In this episode of EDU Unlocked, Ashish Fernando sits down with Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Learning Strategy at Instructure, to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education, why AI fluency matters more than AI expertise, and how educators can prepare students for an increasingly AI-driven workforce.

Ryan begins by reflecting on his unexpected journey into higher education. Originally planning a career in advertising, he joined one of the earliest education technology startups and quickly discovered the energy and purpose that campuses provide. More than two decades later, he continues to work with institutions around the world, helping them adopt technology in ways that genuinely improve teaching and learning.

The conversation explores one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding AI in education: that mastering prompts or using the latest tools is enough. Ryan argues that real learning still comes from human interaction. While AI can be an incredible tutor, research assistant, and productivity tool, it cannot replace the inspiration, mentorship, and curiosity that great educators create inside and outside the classroom.

Ashish and Ryan also discuss why universities must move beyond simply teaching students about AI. Instead, institutions should create authentic learning experiences where students solve real-world problems with AI, develop critical thinking skills, and learn when to trust technology and when to question it. AI fluency, Ryan explains, is becoming as fundamental as digital literacy.

The discussion also covers the rapid evolution of agentic AI, the growing importance of responsible AI adoption, and how higher education can balance innovation with academic integrity. Ryan emphasizes that educators shouldn't fear AI replacing them. Instead, they should focus on helping students become capable, adaptable professionals who know how to collaborate with intelligent systems.

The episode concludes with Ryan's perspective on the future of education: technology will continue to evolve rapidly, but the human connection between educators and learners will remain the foundation of meaningful learning.