Episode 13
Driving UT Forward: AI, Instructional Design, and the Future of Teaching & Learning
In this episode of ET Talk, host Cole Camplese welcomes Matt Meyer, Associate Vice President for Enterprise Initiatives and Instructional Technology, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolving role of technology in higher education. Just weeks into his role at the University of Texas at Austin, Matt reflects on returning to his roots in academic technology during a period of rapid change, where artificial intelligence, data, and new teaching models are reshaping the landscape.
Together, they explore how the pandemic accelerated adoption of instructional technologies and permanently shifted faculty perspectives. What was once considered optional or experimental is now embedded in everyday teaching practice. The discussion highlights a critical insight: successful adoption isn’t about introducing new tools, it’s about integrating them into meaningful workflows. From learning management systems to generative AI tools like OpenAI and Claude, the focus is shifting toward solving real teaching challenges and improving outcomes through smarter design and better use of data.
The conversation also looks ahead to the future, where AI acts as a personalized instructional partner, helping faculty analyze student engagement, refine course materials, and make real-time adjustments to improve learning. At the same time, Matt and Cole examine the institutional implications of these shifts, including the need to treat core platforms like the LMS as mission-critical systems and to rethink how universities invest in technology, people, and partnerships. It’s a forward-looking discussion about opportunity, responsibility, and what it takes to truly drive UT forward.