In this powerful third installment of the AI for Buyers series on the Generation AI podcast, hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonilla tackle a critical but often overlooked stage of AI implementation in higher education — the proof of concept (POC). From defining what a real POC should look like to diagnosing red flags and showcasing key metrics, this episode equips higher ed leaders with a strategic playbook to move beyond flashy demos and into sustainable AI adoption. Whether you’re piloting an AI-powered admissions assistant or exploring automation in student success workflows, this episode delivers the clarity and confidence you need to make AI stick.
In this powerful third installment of the AI for Buyers series on the Generation AI podcast, hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonilla tackle a critical but often overlooked stage of AI implementation in higher education — the proof of concept (POC). From defining what a real POC should look like to diagnosing red flags and showcasing key metrics, this episode equips higher ed leaders with a strategic playbook to move beyond flashy demos and into sustainable AI adoption. Whether you’re piloting an AI-powered admissions assistant or exploring automation in student success workflows, this episode delivers the clarity and confidence you need to make AI stick.
00:00 "Effective AI Proof of Concept"
03:43 Effective POCs: Short, Structured Success
09:33 "Defining POC Success Metrics"
11:47 AI Metrics for Student Support
13:24 "Key Metrics for Strong POCs"
19:04 "AI with Limited System Integration"
20:56 AI Hallucinations and Red Flags
24:29 "Enterprise AI: Human Oversight Needed"
28:00 AI Pricing Challenges and Red Flags
30:12 "Evaluating Data Connection Solutions"
33:50 "Scaling and Deployment Challenges"
39:22 "Generation AI: Higher Ed Insights"
40:28 "AI-Driven Student Engagement"