Most of us first encountered generative AI through a chat window: ask a question, get a response. Agentic AI represents a significant shift. Instead of simply generating text, these systems can plan and carry out multi-step tasks, work with files and applications, use tools, and make decisions about what to do next.

In this session, Andrew Bell will introduce the basic ideas behind agentic AI and demonstrate how it differs from familiar chat-based tools. We’ll look at what these systems can do today, where they still struggle, and examples of how agentic workflows might support teaching, scholarship, and everyday academic work.

We’ll also consider what changes when AI moves from answering questions to taking actions on our behalf, including questions about oversight, trust, privacy, and when keeping a human in the loop matters most. No technical background or previous experience with agentic AI is required.

Agentic AI: How Is It Different?