Explore every episode of the podcast The Signal (formerly the EdTech Connect Podcast)
Dive into the complete episode list for The Signal (formerly the EdTech Connect Podcast). Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Emily Chase Coleman: How Data Can Fix Higher-Ed’s Pricing Problem
29 Aug 2025
00:25:15
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From challenging outdated tuition models to advocating for test-optional admissions, Emily offers a candid look at the equity gaps in data, the pitfalls of "gut instinct" leadership,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:
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.
(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
22 Aug 2025
00:31:59
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:
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.
(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
20 Jun 2025
00:31:08
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
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.
Marketing-Led Web Teams: Why embedding web leadership in marketing (not IT) accelerates decision-making and aligns with institutional goals.
AI as an Analytics Powerhouse: Tools like AI-enhanced search analytics help small teams "do more with less" by spotting trends faster.
(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
13 Jun 2025
00:26:28
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
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.
Governance with Guardrails: Faculty-driven committees established ethical guidelines for AI use, enabling responsible adoption (e.g., ChatGPT provisioning).
Student Success Beyond Metrics: Technology must remove barriers—like providing laptops or writing tools—to help first-gen students feel they belong.
Inclusive Leadership: Bao’s dissertation on Hmong women leaders shapes her mentorship, emphasizing cultural wealth and intergenerational support.
Budgeting for Impact: Prioritize projects tied to core goals (compliance, student success) through collaborative, data-informed decision-making.
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.
(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
06 Jun 2025
00:30:13
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
The Marathon Mindset: Website governance mirrors distance running—balance immediate tasks with long-term vision to avoid burnout or shortsighted decisions.
Student-Centric Design: SUU’s homepage prioritizes recruitment/retention, with internal content redirected to portals—a battle-tested strategy.
Accessibility as Empathy: Tools like Siteimprove help, but real change comes from humanizing compliance (e.g., revealing colleagues who rely on screen readers).
Federated Governance: A Google Group for 100+ CMS users replaces formal committees, fostering peer support and accountability.
AI’s Double-Edged Sword: Excited for code debugging but wary of zero-click searches scraping outdated content.
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.
(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
30 May 2025
00:25:33
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
The "Car Metaphor" Framework: AI is the engine, but you also need steering (functional expertise), integration (systems), and fuel (data) to reach strategic goals.
Start Small, Scale Fast: Focus on high-impact, low-complexity projects (e.g., A/B testing AI-enhanced fundraising emails) to demonstrate quick wins.
Federated Data Strategy: Centralize only what’s necessary (e.g., cloud contracts) and empower departments with domain-specific data ownership.
E-Commerce Lessons for Higher Ed: Apply tactics like "comeback campaigns" for stopout students and reduce application abandonment with behavioral design.
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).
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.
(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
23 May 2025
00:30:51
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
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.
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
16 May 2025
00:28:38
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).
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
09 May 2025
00:30:13
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.
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
Revolutionizing Higher Education Through Performance TV with Jennifer Lonchar
02 May 2025
00:31:53
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)
(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
Mapping the Course: Data, Discovery, and Innovation with Lee Rainie
25 Apr 2025
00:32:04
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Lee Rainie, Director of Elon University’s Imagining the Digital Future Center, to explore the transformative impact of AI on higher education.
They delve into groundbreaking research on how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and academic integrity, uncovering surprising divides among educators—half of whom see AI as a tool for creativity, while the other half view it as a threat to critical thinking.
From redefining cheating to navigating the "Wild West" of AI governance, Lee shares insights on how institutions can adapt, the rise of "prompt literacy," and why "show your work" might be the mantra of the future. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the promises and pitfalls of AI in education.
Key Takeaways
AI’s Disruptive Potential: 95% of academic leaders believe AI will disrupt traditional teaching models, with half calling it a "major disruption."
Cheating vs. Creativity: Administrators are split—50% say using AI for assignments (e.g., generating outlines) is acceptable, while 50% consider it cheating.
Positive Outcomes: AI is expected to enhance learning, research skills, writing, and creativity—but only if integrated thoughtfully.
Risks: Concerns include academic integrity, student dependency on AI, digital inequities, and declining attention spans.
Governance Challenges: Schools lack clear policies, leaving faculty to navigate AI use case-by-case. "Show your work" is emerging as a key accountability standard.
The Future of Work: AI demands new skills like "prompt literacy" and shifts the focus from content creation to critical evaluation.
Conversation Rundown
Intro (00:00)
Lee Rainie’s Background and the AI in Higher Ed Study (02:29)
Key Findings: Disruption, Cheating, and Student Outcomes (04:28)
Academic Integrity: Defining Misuse in the AI Era (07:20)
Why Coding Embraces AI But Writing Resists It (10:48)
AI as a Creative Ally: The Power of Prompting (12:45)
Institutional Challenges: Governance and Faculty Preparedness (15:22)
Digital Governance: Bridging Gaps in AI Policy (19:10)
AI vs. Past Tech Revolutions: Adoption and Social Impact (23:55)
Emerging Questions: Mastery, Testing, and Human Purpose in an AI World (27:29)
Dig Deeper
This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and education, offering a deep dive into the trends and challenges shaping the future of higher education.
Tune in to learn how AI is quietly revolutionizing education data—without displacing humans.
(00:00:00) - EdTechConnect: The Future of Learning Is AI
(00:01:08) - Lee Rainey on Elon University's Imagining the Digital Future
(00:02:30) - The Future of AI in Higher Ed
(00:07:20) - The Academic Integrity Survey
(00:15:22) - The Future of AI in Higher Ed
(00:23:55) - How AI Is Compared to Other Tech Revolutions
(00:27:31) - Alexa and the Future of Teaching and Learning
From Google to Doowii: Making EdTech Data Actually Useful with Jeff Rubenstein
18 Apr 2025
00:29:52
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Jeff Rubenstein, Chief Product Officer at doowii and a seasoned leader in educational technology with experience at Google, 2U, and Kaltura.
They dive into the transformative power of AI-driven data analytics in education, exploring how doowii’s platform turns fragmented student data into actionable insights—without requiring a team of data scientists.
Jeff Rubenstein shares his journey from early LMS development to tackling one of higher ed’s biggest challenges: democratizing data access across institutions. They discuss:
Why most schools struggle with "data culture" when only a handful of people can access insights.
How AI-powered virtual data analysts can empower admissions, student success teams, and faculty.
Real-world examples, from predicting dropout risks to integrating labor market data for career pathways.
The future of edtech infrastructure as institutions shift toward skills-based learning and employment alignment.
Whether you’re a CIO, IR leader, or educator, this episode offers a roadmap for breaking down data silos and putting AI to work—without the buzzwords.
Key Takeaways
The Data Democracy Problem: Most schools call themselves "data-driven," but only 4–5 people can actually access or interpret the data.
AI as a Force Multiplier: doowii’s platform acts as a virtual data scientist, letting non-technical users explore trends (e.g., engagement by ZIP code, first-gen student performance) without IT tickets.
Beyond Dashboards: Traditional tools like Tableau are powerful but static. AI enables dynamic, conversational analytics (e.g., "Show me chronically absent students" → AI defines "chronic absence" contextually).
Predictive Analytics Made Practical: Schools are using doowii to identify at-risk students and link external data (e.g., neighborhood power outages) to retention strategies.
Integration Flexibility: doowii works standalone and embedded in systems like Canvas LMS and Salesforce, adapting to schools’ existing tech stacks.
The Future of EdTech: Rubenstein predicts a shift from generic LMS/SIS architectures to skills-based systems tied to employment outcomes.
Conversat...
Jennifer Beyer: Making Small Colleges Love Their Student Information Systems
15 Aug 2025
00:31:42
Host Jeff Dillon sits down with Jennifer Beyer, VP of Product at Thesis, to explore the evolving landscape of student information systems (SIS) and the unique challenges faced by small to mid-sized colleges. With over two decades of experience spanning campus administration and EdTech leadership, Jennifer shares her mission to simplify higher education processes through cloud-based solutions.
From her beginnings as a first-generation student and campus tour guide to her current role driving product strategy, Jennifer offers insights into how institutions can reduce friction, leverage technology, and prioritize the student experience. Tune in to learn how Thesis Elements is redefining the SIS space and why smaller schools are leading the charge in innovation.
Key Takeaways:
Access and Student-Centric Design:
Jennifer emphasizes the importance of creating technology that helps students find the right fit and enables staff to focus on meaningful work. Her firsthand experience as a first-generation student informs her approach to solving institutional challenges at scale.
The Shift to Cloud-Based SIS:
Smaller institutions are moving faster to adopt cloud solutions for scalability, security, and resource efficiency. Thesis Elements focuses on delivering purpose-built, modern SIS solutions that can be implemented in about a year—a fraction of the time required by legacy systems.
Frictionless Processes:
Jennifer highlights the need for integrations, automation, and usability to reduce administrative burdens. For example, streamlining tasks like mass registrations or billing for student housing can significantly improve efficiency for understaffed offices.
Lessons from Campus to EdTech:
Transitioning from frontline roles in admissions and student success to EdTech taught Jennifer the value of understanding user journeys. She advocates for "purpose-driven design" and engaging directly with campus teams to build solutions that address real pain points.
The Future of Higher Ed Tech:
AI and partnerships with niche solutions present opportunities to enhance personalization and operational efficiency. However, Jennifer stresses the importance of balancing innovation with security and usability to avoid "shiny object" pitfalls.
Leadership Philosophy:
Jennifer’s leadership style centers on curiosity, empowerment, and aligning technology with institutional mission. She believes in getting out of her team’s way to let them solve problems creatively while staying focused on serving smaller colleges effectively.
Meaningful Change Takes Time:
For institutions driving transformation, Jennifer advises staying true to core goals and avoiding distractions. Incremental improvements—like reducing clicks in a workflow—can have an outsized impact on daily operations.
Listen to the full episode for more insights on how EdTech is reshaping higher education administration!
(00:00:00) - How AI is changing the way we learn about students
(00:00:44) - Jennifer Beyer on Higher Ed Tech Connect Podcast
(00:02:36) - How Ed Tech is reshaping the student experience
(00:03:45) - In the Elevator With First-Generation Students
(00:05:18) - CIO Network: The End-User Experience of Software
(00:07:22) - EdTech Connect: Making higher education processes friction
(00:10:11) - Small Colleges and Mid-Size Universities
(00:12:40) - Thesis Elements' Product Development Process
(00:18:17) - Post-Admissions: The Need for Personalization
(00:20:37) - Jeff Smith: The Process of Building a Product Team
(00:23:45) - President of Dean's School: Combining Business and Education
(00:26:19) - AI and its impact on higher ed administration
(00:27:18) - The move to the cloud and higher ed tech
(00:28:29) - What's Driving Meaningful Change in Higher Ed?
(00:29:36) - How to Write a Great Website for Students
(00:30:56) - EdTech Connect
AI, Black Holes, and the Future of Learning with Saugata Chatterjee
11 Apr 2025
00:31:10
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Saugata Chatterjee, an AI and machine learning expert with a background in theoretical physics and corporate AI strategy. Saugata shares his journey from academia to leading AI initiatives at major companies like Apple and Cisco, and now at Tensor Product and is the host of the Machine Learning Made Simple podcast. They dive into the rapid evolution of AI, including agentic frameworks, large language models (LLMs), and diffusion models, while addressing the biggest misconceptions about AI’s capabilities.
Saugata offers practical advice for higher education leaders on implementing AI responsibly—balancing personalization with privacy concerns, choosing the right LLM (OpenAI vs. DeepSeek vs. self-hosted), and why having an AI strategy is non-negotiable. They also explore how AI will reshape jobs in higher ed, the surprising rise of diffusion-based LLMs, and why Google might dominate the AI landscape long-term.
Whether you’re a university CIO, marketer, or educator, this episode provides actionable insights on navigating AI’s ethical, technical, and strategic challenges.
Key Takeaways
AI’s Limits & Misconceptions: AI mimics human reasoning but lacks true understanding—success depends on asking the right questions.
Higher Ed AI Strategy: Start with a build-vs.-buy assessment; most institutions should prioritize cost-effective, scalable solutions over in-house builds.
Privacy & Personalization: AI can clone student personas, but ethical and legal risks outweigh benefits. Focus on learning modality adaptation, not invasive data use.
Choosing an LLM: Weigh cost, privacy, and compliance. Self-hosting (e.g., Llama 3) is expensive; cloud options (OpenAI, DeepSeek) trade affordability for control.
Google’s AI Dominance: With superior research and proprietary hardware, Google is poised to lead the AI market long-term.
AI & Jobs: Low-level roles (e.g., data analysts) are most at risk; AI collaborators will replace those who ignore the tech.
Diffusion LLMs: A breakthrough enabling instant code generation—could revolutionize agentic AI speed and scalability.
Conversation Rundowns
Introduction & Saugata’s Journey and Podcast 0(0:00)
AI Hype vs. Reality(06:18)
From PDF's to Personalization: Higher Ed's Content Shift with WIll Noble
04 Apr 2025
00:27:40
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Will Noble, an expert in digital content solutions and SaaS sales, to explore the challenges and opportunities in higher education content creation.
Will shares his journey from information retrieval to content creation, discussing why universities still rely on outdated formats like PDFs and how Foleon provides a modern alternative with interactive HTML5 content. They dive into bottlenecks in content approval processes, the role of AI in content strategy, and how institutions can optimize search and data-driven decision-making.
Whether you're a CMO, CIO, or digital strategist in higher ed, this episode offers actionable insights on improving content workflows, personalization, and measuring engagement effectively.
Key Takeaways
The Problem with PDFs – Universities default to PDFs due to legacy habits, but they create accessibility and engagement challenges.
Content Approval Bottlenecks – Overly strict workflows lead to decentralized workarounds (e.g., rogue PDFs).
Folion’s Solution – A platform for decentralized creation + centralized governance, replacing PDFs with interactive, responsive HTML5 content.
AI’s Role in Content – Useful for translations, alt-text generation, and transforming legacy PDFs—but risks "AI slop" if not strategically managed.
Search & Discoverability – Semantic structure, subdomains, and PR backlinks now impact rankings in LLM-driven search.
Measuring Success – Focus on engagement time (2–3 mins/page), heatmaps, and contextual CTAs rather than vanity metrics.
Lessons from Corporate – Empower internal creators (faculty, students) with tools to amplify authentic voices.
Chapter Headings with Time Stamps
Introduction & Will’s Background(00:00)
Content Approval Bottlenecks(04:36)
Folion’s Solution to Content Control(07:01)
Scaling Content with Limited Resources(10:48)
Ideal Tech Stack for Content(12:33)
AI in Content Strategy(16:29)
Search & Data-Driven Insights(20:40)
Lessons from Corporate for Higher Ed(24:33)
Final Advice for CMOs &am...
From Newsrooms to Universities: Digital Strategy Evolution with Georgy Cohen
28 Mar 2025
00:32:08
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Georgy Cohen, Vice President of Digital Strategy at OHO Interactive.
With nearly two decades of experience in digital content and strategy, Georgie shares her insights on crafting sustainable digital strategies that resonate with audiences and drive institutional success. From her early days in journalism at the Boston Globe to her pivotal roles in higher education at Tufts University and Suffolk University, Georgie discusses the evolution of digital content in higher ed, the importance of governance, and the challenges of optimizing content discovery.
She also delves into the role of AI in digital strategy, the ethics of AI-generated content, and how institutions can measure the success of their digital efforts beyond just web traffic. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on the future of digital strategy in higher education.
Key Takeaways:
The Power of Good Questions: Georgie emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to uncover meaningful insights, a skill she honed during her journalism career.
Value Over Volume: Institutions are shifting from creating large volumes of content to focusing on high-value, purposeful content that aligns with their goals.
Digital Governance: Poor governance leads to bloated websites and inefficient content management. Institutions need to adopt a more strategic and planful approach to digital stewardship.
AI in Digital Strategy: While AI offers exciting possibilities, it should not be seen as a cure-all. Institutions must be thoughtful about how they integrate AI into their strategies, considering ethical and practical implications.
Measuring Success: Web traffic alone is not enough to measure success. Institutions should align their digital strategies with broader organizational goals and track metrics that reflect those objectives.
Authenticity in Content: Authenticity is key to engaging audiences. Institutions should avoid misrepresenting themselves and instead focus on telling genuine stories of progress and diversity.
Conversation Rundowns
Introduction and Georgie’s Background (0:00)
The Power of Good Questions (02:11)
Shifts in Digital Content Strategy (04:18)
Digital Governance and Content Management (07:08)
Optimizing Content Discovery (10:55)
AI in Digital Strategy (14:34)
Authenticity, Ethics and AI-Generated Content (20:11)
Measuring Digital Success (27:38)
The Evolution of EdTech and the LMS with Phil Hill
21 Mar 2025
00:33:53
Show Notes
In this episode of the EdTech Connect Podcast, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Phil Hill, a prominent figure in the EdTech consulting world.
Phil shares his journey from starting out in EdTech consulting nearly 25 years ago to becoming a well-known market analyst and thought leader in the industry. They dive into the evolution of Learning Management Systems (LMS), the impact of AI on education technology, and the challenges institutions face when adopting new technologies.
Phil also discusses the significance of his famous LMS market share graphics and the shifting dynamics in the EdTech landscape. Whether you're an educator, technologist, or just curious about the future of education, this episode offers valuable insights into the trends and challenges shaping higher education today.
Key Takeaways
The Evolution of EdTech Consulting: Phil Hill's journey from consulting to market analysis and how he became a prominent figure in the EdTech industry.
The Rise of Online Education: How online education has shifted from being a niche offering to a mainstream strategy for most colleges and universities.
The Role of LMS in Higher Ed: The importance of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and how they have evolved over the years, with a focus on market leaders like Canvas, Blackboard, and D2L.
AI in EdTech: The growing role of AI in education technology, including how different LMS providers are integrating AI into their platforms.
Challenges in Tech Adoption: The financial and regulatory challenges institutions face when adopting new technologies, and the importance of strategic decision-making.
The Future of OPMs: The uncertain future of Online Program Management (OPM) companies and how the market is becoming more fragmented.
The Butterfly Graph: The significance of Phil Hill's "butterfly graph," which compares LMS market share by the number of institutions versus enrollment size.
The Impact of Regulatory Changes: How the current regulatory environment and financial pressures are shaping the future of higher education.
Conversation Rundown
Introduction and Phil Hill's Journey (0:00)
The Evolution of LMS and Online Education (04:41)
What is the Future of OPMs? (09:39)
The Role of AI in EdTech (12:05)
LMS Market Share and How Many Students Are Served (16:30)
Challenges in Adopting New Technologies (19:38)
The Future of OPMs and LMS Market Dynamics (22:38)
Advancing University Fundraising in the Digital Age with Kim Verstandig
14 Mar 2025
00:27:13
Join us for a conversation with Kimberly Verstandig, Vice President for Fundraising and Senior Strategist at Mackey Strategies, as she shares her wealth of experience in higher education advancement.
In this episode, Kimberly takes us through her journey into the world of fundraising, highlighting the transformative role technology has played in reshaping donor engagement and institutional advancement.
From navigating the complexities of CRM systems to striking the delicate balance between technology and personal connection, Kimberly offers practical advice on how to foster meaningful donor relationships. She emphasizes the critical role of personalization in communications and reflects on lessons learned from both successes and failures in advancement technology.
Insights & Takeaways
Philanthropy is fundamentally about personal engagement.
Technology has dramatically changed the landscape of advancement.
CRMs are essential tools for effective fundraising.
Balancing technology with personal touch is crucial in donor relations.
Personalization in communication can significantly impact donor engagement.
Institutions need to take a holistic approach to technology.
Understanding the specific needs of your institution is key when choosing a CRM.
The relationship between IT and advancement has evolved over time.
Success in advancement often requires a blend of technology and human interaction.
Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Conversation Rundown
(00:00) The Journey into Fundraising
(04:37) The Impact of Technology on Advancement
(07:02) Navigating CRM Challenges in Higher Education
(09:31) The Challenges of finding the Best Tool
(12:29) the Importance of Partners and Consultants to Help Decision Making
(14:31) Balancing Technology and Personal Touch in Donor Relations
(20:03) Successes and Flops in Advancement Technology
Insights into Search, SEO and Social Media for Higher Ed with Maya Demishkevich
07 Mar 2025
00:28:41
In this episode, we sit down with Maya Demishkovich, a seasoned higher education marketing strategist, to explore the rapidly changing world of digital marketing and student engagement. Maya shares her expertise on how students search for information today and why it’s critical for colleges and universities to optimize their websites for search engines to stay competitive.
From the power of social media in recruitment and retention to the unique challenges faced by community colleges, Maya offers actionable strategies for institutions looking to enhance their digital presence. She also delves into the essential skills future marketers will need to thrive in the higher education space, providing a roadmap for staying ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.
Whether you’re a marketing professional in higher ed or simply curious about the intersection of technology and student engagement, this episode is packed with practical advice and forward-thinking insights. Tune in to learn how to effectively connect with today’s students and future-proof your institution’s marketing strategies.
Insights & Takeaways
Maya's journey into Higher Ed marketing was shaped by her personal experiences as an international student.
Students prefer to search for information directly on Google rather than browsing college websites.
Optimizing websites for search engines is crucial for both prospective and current students.
Social media serves as a discovery tool, while search engines are used for retrieving specific information.
Community colleges face challenges due to limited resources and a lack of understanding of marketing's strategic role.
Maya's College Crusader aims to support community colleges with digital strategy and social media.
Using data analytics is essential for understanding student behavior and improving marketing efforts.
AI tools are becoming increasingly important in how students find information online.
Experimentation and curiosity are vital skills for future Higher Ed marketers.
Colleges should prioritize optimizing their websites and using social media effectively for engagement
Mastering Digital Marketing in Higher Education with Cheryl Broom
28 Feb 2025
00:29:41
In this episode, Jeff Dillon sits down with Cheryl Broom, a leader in higher education marketing, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of marketing strategies within academia. Cheryl delves into how colleges and universities are adapting to new trends, the transformative role of technology and AI, and the critical importance of personalization in engaging today’s students.
From the challenges of integrating digital marketing tools to the barriers hindering AI adoption, Cheryl offers a wealth of knowledge on how institutions can optimize their enrollment strategies through effective communication and innovative approaches.
The conversation also looks ahead, discussing what the future holds for higher education marketing and how institutions can stay ahead in an increasingly competitive environment.
Takeaways
Cheryl Broom emphasizes the importance of community college marketing.
The shift from print to digital marketing has been significant in higher education.
AI is being used to enhance marketing strategies and improve efficiency.
Personalization in marketing is crucial for engaging potential students.
Many colleges struggle with bureaucratic hurdles that hinder innovation.
The Future of Higher Ed Digital Strategy with Joel Goodman
21 Feb 2025
00:31:56
Joel Goodman, founder of Bravery Media, discusses his journey in higher education marketing, the evolution of digital strategies, and the importance of user experience and content in driving enrollment.
He emphasizes the need for higher ed institutions to understand the value of their websites and the role of AI in enhancing marketing efforts. Joel also highlights the challenges faced by higher ed websites, including performance issues and the need for a content audit. The discussion concludes with insights on the future of AI in higher ed and the importance of focusing on prospective students' needs.
Insights & Takeaways
Joel Goodman has over 15 years of experience in higher ed marketing.
Bravery Media focuses on human-centric designs to improve digital experiences.
The evolution of higher ed has been gradual, with many challenges persisting.
Leadership in higher ed is beginning to recognize the value of websites.
Content strategy often leans too heavily on branding rather than information.
Mastering Strategic Communications in Higher Education with Pete Mackey
14 Feb 2025
00:33:34
In this episode, Jeff Dillon interviews Pete Mackey, PhD, founder and CEO of Mackey Strategies, exploring the intersection of strategic communications and technology in higher education.
They discuss the evolution of Mackey Strategies, the integration of technology in communication strategies, the role of AI, crisis communication, and the ethical implications of AI in the field. The conversation emphasizes the importance of digital governance and the need for training in technology for emerging leaders in communication.
Takeaways
Mackey Strategies focuses on integrating technology into communication strategies.
Technology is essential for effective communication in higher education.
AI can enhance personalization in communication efforts.
Crisis communication requires a well-defined strategy and practice.
Digital governance is crucial for managing technology in institutions.
AI's capabilities are advancing rapidly, impacting communication roles.
Training programs for technology use are essential for communication leaders.
Ethical considerations around AI usage are becoming increasingly important.
Institutions must adapt to technological advancements to remain effective.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Strategic Communications
(02:18) The Genesis of Mackey Strategies
(05:28) Examples of Mackey Strategies Integrating Technology in Communications for Clients
(07:56) Essential Tools for Higher Ed Communication
(10:31) Crisis Communication Strategies
(12:51) The Evolution of Content Management Systems
(15:21) AI's Impact on Personalization and Communication
(23:58) Preparing for Technological Advancements
(22:37) Leadership Development and Technology Training
Bridging Cybersecurity & Digital Innovation in Higher Education with Eric Smith
07 Feb 2025
00:27:27
In this conversation, Eric Smith, Vice President of Technical Services Delivery at Fortify Data, discusses the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in higher education.
He shares insights from his extensive experience across various industries, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by higher ed institutions.
The discussion covers Fortify Data's mission to provide continuous risk assessment and threat intelligence, the importance of understanding vulnerabilities, and the need for effective budgeting and awareness in cybersecurity strategies.
Eric also highlights the significance of continuous penetration testing and shares success stories from clients who have improved their cybersecurity posture.
Takeaways
Eric Smith has nearly 30 years of experience in cybersecurity.
Fortify Data focuses on continuous risk assessment for higher ed.
Higher education institutions face unique cybersecurity challenges.
Ransomware and phishing remain significant threats in higher ed.
Eric Kim: The Creative Mind Behind Higher Ed’s Mobile Future
08 Aug 2025
00:30:41
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Eric Kim, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Modo Labs, to explore how mobile technology has reshaped higher ed—and where it’s headed next. From Modo’s origins at MIT (inspired by Kabuki stagehands!) to its global impact today, Eric shares how universities can break down silos, leverage AI, and design experiences students actually love.
Hear how early adopters like Sacramento State pioneered mobile registration and food insecurity alerts, why personalization is no longer optional, and how TikTok-era expectations are forcing a rethink of campus apps. Eric also reveals why higher ed’s collaborative spirit hooked him for life, the surprising industries borrowing from campus tech, and his bold vision for AI-powered “conversational” interfaces.
Key Takeaways:
The “Kurogo” Philosophy
Modo’s original name and ethos come from Kabuki theater’s unseen stagehands—making the impossible seamless for users.
Mobile’s Unfinished Revolution
Early wins (like Sac State’s parking heat maps) solved real pain points, but many schools still duct-tape siloed systems instead of unifying experiences.
Personalization is Non-Negotiable
Students expect apps to adapt like TikTok: “They assume systems know everything—so they demand value in return.”
AI’s Campus Potential
Modo’s AI chatbot drove 235% app usage spikes at Arkansas Pulaski by answering questions in natural language.
What Higher Ed Can Learn from Banks
Major financial firms copied campus apps for employee experience—proof universities pioneered workplace tech.
Hackathons = Hidden Insights
Student-built Modo tools (food truck trackers, mental health aids) reveal unmet needs.
Digital Governance Paradox
Jeff’s confession: “Sometimes progress happens before policies catch up.”
Advice for Leaders
“Measure engagement with life, not clicks. Did your app help someone’s day?”
Listen Now for a masterclass in designing campus tech that students actually use!
(00:03:34) - In the Elevator With Facebook's Andrew Yu
(00:04:11) - Moto: Make Mobile Awesome for Everyone
(00:07:29) - What Can Tech Companies Learn From Serving Other Industries?
(00:08:56) - The Common Mistake in the Digital Experience
(00:10:08) - Moto Learning: The Creative Uses of the Platform
(00:13:30) - How to Build a Connected Future
(00:15:27) - University Apps for Personalization
(00:19:54) - What trends are you watching closely
(00:21:35) - What's Keeps You Connected to Higher Ed?
(00:25:07) - How to Design for Students, Faculty and Staff
(00:26:49) - How Modo Labs is enabling multi-platform IT
(00:28:32) - How to Upgrade Your Digital Campus Experience
(00:29:54) - EdTech Connect
AI, Technology and the Human Connection with Jenae Cohn
31 Jan 2025
00:30:07
In this conversation, Dr. Jenae Cohn discusses her extensive experience at the intersection of higher education and technology, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by digital reading and generative AI.
She emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching methods to meet the needs of students who engage with texts in diverse ways, particularly in the context of AI's growing presence in education.
Dr. Cohn also addresses ethical concerns, equity in access to AI tools, and the necessity of maintaining human connections in an increasingly AI-driven educational landscape. She concludes with advice for university leaders on adopting AI thoughtfully and critically.
Take Aways
Digital technology has transformed how we consume information.
Students often read and write on screens, necessitating new teaching strategies.
Generative AI should address specific problems in education, not just be adopted for its own sake.
AI-generated textbooks may not solve the real issues in student engagement.
Faculty need to navigate the complexities of AI in the classroom.
Ethical concerns around data privacy and surveillance are paramount with AI tools.
TakeawaysEquity in access to AI tools is a significant challenge for institutions.
Maintaining human connection is crucial in an AI-driven educational environment.
University leaders should adopt AI with a mindset of continued learning and inquiry.
A thoughtful approach to AI adoption is essential to avoid negative consequences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jenae Cohn
03:27 Generative AI in Education: Opportunities and Challenges
08:41 Integrating AI into the Classroom
12:17 Faculty Resistance and Acceptance of AI
14:18 Ethical Considerations of AI in Education
17:26 Equity and Access to AI Tools
20:54 Maintaining the Human Connection
26:31 Advice for University Leaders on AI Adoption
Design for Learning: User Experience in Online Teaching and Learning
Tech Wisdom Beyond University Walls with Jeff Saville
24 Jan 2025
00:33:18
In this conversation, Jeff Saville discusses his journey in workforce development and career services, emphasizing the importance of empowering students through innovative programs and technology.
He shares insights on leveraging AI and other tools to enhance career readiness and the challenges faced by higher education institutions in adapting to the rapidly changing job market. The discussion also covers practical advice for students seeking jobs and the future of education in the context of technological advancements.
Takeaways
Jeff Saville's passion for empowering individuals began with his entrepreneurial background.
NAU Venture Studios aims to incubate student-led solutions to real-world problems.
Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing workforce development initiatives.
AI agents can help students stay informed about job opportunities.
Focusing on student experience is essential for higher education institutions.
Building prototypes can help drive innovation in career services.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and job searching.
There is a widening gap between higher education and industry needs.
AI can streamline administrative tasks in educational institutions.
The future of education will be shaped by technology and student-centered approaches.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Jeff Saville and His Journey
05:47Leveraging Technology for Workforce Initiatives
11:53Building a Prototype for Career Development
Micro Credentials: Navigating the Future of Work with Teri Abbo-Sutherland
17 Jan 2025
00:25:25
In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, Teri Abbo-Sutherland , Director of Executive Programs Oakland University, is rewriting the rules of professional development. Her breakthrough insights argue that micro credentials—bite-sized, skill-specific certifications—are becoming the new currency of career advancement.
Traditional four-year degrees are no longer enough, Sutherland contends. In an age of accelerating technological change, professionals must continuously retool their skills or risk becoming professionally obsolete. Digital badges and micro credentials offer a nimble alternative: targeted learning that can be quickly acquired and immediately applied.
For tech workers especially, these compact credentials serve as dynamic proof of expertise, allowing individuals to signal their most current capabilities to employers. They represent more than paper qualifications—they're real-time indicators of a professional's commitment to staying relevant.
Sutherland challenges corporate leaders to embrace this new learning ecosystem, arguing that organizations must foster cultures of continuous innovation and skill development. Her message is clear: In today's job market, adaptability isn't just an asset—it's a survival strategy.
Takeaways
Micro credentials are essential for staying relevant in technology.
Upskilling is crucial as skills can become obsolete quickly.
Corporate training budgets often cut professional development first.
Micro credentials can lead to specialized skills and career advancement.
Employers should recognize the value of experience in their workforce.
A toolkit can help employers integrate micro credentials into talent management.
Understanding employee motivation is key to effective upskilling.
Higher education is rapidly adopting micro credentialing solutions.
Digital badges can serve as public resumes on platforms like LinkedIn.
Leadership buy-in is critical for fostering a culture of innovation.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Micro Credentials and Digital Badges
(07:16) Toolkit for Employers: Enhancing Talent Management
(13:52) Bundling Micro Credentials for Career Advancement
(19:30) Key Takeaways on Micro Credentials
Links
Executive Education Programs at Oakland University
Exploring AI and Content Quality with Nick Burrell
10 Jan 2025
00:32:32
In this episode, Jeff Dillon is joined by Nick Burrell, VP of Strategic Partnerships at ZogoTech, a company specializing in data analytics solutions designed to empower higher education.
With a wealth of expertise in educational technology and artificial intelligence, Nick shares his insights on the evolving role of AI in education, particularly in content management and student engagement. He discusses his journey from working in college financial aid offices to his current role at ZogoTech, and how his experience has shaped his understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education.
Nick dives into how AI is transforming student engagement and institutional growth, and explains how content quality directly impacts the effectiveness of AI tools. He also reflects on the importance of digital governance, the need for accurate and reliable content management, and the role of AI in providing personalized responses to students.
He also shares his thoughts on the future of AI in education, including the need for institutions to be "AI-ready" and the importance of strategic planning and policy development in preparing for an AI-driven future. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or edtech professional, Nick's insights on the intersection of AI and education are sure to inform and inspire.
Takeaways
AI is transforming student engagement and institutional growth.
Content quality directly impacts the effectiveness of AI tools.
Institutions must prioritize accurate and reliable content management.
Digital governance is essential for effective content oversight.
AI tools should be integrated with existing systems for personalized responses.
A thorough website audit is crucial for maintaining content accuracy.
Collaboration with subject matter experts can enhance content management.
AI adoption requires a foundational understanding of institutional needs.
The website should be treated as a dynamic knowledge base.
Preparing for AI involves strategic planning and policy development.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in Education
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Building the Future of Higher Ed Websites with Josh Koenig
03 Jan 2025
00:33:29
In this episode, Jeff Dillon is joined by Josh Koenig, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Pantheon, a WebOps platform transforming how website teams deliver exceptional digital experiences.
With over two decades of experience in web development and online engagement, Josh shares his incredible journey—from his early days building political campaign platforms like DeanSpace for Howard Dean’s 2004 presidential run to co-founding Chapter Three and ultimately Pantheon.
Josh dives into how Pantheon grew to become a leading WebOps platform, particularly excelling in the higher education sector, and explains how the company’s “productization” of consulting expertise addressed key challenges in web development collaboration and scalability. We discuss how his transition from Head of Product to Chief Strategy Officer allows him to focus on big-picture strategies that align with industry trends and customer needs.
He also reflects on how web development has evolved over the years, offering key insights into the future of WebOps in higher education and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, Josh’s lessons on leadership, innovation, and navigating complex digital ecosystems are sure to inspire.
Guest Profile
Josh Koenig Position: Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Pantheon
Over 20 years in web development
Founder of DeanSpace (Howard Dean 2004 campaign)
Co-founder of Chapter Three
WebOps innovation leader
Key Insights
Transformation of web development consulting into product
WebOps platform specialization in higher education
Evolution of digital experience platforms
Transition from product leadership to strategic leadership
Critical Observations
Web development landscape constantly evolving
Higher education requires specialized digital solutions
Using Data to Chart the Future of EdTech with Justin Menard
20 Dec 2024
00:28:19
In this conversation, Justin Menard, CEO of ListEdTech, shares his extensive experience in educational technology and the evolution of data usage in higher education. He discusses the importance of data in decision-making for institutions and vendors, the challenges of categorizing educational technology, and the impact of AI on the industry. Justin emphasizes the value of peer insights in tech adoption and highlights common pitfalls institutions face when selecting technology solutions.
Guest Profile
Name: Justin Menard
Position: CEO of ListEdTech
Experience: Over 20 years in educational technology
Key Insights
Comprehensive exploration of data usage in higher education
Global perspective shaped by international travel
In-depth understanding of educational technology market dynamics
Critical Observations
Data is a fundamental tool for simplifying institutional decision-making
Educational technology categories are continuously evolving
AI is dramatically transforming the educational technology landscape
Strategic Highlights
ListEdTech's role in providing comprehensive higher education system data
Supporting vendors in identifying potential clients and market trends
Emphasizing the importance of peer insights in technology adoption
Technological Challenges
Maintaining data accuracy in a rapidly changing educational technology market
Navigating complex technology categorizations
Helping institutions avoid common pitfalls in technology selection
Episode Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Justin Menard and ListEdTech
08:42 - EDUCAUSE and Market Trends Insights
19:13 - Navigating EdTech Categories
25:31 - AI's Impact on Higher Education Technology
Preparing Students for Real-World Creative Success with Meredith Bailey
13 Dec 2024
00:24:17
In this podcast episode, Jeff Dillon interviews Meredith Bailey, founder and CEO of StreamWork, a platform designed to enhance collaboration in online learning and higher education. Meredith shares her journey from working at tech giants like Google and Apple to founding StreamWork, driven by her desire to streamline creative collaboration.
The conversation explores how StreamWork bridges the gap between in-person and online learning, its impact on student engagement, and the importance of integrating feedback and grading in the learning process.
Meredith also discusses the future of online education, the role of AI, and offers valuable advice for aspiring tech founders.
Highlights
Meredith Bailey founded StreamWork to enhance online collaboration.
StreamWork transforms education by fostering engagement and creativity.
The platform allows for collaborative work on various content types.
Professors can save time with StreamWork's auto grading feature.
Students gain exposure to next-gen collaboration tools in the classroom.
StreamWork mimics traditional peer group experiences in online settings.
AI integration is a focus for improving workflows in education.
Feedback and meaningful discussion are prioritized in StreamWork.
Persistence and flexibility are crucial for tech founders.
StreamWork is adaptable for both small and large class sizes.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro
(00:57) Introduction to StreamWork and Its Mission
(03:59) Meredith's Journey from Tech Giants to Founding StreamWork
(06:22) Bridging the Gap in Higher Education
(08:43) StreamWork's Impact on Collaborative Learning
(11:26) Integration and Compatibility with Other Tools
(13:53) Grading vs. Feedback: Enhancing Student Engagement
(19:00) Future of Online Learning and AI Integration
How the CMS is Shaping Higher Ed Digital Experiences with Kat Liendgens
06 Dec 2024
00:26:44
In this episode, Jeff Dillon dives into a compelling conversation with Kat Liendgens, CEO of Hannon Hill, exploring the transformative journey of content management systems (CMS) in higher education.
Kat reveals her path into the tech industry, sharing both the obstacles she encountered and the opportunities that arose. Together, they examine the evolving landscape of user expectations and emerging technology trends.
The discussion highlights the critical role of personalization in connecting with prospective students and the impact of artificial intelligence on streamlining content management processes.
Kat underscores the importance of a strategic approach to AI adoption, providing actionable insights for marketers and web directors seeking to navigate the complexities of the CMS environment.
Don’t miss this enlightening exchange that offers a deeper understanding of the future of content management in the educational sector.
Takeaways
Kat's journey into technology was driven by overcoming intimidation.
The CMS landscape has evolved significantly over the years.
Flexibility and governance are key challenges for modern CMS.
Personalization is crucial for engaging prospective students.
AI can enhance content management but requires careful implementation.
Higher education institutions are often slow to adopt new technologies.
Effective CMS should educate content contributors for better outcomes.
Start small with personalization to test its effectiveness.
Understanding user needs is essential for successful CMS implementation.
Focus on solving problems rather than just features when selecting a CMS.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Content Management Revolution
06:08 Evolution of CMS and User Expectations
11:17 The Importance of Personalization in Higher Education
18:42 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption
24:48 Final Tips for Marketers and Web Directors
LinksOn EdTech Connecthannonhill.com
Innovative Strategies for Marketing Higher Education with Haley Johnson
29 Nov 2024
00:23:35
In this conversation, Jeff Dillon interviews Haley Johnson, the regional vice president of education solutions at Motimatic. They discuss Haley's journey from College Scheduler to Civitas and now to Motimatic, focusing on her expertise in student engagement and retention through innovative marketing strategies.
Haley shares insights on the importance of social media in reaching students, particularly those who have stopped out, and the effectiveness of a performance-based marketing model that only charges institutions when they see results. The conversation also touches on emerging trends in higher education and the future of student communication.
Takeaways
Haley Johnson is a champion for student success in educational technology.
Motimatic uses social media to drive student engagement and retention.
The pay-for-performance model ensures institutions only pay for results.
Student adoption is crucial for the success of educational software.
Community colleges are seeing significant success with targeted marketing efforts.
Social media ads are tailored to specific student needs and actions.
Traditional communication methods are becoming less effective with students.
Haley emphasizes the importance of understanding student behavior and preferences.
The future of higher education marketing is shifting towards innovative solutions.
Institutions should consider low-risk, performance-based marketing opportunities.
Sound Bites
"A true champion for student success."
"We average 3 to 5% conversion of those lists."
"We are a revenue generating partnership."
"Don't be afraid to look into it."
Ep. 11 - Sameer Maggon: AI-Powered Site Search for Higher Education
22 Nov 2024
00:28:26
In this conversation, Jeff Dillon interviews Sameer Maggon, CEO and founder of SearchStax, about the evolution of search technology, particularly in the context of higher education.
Sameer shares his journey in the search industry, the challenges organizations face in building effective search infrastructures, and how SearchStax aims to bridge the gap for businesses of all sizes.
The discussion also delves into the differences between search in e-commerce and higher education, the importance of continuous innovation, and the role of AI in enhancing search experiences.
Sameer emphasizes the need for resilience in entrepreneurship and the significance of customer-centric approaches in technology development.
Takeaways
Search is critical for shaping user experience online.
Building scalable search infrastructure is challenging for many organizations.
Higher education search focuses on guiding users to relevant information.
Continuous learning and innovation are essential to stay ahead in search technology.
Resilience is key in overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship.
Empowering teams fosters ownership and enhances productivity.
Customer feedback is vital for shaping product development.
AI can personalize and enhance search experiences significantly.
Data accessibility is crucial for effective search solutions.
Search engines should allow users to deprioritize outdated content.
Chapters
Beyond the Funnel: How EMU is Rethinking Student Success
01 Aug 2025
00:30:29
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Katie Condon, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Eastern Michigan University, to unpack the urgent challenges and innovative strategies shaping higher ed’s future. With over a decade of experience spanning West Virginia University and EMU, Katie offers a candid look at how regional publics can compete amid shrinking demographics, financial aid upheavals, and rising student demands for ROI.
From her viral 4,000-handwritten-note campaign (yes, even the rowing team pitched in) to rethinking transfer student pathways, Katie shares how she balances data-driven decisions with human-centric approaches. Discover why “many” and “a lot” are her least favorite words, how AI could revolutionize financial aid transparency, and why teaching freshman communication classes made her a better leader. Tune in for actionable insights on turning enrollment crises into opportunities—without losing your authenticity.
Regional vs. Flagship Realities
Smaller schools face higher stakes with fewer resources: “At a flagship, risks feel small. At a regional, every risk could be existential.”
Data ≠ Panic
Avoid reactive decisions: “One negative food review out of 2,000 doesn’t mean overhaul the menu.” Context matters more than raw numbers.
Transparency Wins
Students demand clarity: “They’re asking, ‘What will my degree cost the day I start?’” EMU’s career-focused messaging highlights short-term ROI (e.g., young alumni on Wall Street).
AI’s Next Frontier: Financial Aid
Personalized video walkthroughs of aid packages (via tools like Notebook LM) could bridge gaps for first-gen students—but data security is non-negotiable.
The Power of “All Are Welcome”
EMU’s campus-wide note-card campaign (even athletes wrote 700+ cards) boosted belonging by making recruitment everyone’s job.
Transfer Students Need Segmentation
Articulation agreements are outdated: “Today’s transfers might have dual enrollment, a failed semester elsewhere, or 100 scattered credits—they’re not a monolith.”
Leadership Hack: Teach Freshmen
Katie’s 7 years teaching intro comms revealed how recruitment impacts classroom success—and vice versa. “Emailing an A student praise works like a yield campaign.”
Advice for New Leaders
“Ask ‘why’ relentlessly early on. Later, questions seem suspicious.” Curiosity builds trust and uncovers institutional blind spots.
Listen Now to learn how to turn enrollment challenges into student-centered victories! ✨
(00:08:11) - What's one initiative you're most proud of?
(00:10:36) - Financial aid strategies evolve to meet shifting student demographics
(00:14:29) - Demographic cliff affecting schools
(00:18:06) - How to Personalize Student Enrollment with AI
(00:20:51) - How to Save Time by Reading Large Research Reports
(00:21:55) - Have Student Ambassadors Changed Your Leadership?
(00:26:26) - What's one area in enrollment or student success that feels broken?
(00:28:20) - Onboarding to a Vice President's Role
Ep. 10 - Dallin Palmer: AI-Powered Student Recruitment and Engagement
15 Nov 2024
00:35:17
In this episode of the EdTech Connect podcast, Jeff Dillon interviews Dallin Palmer, co-founder of Halda Inc., an AI-powered platform designed to enhance engagement for enrollment marketers in higher education.
Dallin discusses the challenges faced by universities in digital marketing, the transformative role of AI in personalizing user experiences, and the importance of data privacy. He shares insights on measuring success and ROI in enrollment marketing, emphasizing the need for a luxury experience in higher education. The conversation concludes with advice for enrollment marketers on leveraging AI effectively.
Takeaways
Halda aims to revolutionize engagement for enrollment marketers in higher education.
AI can significantly enhance the effectiveness of enrollment marketing strategies.
Personalization is key to improving user experience and conversion rates.
Understanding user behavior on websites is crucial for effective marketing.
Data privacy is a major concern, and only first-party data should be used for personalization.
Measuring success in enrollment marketing requires a focus on real ROI and student feedback.
The future of higher education will rely heavily on technology and AI integration.
Institutions must adapt to changing market dynamics and student expectations.
Effective content management is essential for successful enrollment marketing.
Enrollment marketers should embrace AI and experiment with its applications.
Sound Bites
"Your website is a prioritization problem."
"93% of students say this was helpful."
"If the student wins, everyone wins."
"You need a luxury experience in higher ed."
A Design Educator's Perspective on Tech in Higher Ed with William Culpepper
08 Nov 2024
00:31:55
In this episode of EdTech Connect, Jeff Dillon interviews William Culpepper, a seasoned design educator, about his experiences and insights in graphic design education.
They discuss Culpepper's innovative Grafik Intervention project aimed at revitalizing urban spaces through visual communication, the challenges and opportunities in online learning, and the integration of AI in graphic design.
Culpepper emphasizes the importance of balancing online and in-person learning, the emergence of new educational technologies, and the need for equity and accessibility in education.
Takeaways
William Culpepper has a diverse background in design education and practice.
The Graphic Intervention project aims to revitalize urban spaces through community engagement.
Online learning has gained traction, especially post-pandemic, but challenges remain.
AI tools are being integrated into graphic design education to enhance creativity.
Balancing online and in-person learning is crucial for effective education.
Emerging technologies like VR and AR can transform learning experiences.
Accessibility and universal design principles are essential in education.
Cultural sensitivity in design education broadens students' perspectives.
Training for educators is vital for effective technology integration.
Student engagement is enhanced through a blend of online and face-to-face learning.
Sound Bites
"It's like open source community revitalization."
Ep. 8 - Tracey Halvorsen: The Art of Leadership and Creativity in HigherEd
01 Nov 2024
00:26:58
In this episode of EdTech Connect, Jeff Dillon engages with Tracy Halverson, the dynamic CEO of adeo, to unravel the unique blend of art and leadership.
Tracy dives deep into how artistic creativity can redefine leadership approaches, transforming the culture and strategies within organizations. She sheds light on the formidable challenges facing higher education, offering innovative solutions and emphasizing the role of strategic thinking in overcoming these obstacles.
Tracy shares her vision of technology as a catalyst for collaboration, breaking down barriers between departmental silos, and fostering an environment where experimentation and innovation can flourish. By understanding audience needs, she explains how institutions can enhance external engagement, ensuring meaningful connections and effective organizational change.
Join Jeff and Tracy for an insightful discussion filled with practical advice and visionary ideas, perfect for educators, leaders, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of education and leadership.
Takeaways
Creativity and curiosity are essential from the start.
Higher education struggles with siloed environments.
Technology enables departmental experimentation.
Agility supports organizational change.
Rebranding should focus on the audience, not just internal needs.
"Creativity and curiosity must be there from the beginning."
"The worst thing you can do is try to be all things to all people."
"Clarity is not bragging."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tracy Halverson and adeo 02:32 The Interplay of Art and Leadership 04:30 Challenges in Higher Education 06:45 The Role of Technology in Collaboration 10:07 Improving External Engagement 13:20 Insights from Different Sectors 19:21 The Process of Rebranding and UI Development 22:57 Agility in Organizational Change 25:00 Final Thoughts and Advice
How Crowdmark Enhances Educator Efficiency & Student Outcomes with Michelle Caers
25 Oct 2024
00:25:33
In this podcast episode, Jeff Dillon interviews Michelle Caers, co-founder and CEO of Crowdmark, discussing the innovative grading and assessment solution for higher education.
Michelle shares her journey in education and technology, the role of Crowdmark in enhancing grading efficiency, and how AI is leveraged to support educators. The conversation also touches on the challenges of adopting new educational technologies, the integration with learning management systems, the nuances of subjective grading, and the ethical implications of AI in education.
Michelle provides insights into the onboarding process for Crowdmark and shares unexpected success stories from institutions using the platform. She concludes with advice for entrepreneurs looking to innovate in the education technology space.
Takeaways
Crowdmark automates tedious grading tasks to free up educators' time.
The platform supports collaboration among grading teams for consistent feedback.
AI is used to enhance grading processes, not replace human interaction.
Overcoming the status quo is a significant challenge in educational tech adoption.
Crowdmark integrates with major learning management systems for ease of use.
The platform excels in grading handwritten work, particularly in STEM fields.
Ethical considerations in AI include data privacy and academic integrity.
Sound Bites
"Grading is an essential part of the education system."
"Crowdmark assists in managing that grading team."
"AI is the flavor of the day."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Crowdmark and Michelle Caers
04:07 The Role of Crowdmark in Grading Efficiency
07:16
Essential AI Strategies for Higher Education Professionals with Dustin Stout
18 Oct 2024
00:27:23
In this conversation, Jeff Dillon interviews Dustin Stout, the founder of Magai, an all-in-one AI platform designed to enhance teaching and learning in higher education.
Dustin shares his journey of creating Magai, the challenges faced in adapting the platform for educational use, and the ethical implications of AI in the classroom.
He emphasizes the importance of educators in guiding students on how to use AI responsibly and offers practical tips for faculty looking to integrate AI into their teaching. The discussion highlights the transformative potential of AI in education and the need for institutions to embrace this technology.
Takeaways
Dustin Stout's journey led to the creation of Magai.
Magai integrates multiple AI tools into one platform.
Higher education can benefit from AI in lesson planning.
Ethical use of AI requires user responsibility.
AI can serve as a creative partner for educators.
Faculty should explore AI to enhance their teaching.
Universities are beginning to teach AI usage to students.
AI's rapid evolution presents both challenges and opportunities.
Engagement with AI is essential for future readiness.
Sound Bites
"This new wave of AI is magical."
"You only have to subscribe to one tool."
"There's no better tool than Magi."
Chapters
00:00 The Genesis of Magai: A Founder’s Journey
The Benefits of Using CyberLabHero in Higher Education with Markus Schober
11 Oct 2024
00:18:00
Marcus Schober, founder of Blue Cape Security and creator of CyberLabHero, discusses the importance of hands-on cybersecurity training in higher education. He explains how his browser-based virtual lab platform simplifies the learning experience for students and eliminates the need for complex setup requirements.
Schober also highlights the challenges faced by higher education institutions in adopting new technology and the benefits of using CyberLabHero. He emphasizes the flexibility and security of the platform and its ability to improve course completion rates.
Takeaways
CyberLabHero is a browser-based virtual lab platform that simplifies hands-on cybersecurity training in higher education.
The platform eliminates the need for complex setup requirements and allows students to access virtual machines seamlessly through their browser.
Higher education institutions can benefit from using CyberLabHero by improving course completion rates and providing a more immersive learning experience.
The platform is flexible, customizable, and secure, making it an ideal solution for technical training programs in various industries.
Sound Bites
"It can take a lot of work off of the hands of the teachers, the faculty members."
"If you basically make it all client based where all you need is a browser, it all runs in the cloud and you don't have, everyone has the same chance of completing the training."
"It's very centralized and easy to manage."
Chapters
00:00: Introduction to Marcus Schober and CyberLabHero
03:02: The Advantages of Browser-Based Virtual Labs
05:26: Challenges in Higher Education and the Solution
07:20: The Flexibility and Advantage of Being a Newer Company
09:21: The Importance of Security in Building a Virtual Lab
12:38: Inspiration from Founders and Customizability of CyberLabHero
15:28: How to Find and Contact CyberLabHero
Streamlining Grading and Self-Hosted AI in Education with Chris Du
04 Oct 2024
00:25:44
Chris Du, the founder of Insightful and TimelyGrader, is revolutionizing group project management and grading in higher education.
TimelyGrader, launched in 2024, uses AI to provide quick and accurate feedback to students, streamlining the grading process for instructors. The platform integrates with popular learning management systems like Canvas and D2L.
Chris emphasizes the importance of trust and the human element in education, and TimelyGrader is designed to work as a tool alongside instructors, not replace them. The future of EdTech and AI in education lies in self-hosted AI models within institutions.
Takeaways
TimelyGrader uses AI to provide quick and accurate feedback to students, streamlining the grading process for instructors.
The platform integrates with popular learning management systems like Canvas and D2L.
Trust and the human element are important in education, and TimelyGrader is designed to work alongside instructors, not replace them.
The future of EdTech and AI in education lies in self-hosted AI models within institutions.
Sound Bites
"That's the best intro I've heard in my five years."
"If you could solve scalability with feedback, it's going to be huge."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chris Dew and Insightful
01:25 The Journey from Insightful to TimelyGrader
Powering Engaging Learning with AI-Driven Video Creation with Vikram Chalana
27 Sep 2024
00:18:13
In this episode, we sit down with Vikram Chalana, the co-founder and driving force behind Pictory.AI - an innovative software company leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence to empower users to transform their messages into captivating video content.
Vikram shares the inspiration behind starting Pictory.AI, which stemmed from his own experience struggling to create professional-quality videos as a business leader.
He recognized the challenges that many professionals, especially in education, face when it comes to video production, and set out to build a user-friendly platform that democratizes the video creation process through the power of AI.
We explore how Pictory.AI is helping to enable micro-learning and engage students through short, impactful video content.
Vikram discusses the company's evolution, the integration of technologies like GPT-3 and AI voice synthesis, and the strategies they are employing to drive adoption within the higher education sector.
Additionally, Vikram shares insights from his personal entrepreneurial journey, including the lessons he learned while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his son, and the influential leaders and companies that have inspired his vision for Pictory.AI.
This conversation offers a fascinating look at the transformative potential of AI-driven content creation tools and their impact on the future of education and learning.
Takeaways
Pictory uses AI to make video creation easy for business people
The ideal video length for effective learning is around four to five minutes
Pictory has evolved over the years, incorporating AI models and adding features like AI voiceovers
Engagement is key in creating and consuming learning content
Pictory offers individual user pricing as well as enterprise solutions for universities
Vikram finds inspiration in the founders of Canva and business leaders like Bill Gates and Satya Nadella
Sound Bites
"Just like building a business, climbing Kilimanjaro was tough"
"The inspiration for Pictory was to make videos easy using AI"
"Pictory is like a Canva for video"
Chapters
00:00: Introduction to Vikram Chalana and Pictory
02:08: The Inspiration for Pictory: Making Video Creation Easy with AI
05:34: Enabling Micro Learning with Short Videos
07:33: Building Analytics Capabilities and Challenges
09:44: Challenges Faced by Pictory
12:00: Ethical Concerns and Adoption of AI in Higher Ed
13:53: Pictory's Model: Individual User Pricing and Enterprise Solutions
Li...
The Evolving Role of CIOs in Higher Education with Helen Norris
20 Sep 2024
00:29:47
Helen Norris, CIO at Chapman University, discusses her journey to becoming a CIO and the evolving role of CIOs in higher education. She emphasizes the importance of integration and change advocacy in the current complex IT environment.
Norris also explores the potential of AI in various areas, such as advising, research, and administrative tasks. She highlights the need for explainability and privacy in AI implementation. Additionally, she discusses the challenges of managing content and data in higher education websites.
Takeaways
The role of CIOs in higher education has evolved from being service providers to being integrators and change advocates.
AI has the potential to enhance various areas in higher education, such as advising, research, and administrative tasks.
The strategic value of legacy systems should be considered before deciding to replace them, and integrating new tools with these systems can be a more practical solution.
AI implementation should prioritize explainability and privacy to ensure ethical and effective use.
Managing content and data in higher education websites can be challenging due to the proliferation of information and the presence of stale and duplicate content.
Sound Bites
"Now it's about, oh, all these systems are there. And what I need to do is bring them together, make sure they're secure, make sure they're used well, make sure that we're always scanning that environment and seeing what we need to change."
"Putting new tools in front of legacy systems to enhance their capabilities and provide better outcomes for students and faculty."
"Ensuring explainability in AI decision-making, especially in high-stakes areas like advising."
Chapters
00:00: Introduction and Background of Helen Norris
04:43: The Changing Role of CIOs in Higher Education
08:26: Balancing Process and Outcome in Decision-Making
12:56: Managing Change and Legacy Systems
16:21: The Potential of AI in Higher Education
19:40: Use Cases of AI in Higher Education
21:53: Academic Advisory Guidelines and Policies
22:10: Priorities at Chapman University
24:15: The Importance of IT Strategic Planning
25:08: Challenges of Content Management in Higher Education Websites
27:27: Advice for Upcoming IT Leaders in Higher Education
Embracing AI for Student-Centric Experiences with Ardis Kadiu
13 Sep 2024
00:22:17
Ardis Kadiu, founder and CEO of Element 451, discusses the evolution of AI in education and the importance of personalization in student engagement. He shares the inspiration behind the name Element 451 and the journey of starting the company. Kadiu emphasizes the need for education institutions to embrace AI and prioritize student-centric experiences.
He also addresses concerns about job security and highlights the potential of AI to enhance productivity and eliminate menial tasks. Kadiu provides insights on how campuses can prepare for AI implementation and emphasizes the importance of data privacy and security.
Takeaways
AI has the potential to transform education by enabling personalization and improving student engagement.
Education institutions should prioritize student-centric experiences and embrace AI to enhance the student journey.
AI can eliminate menial tasks and enhance productivity, allowing professionals to focus on higher-value work.
Campuses can prepare for AI implementation by identifying areas where AI can remove friction from the student experience.
Data privacy and security should be prioritized when implementing AI solutions in education.
Sound Bites
"We don't have enough time today to do our jobs properly. The fear of AI taking our jobs is so far away. AI is going to eliminate tasks we don't want to do and amplify what we're able to do."
"Think about where you're having deficiencies and friction in the student experience today and invest in AI solutions there."
"Think about the AI capabilities that are being embedded in current tools that you're using that already have the data security layer and governance in place."
Chapters
00:00: Introduction and Background of Ardis Kadiu
02:23: Ardis Kadiu's Founder Story
06:01: The Evolution of Element 451
08:02: User Experience and Personalization in Element 451
10:47: Addressing the Fear of AI Taking Jobs
13:09: Enhancing Productivity and Eliminating Menial Tasks with AI
15:45: Prioritizing Data Privacy and Security in AI Solutions
17:53: The Future of AI in Education and Personalization
Ep. 45 - Eytan Wurman: What If We Recruited Musicians Like We Do Athletes?
25 Jul 2025
00:33:27
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Eytan Wurman, founder of Common Time Pathways, to explore the untapped potential of music in college admissions. A former music teacher turned entrepreneur, Eytan reveals how his platform is bridging the gap between student musicians and $5 billion in overlooked scholarships—more than athletic scholarships combined.
From debunking myths about music careers (“You don’t have to be Yo-Yo Ma to succeed”) to leveraging AI for music education (without replacing human artistry), Eytan shares how Common Time Pathways is creating athlete-style recruitment pipelines for musicians. Discover why colleges are prioritizing students who retain music as part of their identity, how harmonic resonance connects cultures, and why the future of education needs more creativity—not less—in an AI-dominated world.
Music Scholarships Outpace Athletics
Over $5B in performing arts scholarships are awarded annually—more than D1/D2 athletic scholarships—but people are aware of this due to lack of awareness and networking opportunities.
10,000 Hours
Professional musicians aren’t born; they’re made through persistence. Like doctors or engineers, mastery comes from practice, not innate talent.
Why Music is Higher Ed’s Secret Retention Tool
Post-COVID, musicians returned to campus fastest because ensembles gave them identity and community—key to combating student burnout.
AI Can’t Replace Human Artistry (Yet)
Tools like Songscription.ai automate notation, but live music’s emotional power remains irreplaceable. “AI won’t make us cry like a human playing Beethoven.”
The Networking Gap
Athletes are recruited at age 5; musicians are told “figure it out.” Common Time Pathways connects students directly with professors and recruiters as early as 13.
Cultural Shift Needed
Counselors often lack tools to guide musical students. Changing the narrative from “music is nice” to “music is economically viable” is critical.
Global Harmony
Music transcends language and culture. Eytan’s work with international educators aims to redefine conservatory pipelines beyond Western classical traditions.
Advice for Entrepreneurs
“Talk to everyone—even your third-grade teacher.” Building a business hinges on relentless networking and seizing small connection opportunities.
Listen Now to learn how CommonTime Pathways is turning musicians into higher ed’s most valuable recruits!
(00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: The Need for Musicians
(00:01:13) - Introducing Eitan Wurman
(00:02:17) - Common Time Pathways: How to Get a Scholarship
(00:09:12) - Music's Key to More Human Society
(00:11:33) - What Is It About Music That Makes People So Empathetic?
(00:14:17) - There's 10,000 Hours of Mastery
(00:15:26) - Is it nearly impossible to have a career in Music?
(00:20:03) - Are college and career counseling practices failing to identify our kids?
(00:22:00) - Common Time Pathways: How to Get a Music Scholarship
(00:25:40) - What Does Success Look Like for Musicians?
(00:27:45) - How Is Music Tech Affecting the Community?
(00:29:47) - How to Start a Business With a Passion
(00:31:50) - Eitan on EdTech Connect
Chase Williams: How Pathify Is Rewiring Campus Tech
18 Jul 2025
00:24:58
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Chase Williams, CEO and co-founder of Pathify, to explore how modern digital engagement platforms are transforming the fragmented student experience. Born out of Chase’s own frustrations as a student at Monash University, Pathify has grown into a global solution serving nearly 250 institutions by consolidating communication, tasks, and resources into a single, intuitive hub.
Chase shares how Pathify’s middleware integration layer bridges siloed systems (from SIS to LMS to financial aid), why reducing "digital treasure hunts" boosts student success (like Pacific University’s 85% drop in financial holds), and how AI agents could soon automate tasks—if higher ed can untangle its data. Fresh off a $25 million investment, he also reveals Pathify’s expansion plans, the challenges of scaling a fully remote global team, and his hard-won advice for edtech founders: Persistence is the ultimate competitive advantage.
From "Link Farms" to Engagement Hubs
Traditional portals are outdated "link farms" that force students to navigate siloed systems. Pathify flips this by centralizing workflows (e.g., bill payments, advising) and personalizing content based on roles, interests, and behaviors—mirroring consumer apps like Spotify or YouTube.
Integration is the Secret Sauce
Pathify’s middleware layer transforms fragmented data (e.g., PeopleSoft APIs, iCal feeds) into a unified front-end experience. Example: Pacific University consolidated 29 systems into 5, slashing financial holds by 85% with targeted nudges.
AI’s Promise (and Pitfalls) in Higher Ed
AI agents could automate tasks (e.g., course enrollment, advisor bookings), but hallucination risks compound with complex, siloed data. Pathify’s deep integration layer positions it to lead here—when the data is ready.
Community Surprises
Despite commoditized tools (WhatsApp, GroupMe), Pathify’s institution-run communities drive engagement (e.g., spiking attendance at volleyball games via event groups)—proving students crave official digital spaces.
Global Growth, Remote Culture
Pathify’s fully remote team nurtures culture through quarterly meetups, cross-team events (like devs at EDUCAUSE), and a "marathon mindset" for scaling. Lesson: Operate remotely, strategize in person.
Vendor Evaluation: Skip the Slick Demo
Chase’s advice to higher ed leaders: Backchannel references. LinkedIn connections reveal more than any demo.
Founder Wisdom: Persistence Pays
Success is a marathon. Pathify’s decade-long journey—now with $25M funding—proves steady, focused growth beats "rocket ship" hype.
Listen Now to learn how smarter tech consolidation can turn institutional "digital overload" into seamless student success!
(00:02:00) - The University of Melbourne's Student Portal
(00:06:46) - How Student Engagement Hub is Preventing Digital Overload
(00:08:44) - How Colleges are transforming Student Engagement with Pathfi
(00:10:38) - What's been the most surprising piece of feedback from students using Path
(00:12:25) - How to Integrate With SIS, LMSS and VCSS
(00:15:51) - Top Higher Ed Tech Executives Discuss New Tech
(00:18:58) - How Do You Build a Remote Company Culture?
(00:20:47) - What early lessons have you learned from building Pathify?
(00:22:12) - WSJDLive: Vendor Partnerships for Higher Ed
(00:23:02) - What's the biggest lesson from your journey with Pathify?
Dr. Cabrini Pak Breaks Down the Future of AI in Academia
11 Jul 2025
00:30:16
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Dr. Cabrini Pak—professor, interdisciplinary scholar, and systems thinker—to explore how cutting-edge concepts like stigmergy (a cybernetic coordination mechanism) and AI can transform higher education. With degrees in biology, theology, business, and cultural studies, Dr. Pak bridges gaps between disciplines, offering fresh insights into everything from classroom innovation to institutional efficiency.
Discover how she’s testing AI tools like GPT and Copilot with students, why tracking error rates is critical for ethical AI adoption, and how "agentic AI" could revolutionize advising and campus operations. She also shares lessons from her corporate career, including how higher ed can adopt a "living lab" mindset to accelerate innovation. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on breaking down silos, designing smarter workflows, and turning "constipated dinosaurs" into agile, AI-enabled institutions.
Key Takeaways:
Stigmergy: Borrowing from Nature to Solve Coordination Problems
Inspired by social insects (e.g., ants, bees), stigmergy uses action-trace feedback loops to improve collaboration. Dr. Pak applies this to classroom projects and consulting engagements, helping students "swarm" around problems effectively.
AI as a "Fancy Hammer"
AI is a tool, not a replacement. Dr. Pak’s experiments (e.g., Zoom’s AI assistant, GPT for forensic accounting) reveal its limitations (e.g., misgendering speakers, flawed summaries) and teach students critical evaluation.
Agentic AI is Already Here
Virtual TAs, advising bots, and automated workflows (e.g., course planning) are emerging on campuses. But trust remains a hurdle—human oversight and "undo buttons" are essential for high-stakes tasks.
Error Rates Matter
Testing AI error rates exposes biases (e.g., facial recognition failures) and improves training data. Higher ed must prioritize transparency, especially in areas like advising or data management.
Bots for the Boring Stuff
Automating tedious tasks (e.g., fixing dead links, updating web content) frees staff for meaningful work. Think "Roomba for websites"—but with human checks.
Private Sector Lessons: The "Living Lab" Mindset
Universities should emulate corporate agility by turning campuses into testing grounds for innovation (e.g., MIT’s sustainability labs). Scarcity demands circular, not linear, knowledge economies.
The Underrated AI Use Case: Tacit Knowledge Mining
AI could unearth siloed insights buried in local drives and shared folders, connecting dots across departments to solve systemic problems.
Magic Wand Fix: From "Constipated Dinosaurs" to Agile Service Providers
Dr. Pak’s dream AI solution? A system that anticipates needs, streamlines bureaucracy, and empowers staff—transforming higher ed into a responsive, adaptive ecosystem.
Listen Now to rethink how AI, interdisciplinary thinking, and cybernetic principles can reshape higher ed!
(00:00:45) - Meet Cabrini Pack, Professor of Business at The Catholic University
(00:02:18) - Interdisciplinary perspectives in business, theology, and science
(00:04:53) - Stigmergy in IT: Learning the Collective
(00:06:59) - Top Executives on AI and the Learning Process
(00:09:50) - The fight for AI in the classroom
(00:12:47) - WSJD Live: Agentic AI for Higher Ed
(00:14:08) - What's the Evolvement of Agentic AI?
(00:16:51) - What's the Real Opportunity of Bots on Campus Websites?
(00:19:40) - What are the Error Rates for AI-enabled Applications?
(00:23:15) - Are Student Admissions Bots Good for Advice?
(00:24:57) - What Could Higher Ed Learn From the Private Sector?
(00:26:17) - What is the most underrated use case for AI in a university setting
(00:27:27) - What would one AI- solution for every university?
(00:29:31) - EdTech Connect
Beyond the Inbox: How Ashley Budd is Rethinking Alumni Engagement
04 Jul 2025
00:29:07
In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Ashley Budd, Director of Digital Marketing at Cornell University, to explore the evolving landscape of university marketing and alumni engagement.
With over a decade of experience at Cornell, Ashley shares insights into how digital innovation has transformed alumni outreach, the surprising power of email in fundraising, and the delicate balance between personalization and relevance. From her new book Mailed It to Cornell’s bold advocacy campaigns, Ashley offers actionable strategies for higher ed professionals looking to modernize their approach.
Tune in for a conversation packed with practical advice, surprising lessons, and a glimpse into the future of higher ed marketing.
Key Takeaways:
Digital Alumni Engagement is the Future
Cornell’s early investment in digital teams (e.g., social media, email specialists) set a precedent for meeting alumni where they are—online.
Alumni engagement now requires a hybrid approach, blending digital and in-person strategies to cater to millennials and Gen Z.
Email is a Powerhouse Channel
Email often outperforms other channels in fundraising and engagement when done strategically.
Avoid hyper-personalization; focus on relevance and timing for broader segments.
Direct Mail Isn’t Dead—It’s Evolving
Physical mail can feel special in an era of digital noise, but data accuracy (e.g., correct salutations) is critical to avoid alienating recipients.
Reserve premium mail (e.g., alumni magazines) for high-value audiences due to rising production costs.
AI’s Role in Fundraising
AI can help identify giving opportunities and simplify complex donor outreach, but human judgment is still essential for authentic connections.
Advocacy Campaigns Require Agility
Cornell’s rapid-response advocacy campaign (launched in under two weeks) demonstrates how universities can mobilize alumni during crises.
Collaboration Over Perfection
To push innovation forward in higher ed, present ideas with evidence, include skeptics in discussions, and let neutral parties drive consensus.
Toolkits > Tech Stacks
The biggest barrier to effective marketing isn’t creativity—it’s workflows and approval processes. Teams need playbooks to streamline execution.
Featured Resource: Ashley’s book Mailed It (emailbook.co) and her free custom GPT for writing effective emails.
Listen Now to learn how to future-proof your institution’s marketing and engagement strategies!
(00:01:30) - Senior Vice President for Advancement at Cornell University Discusses Alumni
(00:04:47) - Do your colleagues feel like they're from the future?
(00:05:39) - Mailed It: The Social Media Strategy Book
(00:09:28) - Donor Experience in Direct Mail
(00:14:16) - What advice would you give to university fundraising communications
(00:19:54) - Personalization in U.S. email
(00:22:52) - Tell the Story of Higher Ed
(00:24:40) - An Alumni Advocacy Campaign
(00:26:53) - If You Had a Magic Wand
(00:28:22) - EdTech Connect
Sana Remekie: Orchestrating the Future - What Higher Ed Can Learn from Composable Architecture
27 Jun 2025
00:28:32
In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Sana Remekie, CEO of Conscia and a pioneer in composable digital experiences, to explore how universities can break free from legacy systems and embrace AI-driven agility. From her roots in enterprise search architecture to building Conscia’s "DXGraph" for unified data, Sana reveals why higher ed must adopt omni-channel strategies—or risk becoming invisible to AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT.
Discover how digital experience orchestration bridges siloed CMS platforms, why personalization goes beyond "Hello, [Name]," and how agentic AI will redefine student interactions—both on and off your website
The Multi-to-Multi Problem: Universities juggle legacy systems, composable tools, and countless touchpoints—orchestration layers unify them without costly migrations.
AI’s Offsite Threat: If ChatGPT can’t crawl your structured content, prospective students may never find you.
Beyond the Website: Conversational interfaces (like onsite chatbots) are now mandatory—users expect ChatGPT-style interactions everywhere.
Personalization ≠ Just Names: Real-time intent detection (via LLMs) lets schools dynamically reshape content for admissions seekers, researchers, or donors.
Start Small, Abstract Legacy: Use batch data feeds to build APIs over clunky systems—no "boil the ocean" required.
Agentic AI is Non-Negotiable: Third-party AI (ChatGPT) and onsite chatbots will dominate how Gen Z engages with brands—including universities.
Listen now to future-proof your institution’s digital strategy—before AI reshapes the enrollment landscape.