Dispatches from an Internet PioneerDeep Dive: The GenAI Build-it Trap
In an era where AI makes custom coding easier than ever, universities must balance innovation with sustainability. This podcast explores the exhilarating appeal of coding—both by hand and with GenAI—while exposing the long-term complexities it introduces. From the legacy of fragile, homegrown systems to the strategic adoption of low-code solutions, we examine how institutions can harness AI without repeating past mistakes. Through a four-part discussion, we define where custom code truly belongs, how vendor-supported platforms enhance efficiency, and why leadership in the AI era is not about how fast we can build, but how clearly we can see. The institutions that thrive won’t be the ones that code the most, but the ones that apply thoughtful restraint—cutting through the Gordian Knot rather than tightening it.
About the podcast
Technology is reshaping higher education, leadership, and the economy—but the biggest challenges aren’t just technical, they’re cultural and structural. Created by Timothy Chester, this podcast explores the real impact of AI, automation, and digital transformation on universities, work, and society. With a sociologist’s lens and decades in higher ed IT leadership, he cuts through the hype to uncover what truly matters.