Predictive AI: The Art and Science of Student Engagement

This episode of the Generation AI podcast delves into the evolution and application of predictive AI within higher education, focusing on enrollment predictions and marketing. Hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonilla explore machine learning's roots, its distinction from generative AI, and its critical role in modeling prospective student behaviors. They discuss the transition from demographic to behavioral data for more accurate predictions, the importance of model tuning and validation, and the future of AI in personalizing student engagement through autonomous agents. The conversation highlights the blend of art and science in feature selection and the significance of adopting models that are understood and trusted by users.

Introduction to Predictive AI

• Hosts Ardis Kadiu and Dr. JC Bonilla delve into predictive AI's history and its application in higher education, focusing on enrollment and marketing.
• They discuss predictive AI's evolution from advanced analytics and machine learning (ML) to its current state.

Machine Learning Basics

• Explanation of machine learning as pattern recognition and its importance in predictive AI.
• The transition from demographic to behavioral data for improved predictions.

Model Building and Validation

• The process of model building, including feature selection, training, and validation.
• The importance of model tuning and validation for accurate predictions.

Behavioral Data in Predictive Models
Shift towards using behavioral data for more nuanced and accurate predictions.
How behavioral data surpasses demographic data in predicting student behaviors and interests.

Feature Engineering and Selection

• The art and science of selecting the right features for predictive models.
• Discussion on the significance of domain knowledge in feature selection.

Model Adoption and Interpretation

• Challenges in model adoption and the importance of model interpretability for end-users.
• How understanding and trust in the model's predictions are crucial for successful implementation.

Future of Predictive AI in Higher Education

• Insights into the future of predictive AI, focusing on personalized student engagement and autonomous agents.
• The potential of large language models and AI agents in transforming higher education marketing and enrollment strategies.

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!

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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. 

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! 
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Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register