and the potential of creating study communities at scale through online education.
Exploring Online Classes for Non-Traditional Students
Michael shared a story from a student at Southern New Hampshire University's online courseware program, Duet, highlighting the potential of online classes to support non-traditional students. Vijay affirmed this, noting UCI's own resources for previously incarcerated individuals and their commitment to inclusion. The group expressed excitement about the potential for further collaboration and discussion. Astrud Reed concluded by confirming plans to create discussion boards with group questions, comments, AI summaries, and meeting recordings on Data GPS and invite Michael and Vijay to answer questions. She will also send more information about the next session. The conversation ended with positive feedback on the productive discussion and anticipation for future sessions.