UNLV Podcast Explores How Purdue Is Using AI to Transform Teaching, Learning, and Innovation

Higher education is entering a new phase of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption—one focused on intentional design, collaboration, and measurable impact—according to Purdue University’s Andre Beasley.

Appearing on UNLV’s The Real BS About AI podcast, the senior manager of instructional design and course production, described how Purdue is taking a proactive and structured approach to AI, positioning the university to innovate at scale while maintaining high academic standards.

Beasley explained that Purdue has implemented guardrails and developed processes to evaluate tools, test emerging technologies, and scale what works.

“Innovation and excellence has really been an important driver for at least the past two to three years,” Beasley told cohosts Alethea Inns and Bob Soulliere. “We have a pretty good start, and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”

Serving more than 100,000 students, Purdue is leveraging AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Anthropic's Claude to support faculty and streamline course development. Beasley and his team have also built AI-powered agents that can assist with tasks like course design, accessibility review, and content organization.

The conversation highlighted how institutions are using AI to address complex challenges, including accessibility. Purdue teams are developing solutions to modernize course materials and ensure compliance, demonstrating how AI can support large-scale transformation efforts.

Faculty engagement is also growing, with many instructors focusing on outcomes rather than specific tools. “They don’t really care how we got there as long as it’s rigorous,” Beasley said, underscoring a shared commitment to quality and student success.

Looking ahead, Beasley described AI as a powerful enhancer of knowledge and expertise across higher education.

“It magnifies the expertise you build,” he said. “If you don’t know the theories, the frameworks, and how to apply them, AI isn’t going to help you. It’s a tool that creates exponential growth in those theories.”

Hosts Inns and Soulliere echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that institutions of all sizes are learning, adapting, and collaborating as they integrate AI into teaching and learning.

Together, the discussion highlights a clear trend: while the journey is ongoing, higher education is making meaningful progress toward a more innovative, supported, and student-centered future with AI.

Content for this story was drawn directly from the podcast and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our communications team verifies all content for accuracy.