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14
March 12, 2024
Episode 14: Beyond the Hype: A Deep Dive into the Inner Workings of Conversational AI Chatbots

Beyond the Hype: A Deep Dive into the Inner Workings of Conversational AI Chatbots

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About the Episode

About this Episode: We take a deep dive into the world of conversational AI chatbots and their transformative impact on higher education. The discussion traces the evolution of chatbots from simple, rule-based systems to the sophisticated, AI-powered agents of today. Ardis breaks down the inner workings of modern chatbots, explaining concepts like retrieval augmented generation (RAG), multilingual capabilities, and the integration of AI with institutional databases and APIs. We also explore the future of AI assistants, envisioning goal-oriented, autonomous agents that can personalize the student experience and boost productivity. Packed with expert insights and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for any higher ed professional looking to harness the power of AI for student engagement, support, and success.

1. **The Evolution of Chatbots in Higher Education**
   - From live chat to rule-based systems to AI-powered agents
   - The limitations of early chatbots and the breakthrough of GPT-4 and Claude
   - Real-world impact: Klarna's success story with OpenAI chatbot

2. **How Modern AI Chatbots Work**
   - The role of large language models (LLMs) as the "brain" of chatbots
   - Retrieval augmented generation (RAG) and the importance of knowledge bases
   - Semantic search, vector databases, and the encoding of domain knowledge
   - Multilinguality in chatbots: Understanding and generating responses across languages

3. **AI Assistants: Beyond Question Answering**
   - Integrating chatbots with institutional APIs and databases for personalized responses
   - The concept of "agents" or "skills" - teaching chatbots to perform specific tasks
   - Permission levels and fail-safe mechanisms in AI assistants
   - Consistency and information fidelity in AI-generated responses

4. **The Future of AI in Higher Education**
   - Goal-oriented AI assistants for marketing, student support, and academic advising
   - Personalized student journeys and "nudges" powered by AI
   - The importance of strategic planning and informed decision-making in AI adoption
   - Balancing the build vs. buy decision and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems

5. **Key Takeaways for Higher Ed Leaders**
   - Identifying repetitive tasks and processes that can be automated with AI
   - Evaluating chatbot solutions based on their knowledge bases, skills, and integration capabilities
   - Empowering AI assistants to deliver personalized, engaging student experiences at scale
   - Staying informed about the latest developments in AI and their implications for higher education


Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Ardis Kadiu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/
https://twitter.com/ardis

 Dr. JC Bonilla

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/
https://twitter.com/jbonillx

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast and Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook. 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com

 Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Ardis will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI. 

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $99! This early bird pricing lasts until March 31. 

Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!


Remember to follow us on your favorite podcast platform to not miss any episodes of "Generation AI." Reach out with any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes. We thrive on your feedback and are here to offer insights that resonate with you. Thank you for joining us on this AI journey!

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Ardis Kadiu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardis/
https://twitter.com/ardis

 Dr. JC Bonilla

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcbonilla/
https://twitter.com/jbonillx

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast and Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook. 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com

 Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Ardis will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI. 

Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $99! This early bird pricing lasts until March 31. 

Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!

People in this episode

Host

Dr. JeanCarlo (J.C.) Bonilla serves as the Global Chief Analytics Officer at VaynerMedia and hosts GenerationAI.

Ardis Kadiu is the Founder and CEO of Element451 and hosts GenerationAI.

Interviewee

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