The Signal (formerly the EdTech Connect Podcast) – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Signal (formerly the EdTech Connect Podcast)

The Signal (formerly the EdTech Connect Podcast)

Jeff Dillon

Education
Technology

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 88

Castos
Reaching #4 on the Apple Podcast Education charts, The Signal is the definitive podcast for higher education’s transformation leaders. Hosted by Jeff Dillon, The Signal cuts through the noise of the "status quo" to bring you the strategic intelligence needed to reshape how institutions recruit, support, and retain students. Every Friday, we sit down with the practitioners and technology builders who are actively defining the next decade of campus life. Why Higher Ed Leaders Listen: In one of the most consequential periods for academia, we move past the hype to focus on Human-Centered Innovation. Our episodes feature deep-dive interviews with guest experts from SNHU, EAB, WGU, and Panopto, focusing on the "real work" of institutional evolution. Core Topics & AI Strategy: * Artificial Intelligence: Practical AI adoption, governance, and the "Human in the Loop" mindset. * Enrollment Marketing: Modern recruitment strategies and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). * Student Success: Data-driven retention, mental health, and digital engagement. * Institutional Transformation: Navigating digital transformation with a focus on workforce readiness and AVPs reimagining student care. Whether you are a C-suite leader, IT Director, or Faculty member, join our community of 70,000+ professionals to stay ahead of the curve. New episodes every Friday. Learn more at edtechconnect.com
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  • 🇺🇸 USA - education

    27/05/2026
    #92
  • 🇺🇸 USA - education

    26/05/2026
    #98
  • 🇺🇸 USA - education

    25/05/2026
    #90
  • 🇺🇸 USA - education

    24/05/2026
    #73
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    23/05/2026
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    22/05/2026
    #73
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    #74
  • 🇺🇸 USA - education

    20/05/2026
    #72
  • 🇺🇸 USA - education

    19/05/2026
    #68
  • 🇺🇸 USA - education

    18/05/2026
    #74

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Emily Chase Coleman: How Data Can Fix Higher-Ed’s Pricing Problem

Episode 50

vendredi 29 août 2025Duration 25:15

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Emily Chase Coleman, CEO and co-founder of HAI Analytics, to explore how data is reshaping higher education strategy.

With over two decades of experience blending social psychology and statistics, Emily shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship and how HAI’s AI-powered platform helps colleges predict enrollment, optimize financial aid, and improve retention—without overwhelming internal resources.

From challenging outdated tuition models to advocating for test-optional admissions, Emily offers a candid look at the equity gaps in data, the pitfalls of "gut instinct" leadership, and why real-time metrics are non-negotiable in today’s volatile landscape.

Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts analytical and actionable, and discover how to turn campus data into a competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Data Over Gut Instinct:
  • Leadership often relies on intuition, but data reveals hidden patterns (e.g., dorm placement impacting retention, course selection signaling struggle).
  • Combining quantitative analysis with qualitative insights prevents bias and creates a fuller picture of student behavior.
The High-Discount Model is Unsustainable:
  • Rising discount rates are squeezing out middle-income families and straining institutional budgets.
  • Schools must articulate their value proposition clearly to justify costs and reduce reliance on discounts to aid enrollment.
Test-Optional Isn’t a Silver Bullet for Equity:
  • While test-optional policies reduce bias, holistic reviews can still favor affluent students (e.g., via extracurriculars).
  • True equity requires deeper scrutiny of all admissions factors and their socioeconomic implications.
Predictive Modeling Demands Transparency:
  • HAI prioritizes open algorithms and explainable results to build trust with presidents and boards.
  • AI and machine learning can process vast datasets but require human oversight to avoid flawed conclusions.
Real-Time Data is Non-Negotiable:
  • Pandemics and shifting demographics make historical data unreliable.
  • Presidents should track enrollment, financial aid, and retention metrics in real time to adapt quickly.
Founding Challenges for Women in EdTech:
  • Female founders face disproportionate funding barriers.
  • Supporting women-led startups is critical for diversifying innovation in higher ed.
From Consultancy to Self-Sufficiency:
  • HAI helps schools build internal data capabilities but remains a partner for ongoing strategy and context.
  • The goal is empowerment, not dependency.

 

Ready to rethink your data strategy? Learn more at https://haianalytics.com/ and follow Emily’s work at the intersection of human intuition and artificial intelligence.

 

Find Emily here:

LinkedIn                              

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-chase-coleman-95062779/

HAI Analytics

https://haianalytics.com/

 

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

 

Chapters
  • (00:00:00) - AI models have allowed us to take huge data sets
  • (00:00:42) - Emily Chase Coleman
  • (00:02:00) - What Inspired You to Start HAI Analytics?
  • (00:03:03) - Advisers to Colleges and Universities Turn Campus Data Into Stories
  • (00:06:00) - Enrollment Dashboards: Should Colleges Buy Them?
  • (00:07:53) - Have we Found the Secret to Predicting Student Retention?
  • (00:11:34) - Private schools' high-price tuition model
  • (00:13:16) - Predicting Future Student Behavior with the Pandemic
  • (00:15:06) - Race and Equity in College Admissions
  • (00:16:34) - Can HAIS Forecasts Affect Financial Aid Awards?
  • (00:18:49) - How do you keep institutions from becoming dependent on your analysts?
  • (00:20:17) - WSJDLive: The Use of AI in Business
  • (00:22:05) - What Measures Should Colleges Track to Prepare Students?
  • (00:24:27) - EdTech Connect

Jarrett Smith: The Biggest Disconnect on Campus? What Students Want vs. What Colleges Think They Want

Episode 49

vendredi 22 août 2025Duration 31:59

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon talks to Jarrett Smith, Senior VP of Strategy at Echo Delta and co-author of the groundbreaking Designing for Decisions report. Fresh from his eduWeb conference presentation, Jarrett dives into the eye-opening findings from their survey of over 1,000 prospective students, revealing what students actually want from college websites—and where institutions are missing the mark.

From the overwhelming demand for cost transparency to the surprising similarities across student segments, Jarrett challenges common assumptions and shares actionable fixes for enrollment and marketing teams.

Tune in to learn why payment plans are a hidden gem, how to avoid "institutionally centric" pitfalls, and why less personalization might be more effective than you think.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Cost Transparency is King:
  • Total cost of attendance emerged as the #1 priority across all student segments (traditional, non-traditional, graduate, and international).
  • Only 17% of students said they can always find what they need on college websites, with 55% admitting they’ve abandoned a site due to frustration.
  • Fix: Make cost information unmissable—avoid burying it under financial aid links or forcing students to manually calculate totals.
Students Want Clarity, Not Jargon:
  • Institutional language (e.g., "bursar," "baccalaureate") and org-structure navigation create barriers.
  • Fix: Audit content for student-friendly terms and prioritize intuitive wayfinding (e.g., Missouri S&T’s program-specific cost breakdowns).
Overestimated vs. Underestimated Priorities:
  • Overestimated: Program rankings, application deadlines, and "prestige" content.
  • Underestimated: Payment plans (a "hidden gem"), acceptance rates (critical for traditional undergrads), and student satisfaction metrics.
Segment Similarities > Differences:
  • Despite assumptions, most student groups prioritize the same core tasks (e.g., cost, academic fit).
  • Exception: Traditional undergrads care significantly more about debt stats and confidence-building content (e.g., grad success stories).
Simple Fixes for Immediate Impact:
  • Wayfinding: Ensure cost and program info is easy to find (e.g., UND.edu’s "Find Your Program Cost" form).
  • Content Hierarchy: Replace institutional jargon with student-centric language.
  • Research Shortcuts: Watching 5 students navigate your site reveals more than waiting for "perfect" data.
AI’s Role in Future Research:
  • Synthetic user research (AI-generated personas) shows promise but isn’t yet reliable due to cultural biases in training data.
  • Heuristic analysis (e.g., usability audits) may benefit from AI—but human insight remains irreplaceable.

 

Dig deeper: Download the full Designing for Decisions report at https://echodelta.co/designing-for-decisions/ and rethink how your website serves today’s students!

 

Find Jarrett Smith here:

LinkedIn                              

https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithjarrett/

Echo Delta

https://echodelta.co/

 

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

 

Chapters
  • (00:00:00) - What Students Really Want From Their Campus Websites
  • (00:02:04) - The Need for User Research on Website Design
  • (00:03:35) - Interviewing 1,000 Prospective Students
  • (00:05:35) - The College Website Sprawl
  • (00:09:57) - Top Tasks: How to Personalize the Student Survey
  • (00:12:00) - A Word from Our Sponsor
  • (00:13:15) - Total Cost of Attendance
  • (00:17:28) - 3 Ways to Enhance Student Financial Aid
  • (00:21:10) - Surprising Differences between What Higher Ed Pros Think Students Want and What
  • (00:22:44) - What Do Traditional Students Care About Most?
  • (00:24:47) - What's your advice to schools paralyzed by internal debates over content hierarchy
  • (00:27:11) - What's one simple fix any school could make to its financial aid
  • (00:28:11) - Beyond Synthetic Research: Future of AI in the Learning Industry

From Hotels to Horned Frogs: Lessons in Scalable Web Management

Episode 40

vendredi 20 juin 2025Duration 31:08

In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon chats with Corey Reed, Director of Web Management at TCU, about bridging the gap between marketing and IT in higher ed’s digital landscape.

From his early days designing Flash websites (RIP) to leading TCU’s search optimization and accessibility efforts, Corey shares how his hospitality tech background translates to campus—and why AI-powered analytics are revolutionizing content strategy.

Discover how TCU tackles "content sprawl," balances innovation with legacy systems, and prepares for a future where generative AI reshapes student search behavior.

Key Takeaways

  1. From Flash to Future: Corey’s graphic design roots taught him to adapt—now he’s applying that flexibility to AI’s rapid evolution in higher ed.
  2. Marketing-Led Web Teams: Why embedding web leadership in marketing (not IT) accelerates decision-making and aligns with institutional goals.
  3. AI as an Analytics Powerhouse: Tools like AI-enhanced search analytics help small teams "do more with less" by spotting trends faster.
  4. Content Sprawl Solutions: Weekly crawlers + workshops keep TCU’s 10K+ pages fresh, accessible, and student-focused.
  5. The "Future You" Mindset: Building today’s tech stack to make future Corey’s job easier (thank you, past Corey!).
  6. Accessibility as a Process: WCAG 2.2 readiness and remediation groups ensure compliance isn’t a one-time project.

 

 

Listen now for deep insights into balancing tradition and transformation—where AI meets accessibility and every pixel has purpose.

 

Find Corey Reed here:

LinkedIn                              

https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyreed/

Texas Christian University

https://tcu.edu/


EdTech Connect

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

 

Chapters
  • (00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: Fear and Uncertainty
  • (00:01:24) - Corey Reed
  • (00:02:22) - Web Development in the Elevator
  • (00:06:27) - Turnaround at Sabre: From Hospitality to Higher Ed
  • (00:10:25) - Have We Lost Our Lead Marketing Person?
  • (00:11:29) - Have Your Role in Technology Been Eliminated?
  • (00:15:27) - How AI is Affecting Site Traffic and Conversion
  • (00:17:40) - Why is generative AI so important for higher ed search?
  • (00:22:47) - The Hardest Skill to Hire for
  • (00:28:03) - TCU's accessibility efforts
  • (00:30:11) - EdTech Connect

Student Success by Design, Insights from a CSU CIO

Episode 39

vendredi 13 juin 2025Duration 26:28

In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Dr. Bao Johri, CIO at Fresno State and 2025 Top Women Leader in Technology, to explore how universities can harness AI as a force for equity and transformation.

From launching Fresno State’s campus-wide AI initiative (with 60+ faculty collaborators) to mentoring the next generation of IT leaders, Bao shares how her research on Hmong American women informs her approach to inclusive tech leadership.

Discover how Fresno State is navigating AI governance, empowering first-gen students with tools like Grammarly, and preparing for the fall 2025 CIO’s AI Conversation Webinar Series—a platform to normalize AI in teaching and operations.

Key Takeaways

  1. AI as a Strategic Partner: Fresno State’s AI initiative, co-led by faculty, has shifted from curiosity to demand—with 250+ attendees at their AI Immersion Day.
  2. Governance with Guardrails: Faculty-driven committees established ethical guidelines for AI use, enabling responsible adoption (e.g., ChatGPT provisioning).
  3. Student Success Beyond Metrics: Technology must remove barriers—like providing laptops or writing tools—to help first-gen students feel they belong.
  4. Inclusive Leadership: Bao’s dissertation on Hmong women leaders shapes her mentorship, emphasizing cultural wealth and intergenerational support.
  5. Budgeting for Impact: Prioritize projects tied to core goals (compliance, student success) through collaborative, data-informed decision-making.
  6. The Human-AI Balance: “Tech supports your journey, but people help you through it”—Bao’s advice to students navigating AI and beyond.

 

 

Listen now for a lesson in leading AI initiatives with heart—where technology meets inclusion and transformation.

 

Find Dr Bao Johri here:

LinkedIn                              

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bao-johri-396a0546/

Fresno State

https://www.fresnostate.edu/

 

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

 

Chapters
  • (00:00:00) - Introduction: From Private Sector to Higher Ed
  • (00:03:55) - Fresno State’s AI Initiative: Early Wins & Faculty-Led Committees
  • (00:09:27) - AI in Daily Work: Using Tools and the Importance of Transparency
  • (00:13:05) - CIO’s AI Webinar Series: Redefining Learning, Teaching, and Working
  • (00:15:57) - Student Success Stories: Equity and Accessibility
  • (00:21:01) - Budget Realities: Separating “Must-Haves” from “Nice-to-Haves”
  • (00:22:43) - Advice to Students: “Ask Questions, People Will Help You Through”

Keeping 100 Editors in Sync Running a University Website with Jill Whitaker

Episode 38

vendredi 6 juin 2025Duration 30:13

In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Jill Whitaker, Director of Web Services at Southern Utah University, to explore the evolving landscape of higher ed website management.

With 25 years of experience, Jill shares candid insights on balancing short-term fixes with long-term strategy (inspired by her half-marathon coaching!), wrangling 100+ content editors, and championing accessibility through empathy-driven tactics.

Discover how SUU’s centralized approach keeps their site student-focused, why "Don’t Make Me Think" remains a timeless mantra, and what AI’s rise means for the future of university web teams.

Key Takeaways

  1. The Marathon Mindset: Website governance mirrors distance running—balance immediate tasks with long-term vision to avoid burnout or shortsighted decisions.
  2. Student-Centric Design: SUU’s homepage prioritizes recruitment/retention, with internal content redirected to portals—a battle-tested strategy.
  3. Accessibility as Empathy: Tools like Siteimprove help, but real change comes from humanizing compliance (e.g., revealing colleagues who rely on screen readers).
  4. Federated Governance: A Google Group for 100+ CMS users replaces formal committees, fostering peer support and accountability.
  5. AI’s Double-Edged Sword: Excited for code debugging but wary of zero-click searches scraping outdated content.
  6. Future-Proof Teams: Web teams of 2027 will blend marketing savvy with technical literacy—no more "coders in the dark."

 

Listen now for a masterclass in keeping university websites human-centered—no matter how tech evolves.

Find Jill Whitaker here:

LinkedIn                              

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillow/

SSU

https://suu.edu/

 

Recommended Reading:

Don’t Make Me think – Steve Krug

https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Me-Think-Usability/dp/0321344758

 

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

 

Chapters
  • (00:00:00) - EdTechConnect: How to Fix Pages with a High Bounce Rate
  • (00:01:07) - Jill Whitaker
  • (00:02:13) - Distance Running and Website Governance
  • (00:07:46) - A Day in the Life of CSU's Content Design and Policy
  • (00:08:53) - What's your Digital Governance on Campus?
  • (00:11:00) - What Tactics Have Changed the Web?
  • (00:14:01) - Site Improve: How to Manage a Site
  • (00:15:24) - Cascade: The Cloud-based Content Management
  • (00:17:07) - Bounce Rates and Search Terms in the Learning Industry
  • (00:18:59) - How Universities are using AI in their search
  • (00:22:39) - If Every Web Content Publisher Had A 1
  • (00:23:55) - How to bring IT and Marketing together in the future
  • (00:26:15) - Have we had any rogue sites on campus?
  • (00:27:56) - Web Director on the Show
  • (00:29:08) - EdTech Connect: Ending Explained

How AI Will Redefine Learning in the Next Decade with Slalom's Jennie Wong

Season 1 · Episode 37

vendredi 30 mai 2025Duration 25:33

In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon chats with Jennie Wong, Global Director of Education at Slalom, about how universities can harness AI and data to drive strategic value. Jennie shares her innovative "car metaphor" framework for AI implementation, reveals surprising GenAI use cases, and explains why federated data models are the future for higher ed.

From overcoming institutional overwhelm to reimagining student engagement with e-commerce tactics, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders navigating the AI revolution.

Key Takeaways

  1. The "Car Metaphor" Framework: AI is the engine, but you also need steering (functional expertise), integration (systems), and fuel (data) to reach strategic goals.
  2. Start Small, Scale Fast: Focus on high-impact, low-complexity projects (e.g., A/B testing AI-enhanced fundraising emails) to demonstrate quick wins.
  3. Federated Data Strategy: Centralize only what’s necessary (e.g., cloud contracts) and empower departments with domain-specific data ownership.
  4. E-Commerce Lessons for Higher Ed: Apply tactics like "comeback campaigns" for stopout students and reduce application abandonment with behavioral design.
  5. ROI Nuances in Higher Ed: Measure year-one success via efficiency gains (e.g., administrative workflows) and year-three via mission outcomes (e.g., persistence rates).
  6. Agentic AI Future: Every campus role will blend human judgment with AI assistance—escalating complex/emotional tasks to people.

Chapter Headings with Time Stamps

(00:01) - Introduction: Meet Jennie Wong - From Organizational Communication to AI Strategy

(04:40) - Slalom’s Triple-Digit Growth: Personas and Partner Alignment

(06:30) - The "Car Metaphor": AI as an Engine, Not a Silver Bullet

(09:13) - Biggest Struggles: Simplifying Choices with Strategic Value Maps

(11:18) - Surprising GenAI Wins: Doubling Fundraising at UCLA

(13:16) - Data Strategy: Federated Models and Conversational AI

(15:38) - E-Commerce Tactics: Paradox of Choice and Comeback Campaigns

(18:39) - Measuring ROI: Efficiency vs. Mission Impact

(21:07) - Future of Campus Jobs: Humans + AI Collaboration

(22:47) - Jennie’s Inspiration: Learning from Entertainment and VR (ASU’s Dreamscape)

 

Listen now to rethink AI strategy—and turn data into measurable impact.

 

Find Jennie Wong here:

LinkedIn                              

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniewong/

Slalom

https://www.slalom.com/

 

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

 

Chapters
  • (00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: How to Build a Compelling Learning Experience
  • (00:01:54) - Dr. Jenny Wong
  • (00:03:19) - How Did I Get From Studying Organizations to Leading Universities
  • (00:04:40) - The Education Practice's Triple-digit Sales Growth
  • (00:06:30) - The Strategic Value of Data and AI in Higher Ed
  • (00:11:18) - Immortal Ventures: The Alumni Engagement Case
  • (00:13:21) - How Data and AI are impacting higher ed
  • (00:18:39) - What metrics best prove the value of AI initiatives in higher ed?
  • (00:21:07) - What campus job will change the most because of AI?
  • (00:22:47) - What book, podcast or practice keeps you curious and inspired outside of
  • (00:24:28) - EdTech Connect

Artificial Intelligence Will Transform How We Learn and Teach Forever with Sasha Sidorkin

Season 1 · Episode 36

vendredi 23 mai 2025Duration 30:51

In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Dr. Alexander "Sasha" Sidorkin, Chief AI Officer at Sacramento State University, to explore the transformative impact of AI on education. 

From debunking myths about AI replacing teachers to discussing practical applications in the classroom, Sasha shares his insights as an "AI realist." 

Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping learning outcomes, the challenges of governance and equity, and why fostering relational learning remains irreplaceable.

Key Takeaways

  1. AI as a Disruptive Force: AI has rendered traditional assignments like essays obsolete, forcing educators to rethink teaching methods and learning outcomes.

 

  • Relational Learning is Key: Education thrives on human relationships—AI cannot replace the emotional and contextual aspects of teaching.
  • Equity and Access: AI can level the playing field for students with disabilities or language barriers, but disparities in technology access must be addressed.
  • Policy and Governance: Institutions should avoid rigid AI policies until consensus emerges; faculty must justify AI use (or restrictions) pedagogically.
  • Future Skills: "Executive thinking"—orchestrating tasks between human and AI collaboration—is the emerging critical skill for students.

 

Dig Deeper

Dr. Alexander "Sasha" Sidorkin LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-garcia-336866117/ 

Sacramento State University

https://www.csus.edu/

Explore More on EdTech Connect

For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.

Breaking Silos and Building AI at Arizona State University with Gemma Garcia

Season 1 · Episode 35

vendredi 16 mai 2025Duration 28:38

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Gemma Garcia, Executive Director of Learning Technology at Arizona State University, to explore how ASU is leading the charge in scalable digital learning innovation. 

With over 130,000 learners worldwide, Gemma shares insights on balancing bold experimentation with practical implementation, fostering faculty adoption of new technologies, and ASU's groundbreaking AI initiatives—including their partnership with OpenAI. Discover how ASU's "principled innovation" framework guides responsible AI integration, why personalized learning pathways are the future, and how the university is breaking down silos to create a collaborative, global learning community. 

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers a masterclass in scaling educational innovation while keeping student success at the core.

Key Takeaways

 

  • Scalable Innovation: ASU’s "principled innovation" framework ensures new tools align with student outcomes and institutional goals before adoption.
  • AI in Action: From language-learning chatbots to faculty "AI challenges," ASU leverages AI to enhance engagement while maintaining ethical guardrails.
  • Faculty Adoption: Meet faculty where they are—emphasizing how tools solve their problems and benefit students—to drive buy-in.
  • Global Inclusion: Designing for cultural and linguistic diversity is key to serving ASU’s worldwide online learner population.
  • Personalized Learning: The future of edtech lies in adaptive pathways tailored to individual learning styles (powered by AI).

 

Dig Deeper

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-garcia-336866117/ 

ASU

http://asu.edu/ 

Explore More on EdTech Connect

For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.

Cracking Higher Ed Content and AI Discovery with Brian Piper

Season 1 · Episode 34

vendredi 9 mai 2025Duration 30:13

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Brian Piper, Director of Content Strategy at the University of Rochester and author of Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education, to explore how AI is transforming content creation and audience engagement in higher ed. 

Brian shares practical insights on building AI-driven personas, repurposing content at scale, and overcoming institutional resistance to AI adoption. Learn how custom GPTs can simulate student perspectives, why "audience-first" storytelling is non-negotiable, and how to leverage student ambassadors to amplify authenticity. 

Whether you're a marketer, administrator, or educator, this episode offers actionable strategies to harness AI while keeping human creativity at the core.

Key Takeaways

  • AI-Powered Personas: Train custom GPTs on institutional data (e.g., strategic plans, student demographics) to simulate audience perspectives and test content ideas before production.
  • Content Repurposing: Use AI to redistribute high-performing content across channels, combating declining organic reach and maximizing ROI.
  • Fear vs. Opportunity: Resistance to AI stems from fear of replacement and lack of time—but it’s a change management challenge, not just a tech adoption hurdle.
  • Governance First: Clear AI usage guidelines prevent "shadow AI" and ensure ethical data practices (e.g., avoiding public ChatGPT for sensitive records).
  • Student Ambassadors Matter: Authentic, student-generated "day-in-the-life" content outperforms institutional messaging in building trust with prospects.

 

 

Dig Deeper

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/ 

Website

https://brianwpiper.com/ 

Explore More on EdTech Connect

For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.

Chapters
  • (00:00:00) - https://github.com//personalities/
  • (00:00:35) - EdTechConnect: Brian Piper
  • (00:02:16) - Skydiving: Fear of Flying
  • (00:05:16) - Higher Ed: The Use of AI in Marketing
  • (00:09:02) - University Student Personas in ChatGPT
  • (00:12:00) - What's keeping higher ed from using AI?
  • (00:18:41) - Audience First: Content Marketing for Higher Ed
  • (00:20:52) - Higher Ed: Digital Governance and AI
  • (00:25:05) - EdTech Connect: Leveraging Student Creators
  • (00:28:06) - Content Marketing: Begin with AI

Revolutionizing Higher Education Through Performance TV with Jennifer Lonchar

Season 1 · Episode 33

vendredi 2 mai 2025Duration 31:53

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Jennifer Lonchar, founder of AmbioEdu, to explore how streaming TV is revolutionizing higher ed marketing. Jennifer shares her journey from traditional digital marketing to pioneering performance-based TV advertising for colleges and universities. 

Discover how AmbioEdu ‘s cutting-edge platform targets households with unskippable commercials, tracks enrollment attribution, and supercharges traditional digital campaigns. Jennifer also weighs in on the "perception cliff" facing higher ed, why video is the future of student engagement, and how schools can stand out in an increasingly noisy digital landscape. Tune in for actionable insights on modernizing your marketing strategy with streaming TV!

Key Takeaways
  • Streaming TV is the New Frontier: Higher ed lags behind other industries in adopting streaming TV ads, but it offers unskippable, measurable, and highly targeted opportunities to reach students and parents.
  • Full-Funnel Marketing: Unlike traditional TV ads, streaming campaigns can track engagement from awareness (top of funnel) to conversions (applications, deposits) by linking ad exposure to household IP addresses.
  • Emotional Storytelling Wins: Schools must move beyond generic taglines and create emotionally resonant 15-30 second spots that make students say, "I can see myself there."
  • The "Perception Cliff": Beyond demographic declines, higher ed faces a crisis of perceived value. Jennifer advocates for industry-wide efforts to promote lifelong learning and combat skepticism
  • Diversify or Fall Behind: Relying solely on crowded digital channels (e.g., social media, Google Ads) is no longer enough. Streaming TV complements existing strategies and boosts performance across platforms.
Conversation Rundowns
  • Introduction (00:00)
  • Jennifer’s Journey from Carnegie to AmbioEdu (02:04)
  • Why Streaming TV? The Untapped Opportunity in Higher Ed (04:22)
  • How It Works: Targeting Households and Measuring ROI (08:25)
  • Creative Strategy: Crafting Ads That Resonate with Students and Parents (09:25)
  • Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry with New Technology (13:03)  
  • Beyond Undergrad: Streaming for Grad Programs, Stopouts, and Fundraising (18:35)
  • Industry Shifts: Short Tenures, Vendor Consolidation, and Innovative Startups (24:26)
  • Final Advice: Diversify Your Strategy and Lean into Video (29:39)
Dig Deeper

Find Jennifer Lonchar here:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlonchar/ 

AmbioEdu

https://ambioedu.com/ 

Explore More on EdTech Connect

For more insights on innovative tea...

Chapters
  • (00:00:00) - EdTechConnect: The Future of Learning
  • (00:01:05) - Jennifer Loncar During the Conference
  • (00:02:11) - How Ambo Editions Changed Higher Ed Marketing
  • (00:04:21) - Streaming Marketing: The Future of Advertising
  • (00:10:28) - How To Reach Students Through Mobile Advertising
  • (00:13:03) - Have Higher Ed Companies faced any new challenges?
  • (00:14:16) - Can We Track Advertisers' Incentives in a Streaming
  • (00:17:02) - What is the Collaboration with Alumni?
  • (00:18:35) - Mbo Edu Admissions and Enrollment Campaign
  • (00:24:28) - WSJD Live: Changes in the Higher Ed Industry
  • (00:29:39) - How to Modernize Higher Ed Marketing
  • (00:30:49) - EdTech Connect

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