UCLA professors are using an AI-powered tool called Kudu to create textbooks, assignments and more.
There are pivotal moments in technology when it feels like we’re crossing a threshold into a new era, one from which there’s no turning back. Artificial Intelligence is once again at the forefront of this transformation—this time in the heart of higher education. At UCLA, a professor is taking an innovative approach to teaching, leveraging AI not just as a supplemental tool but as a central part of the course design process.
Professor Zrinka Stahuljak, who teaches “Survey of Literature: Middle Ages to 17th Century,” is turning to AI to create textbooks, assignments, and even teaching assistant resources for her class. The AI tool making this possible is called Kudu, developed by UCLA professor of physics and astronomy Alexander Kusenko and former doctoral student Warren Essey. Their mission? To offer a “high-quality, low-cost” solution that empowers professors to focus on what they do best: teaching.
How Does Kudu Work?
Kudu is a groundbreaking AI tool that synthesizes course materials—like PowerPoint presentations, lecture notes, YouTube videos, and other teaching resources—into a cohesive, interactive textbook. It’s designed to minimize the time professors spend creating course materials. In fact, UCLA estimates that generating a full suite of resources with Kudu takes only 20 hours of a professor’s time. Once created, the materials can be further refined, ensuring a polished final product.
The resulting digital textbook, which costs just $25, is available in multiple formats: digital, printable, and compatible with audio readers for accessibility. But Kudu’s capabilities don’t stop there. It also provides students with a responsive AI assistant that answers questions anonymously and even evaluates whether over half of a student’s submissions are AI-generated.
Professor Stahuljak sees immense value in the time saved and the opportunities for deeper student engagement. “Normally, I would spend lectures contextualizing material and using visuals to explain concepts. Now, all of that is embedded in the AI-generated textbook,” she explained. “This allows me to focus on what really matters: working directly with students to analyze primary sources, develop critical thinking, and refine reading skills. It’s a shift toward more hands-on, consistent teaching.”
A New Paradigm for Professors
For educators, Kudu could represent a seismic shift. By automating much of the preparatory workload, professors can spend more time doing what they’re uniquely qualified to do: fostering dialogue, guiding discussions, and teaching students how to think critically.
The AI-powered tool also addresses common challenges in education, such as the lack of personalized support for students. With its responsive AI assistant, Kudu provides instant clarification for student queries, enabling professors to focus on nuanced, in-depth instruction.
Professor Stahuljak is so impressed with Kudu’s potential that she plans to integrate it into other courses in the future. It’s already being tested in an introductory history course this semester and will officially roll out for her literature course in 2025.
The Potential (and Perils) of AI in Education
While tools like Kudu are undoubtedly innovative, they also raise critical questions. Can AI truly remain a supportive tool for educators, or will it eventually be co-opted as a “low-cost” replacement for human instructors?
For now, proponents like Stahuljak argue that AI can elevate the teaching experience rather than replace it. By automating repetitive tasks, educators can redirect their energy toward meaningful student interactions and skill-building activities.
On the flip side, skeptics warn of potential risks, such as over-reliance on AI-generated materials or reduced human oversight in the learning process. Additionally, the broader adoption of AI tools in education could lead to increased scrutiny over data privacy and ethical concerns.
A Glimpse Into the Future
The experiment at UCLA is a fascinating case study in how AI might transform education. If successful, tools like Kudu could redefine how courses are designed and delivered, making high-quality education more accessible and affordable for students.
However, the ultimate question remains: Will AI become a tool that enhances the craft of teaching, or will it evolve into a disruptive force that fundamentally reshapes the role of educators?
As Kudu continues to be tested and expanded, the world will be watching. For now, one thing is certain: AI is not just a buzzword in higher education—it’s an active participant in shaping its future.
What do you think? Is this a step forward for education, or does it signal a slippery slope? Let’s continue the conversation about what AI’s role should be in the classrooms of tomorrow.
