Tools in a Loop: The Anatomy of an AI Agent, Explained From Inside a University Feat. Antony Tibbs

What is an AI agent, actually? This episode of Adjunct Intelligence cuts through the agentic AI hype with a guest who builds and governs these systems inside a university. Starting from Simon Willison’s definition — a large language model using tools in a loop — the conversation covers the anatomy of agents, what they unlock for learning design, and the darker side: Einstein completing entire Canvas course loads, an OpenClaw agent attacking an open-source maintainer, and the lethal trifecta that makes prompt injection an unsolved security problem. Practical, sceptical, and finishing with homework for every educator: try one agentic tool, safely.

[00:00] — Agents: hype versus reality

[04:16] — Defining agents: tools, loops

[05:35] — From chatbot to agent

[08:18] — The harness explained simply

[12:08] — Power tools for educators

[20:44] — Deskilling and evaluative judgment

[29:08] — Agents inside the LMS

[34:37] — The lethal trifecta

[40:54] — Ambition over efficiency

[43:38] — Homework: try one safely

🎙️ Adjunct Intelligence is the weekly briefing for higher-ed professionals who want AI as a cheat code—not a headache.

Every episode:
• Real tests of AI tools in education and professional workflows
• Fast, Monday-morning actions you can actually try
• Clear signal through the noise (no hype, no jargon)

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