What happens when AI ambition outpaces academic culture? In a special two-part episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford speaks with Laura Zarrow (Wharton Generative AI Labs, University of Pennsylvania) about the growing divide in higher ed. Leaders are setting bold AI-first visions. But in classrooms, faculty are navigating a deeper shift—one that challenges pedagogy, assessment and even professional identity. As Zarrow puts it: “Subject matter expertise has never been more important.” Generative AI isn’t replacing educators—it’s raising the bar. The real challenge isn’t if AI belongs in higher ed, but how institutions align strategy with faculty culture, capacity and day-to-day teaching. 🎧 In this episode: • Why AI strategy often outpaces institutional support • How AI is reshaping expertise and academic identity • What must evolve in assessment for meaningful learning • AI as collaborator, coach and creative partner • Lessons from past tech transformations Real transformation takes more than tools. It takes trust, alignment and the courage to rethink long-standing systems. #HigherEd #AIinEducation #EdTech #TeachingAndLearning #D2L