This week on EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Erin Callihan, AVP of Strategic Marketing at NYU and a powerhouse who blends law, design, and deep tech strategy. They dive into the ever-expanding AI toolbox that's reshaping how higher ed professionals work. Erin shares her latest favorite tools—from Google Gemini's surprising slide design capabilities and Napkin AI for instant data viz to Notebook LM's powerful research features. She gets practical about how AI is saving her team significant time on everything from analyzing survey data to identifying fonts from a screenshot. The conversation tackles the big questions: How do we maintain an authentic, human voice while scaling content with AI? What's the right pace for developing university-wide AI policy? And how can professionals in "high-risk" areas like advancement and fundraising get started safely? Tune in for a masterclass in practical AI adoption from one of higher ed's most creative and strategic minds. Key Takeaways AI is Built into the Tools You Already Use: The most powerful and accessible AI is often integrated into existing platforms. Leverage the AI functions in Google Sheets, Gemini, and Notebook LM for data analysis, research, and content creation before seeking out standalone apps. Start with Low-Risk, High-Impact Tasks: To build comfort and demonstrate value, begin with AI on "low-risk" tasks. Examples include analyzing anonymized survey data, brainstorming campaign ideas, troubleshooting tech issues, or automating mundane formatting tasks in spreadsheets. The "Human 20%" is Non-Negotiable: For authentic communication—especially in areas like donor relations—AI should handle the middle 80% of a task. Humans must provide the crucial front-end context (brand voice, mission, audience personas) and the final 20% review to ensure quality, accuracy, and heart. AI Policy is About Guidance, Not Just Prohibition: Effective university AI strategy involves moving beyond simple "don't share data" policies. It requires providing practical guidance, showcasing good and bad use cases, and, where possible, standardizing on a few trusted, vetted tools to simplify training and security. Clean Your Data to Mitigate Risk: For teams in sensitive areas (e.g., advancement), a critical first step is ensuring data is clean and exportable. This allows you to replace private information (like donor names) with unique identifiers before using LLMs for analysis, protecting privacy while unlocking insights. Curiosity is the Ultimate Superpower: Erin’s unique background in law (distilling authoritative sources) and design (asking exhaustive questions) makes her a natural at prompt engineering. The key to using AI effectively is innate curiosity and the ability to ask comprehensive, context-rich questions. AI is Not a Fad—Ignoring It is the Risk: The biggest misconception is that AI is a passing trend. It is already integrated into everyday technology and is reshaping the economy and workforce. The real risk for higher ed professionals is not engaging with it to understand its capabilities and limitations. The Real Need is a "Pause Button": With the breakneck pace of new tool releases, the greatest challenge—and desired superpower—is time. Professionals need dedicated space to explore, experiment, and thoughtfully integrate new technologies into their workflows without being overwhelmed. Find Erin Callihan: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erincallihan/ NYU https://www.nyu.edu/ And find EdTech Co... Chapters (00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: The Future of AI in Higher Ed(00:01:37) - The Most Fun Tool of All Time(00:08:37) - How AI Is Saving Time(00:09:48) - Alex Jones on His AI Wins(00:12:01) - Advancement & Campaigns: The Future of AI(00:16:00) - How AI is Affecting the Storytelling of Higher Ed(00:18:04) - In an AI World, Authentic Voice(00:21:04) - How Law and Design intersect in higher ed(00:27:21) - Teachers: We Have to Empower Them(00:27:41) - So AI is Having Its Moment(00:29:33) - What's an AI Superpower for Higher Ed?
Jeff Dillon sits down with Dr. Christy Heid, a Nursing Simulation Specialist at UbiSim. They tackle a critical issue revealed by UbiSim’s recent report: 65% of hospital leaders feel new nursing graduates aren't fully prepared for day-one patient care. Christy explains how this "readiness gap" is being closed through immersive VR simulation and AI-powered tools. She delves into how UbiSim’s nurse-built platform fosters essential clinical judgment, provides a safe space for deliberate practice, and helps solve systemic challenges like clinical site shortages and faculty burnout. From stunning stats on AI-assisted charting adoption to real-world success stories of improved nurse retention, this conversation is a deep dive into how technology is not just enhancing, but fundamentally reshaping, nursing education to create a more confident, competent, and future-ready healthcare workforce. Key Takeaways There is a Significant "Readiness Gap": 65% of hospital leaders believe new nursing graduates are not fully prepared for day-one patient care, highlighting a critical disconnect between academic training and the realities of modern healthcare. Clinical Judgment is the #1 Priority: The most pressing skill gap identified by employers is clinical judgment—the ability to make sound decisions in complex, changing situations. This is a foundational skill that takes time and repeated practice to develop. VR Simulation is a Safe, Scalable Solution: Immersive VR provides a risk-free environment for students to make mistakes, learn from them, and engage in "deliberate practice." It is scalable, standardizes experiences for all learners, and can help address limitations like scarce clinical sites and faculty shortages. AI is Already Transforming Healthcare Workflows: The adoption of AI-assisted charting in hospitals has increased by 165% in the last three years. Nurses now need to be trained to work alongside AI tools, which can free up to half of their time from administrative tasks for direct patient care. The Future is a Blended, Personalized Approach: The goal isn't to replace all live clinical experience with simulation, but to use it as a strategic, blended component. The future of nursing education lies in personalized, goal-directed learning that leverages both VR immersion and AI-driven feedback. Technology Strengthens Academic-Practice Partnerships: A major trend is hospitals and nursing schools creating co-branded micro-credential programs. Immersive VR acts as a bridge between these two worlds, ensuring graduates are equipped with the specific competencies employers need. The Human Element Remains Irreplaceable: While AI and VR are powerful tools, they are designed to enhance, not replace, human skills. The focus is on using technology to recapture time for the human connection, critical thinking, and reflective dialogue that are at the heart of nursing. Find Christy Heid: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchristyheid/ UbiSim https://www.ubisimvr.com/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - How Technology is Disrupting Nursing Education(00:02:16) - UB SIM: The Nursing Education Platform(00:04:28) - Practice Ready: The Need for New Graduates(00:07:26) - How is AI impacting the nursing profession?(00:11:58) - Immersive VR Simulation(00:15:04) - UBSIM: Case Studies(00:16:44) - The Right Blend Between Simulation and Live Clinical Experience(00:17:53) - Immersive VR Training(00:19:47) - How is simulation influencing healthcare system training programs?(00:22:23) - The future of nursing education: VR and AI(00:25:30) - How VR Simulation and EdTech Connect are shaping nursing education
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with digital marketing pioneer Jim Sterne, a professional explainer who has been at the forefront of every major tech shift since the 1980s. Jim reframes Generative AI not as just another tool, but as a fundamental metamorphosis—a shift from computational power to intellectual prowess. They explore how this changes the very nature of our work and identity, why "taste" and "context" are the irreplaceable human advantages, and how organizations can build trust with this new technology. Jim offers pragmatic advice on where to start, the critical importance of sharing failures, and why the goal isn't to replace people, but to empower them to become trusted advisors. Tune in for a masterclass in navigating the AI revolution with clarity, curiosity, and a healthy dose of critical thinking. Key Takeaways AI is a Metamorphosis, Not Just a Tool: Generative AI represents a sea change from automating tasks to generating ideas. It's a different kind of computing that requires a fundamental shift in how we think about work, creativity, and problem-solving. Humans Provide the Critical "Taste" and "Context": The two most valuable things humans bring to the table in the age of AI are context (understanding the bigger picture) and taste (the opinion and judgment to evaluate AI's output). Our role is evolving from task-doers to trusted advisors. Trust, But Verify: You can trust AI to be creative and generate ideas, but you should never trust it for facts. Always validate and verify its outputs before publication or action, treating it like a witness that may tell you what you want to hear rather than the absolute truth. Start with an "AI Council" and Active Play: To adopt AI effectively, organizations should form a cross-functional council to establish policy and risk tolerance. Simultaneously, individuals should dedicate time to "active learning"—playing with the tools daily and sharing insights with colleagues. Celebrate and Share Failures: The path to AI mastery is paved with mistakes. Creating a culture that celebrates and shares "stupid mistakes" is one of the fastest ways for an entire organization to learn and avoid common pitfalls. AI Enhances Jobs, It Doesn't Just Replace Them: The misconception is that AI will allow you to fire half your team. The reality is that it allows your current team to do the work of 10, freeing them from toil to focus on higher-level strategy, creativity, and human connection. Ask for Opinions, Not Just Facts: When using AI for analytics, move beyond simple queries for data. Ask it for its opinion—"Where do we seem to be making the same problem over and over again?"—to uncover insights that prompt critical thinking and new ideas. The Promise of Hyper-Personalization is Finally Here: AI is the key to delivering on the long-held "one-to-one" marketing promise. It can parse complex customer data to not only send the right message at the right time but also to use the right tone, creating truly personalized customer relationships at scale. Find Jim Sterne: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimsterne/ Target Marketing of Santa Barbara https://targeting.com And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - The challenge of digital transformation(00:00:46) - Jim Stern on Artificial Intelligence & Customer Relationships(00:01:47) - What's Surprising About AI in Marketing?(00:05:03) - The Role of the Fractional Evangelist(00:06:37) - How to Train Your Team for Generative AI(00:10:47) - The Future of Websites: Analytics(00:14:03) - How Much Do We Trust AI?(00:18:56) - What's the Biggest Concerns About Generative AI?(00:22:29) - What Excites and Worrys About AI Marketing(00:24:03) - The Future of Analytics in Content and Campaigns(00:25:04) - What's One Mind Shift for AI Teams?(00:26:08) - Jeff Greene: The New Science of Customer Relationships(00:28:24) - EdTech Connect
Jeff Dillon and Mariah Tang dive deep into the philosophy that content marketing is more about people than platforms. Mariah explains the critical mindset shift marketers need to make—from creating generic "AI slop" to crafting content that uniquely answers people's questions. They explore the concept of "Search Everywhere Optimization" (SEO), the importance of niching down, and how to effectively repurpose long-form content across multiple channels—even with a small team. Mariah shares practical advice on using AI as a creative partner for ideation and efficiency without losing the human touch, and reveals how higher ed can learn from healthcare's successful embrace of blogging. Tune in for a lesson in creating content that doesn't just generate clicks, but builds genuine connection and drives real conversions. Key Takeaways Content is About People, Not Platforms: The biggest mindset shift for marketers is to return to creating content "by people, for people." Generic content is dying; successful content uniquely answers questions and speaks to niche topics with a human voice. Embrace "Search Everywhere Optimization": SEO best practices still apply, but you must now optimize for all platforms where your audience searches—like TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit—not just Google. Content should be broken down and repurposed to meet users wherever they are. Focus Your Efforts with Limited Resources: Don't try to be on every platform. Do the upfront work to identify your target audience and the 1-2 platforms they use most. Use AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Replacement: AI will not replace authentic, expert-driven content. Use it for ideation, to whittle down complex topics, to draft social media posts, and to check grammar—but the final product must reflect genuine human expertise and connection, especially for high-stakes decisions. Go Niche to Stand Out: Move beyond safe, general topics. The key to differentiation is creating highly specific, niche content. Be "pleasantly persistent" in interviewing subject matter experts to uncover the unique depth and stories that only your institution can tell. Measure What Matters Beyond Clicks: To prove content effectiveness, look at a holistic set of metrics: social engagement, brand sentiment, reach, non-branded search traffic, user activity on-site, and ultimately, conversions like form fills and "click to apply." Content Should "Close the Deal": Conversion-ready content makes the audience feel something. It successfully balances a clear answer to a specific question with a sense that the institution genuinely cares, building trust that influences final decisions. The Ultimate Goal is to Be Helpful: Don't let data and internal goals completely rule your strategy. The most impactful content marketing goes back to the core principle of being useful and helpful to the person on the other end. This human-centric approach, ironically, leads to better metrics and ensures you can't be replaced by a robot. Find Mariah Tang: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahtang/ Stamats https://stamats.com/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - Mariah Tang on How to Build Meaningful Content(00:01:43) - Content Marketing: More People Than Platforms(00:03:23) - SEO for Healthcare Organizations: Search Everywhere optimization(00:05:28) - How to optimize your content for social media and healthcare content(00:08:17) - Stamates: How AI Is Affecting Content Strategy(00:10:48) - How to Use AI in Thought Leadership Content(00:13:02) - A Word from Mackie Strategies(00:15:00) - Healthcare and Higher Ed: What's the Connection?(00:16:47) - Healthcare News: More Niche Content(00:18:41) - How to Measure Content effectiveness in higher ed(00:20:53) - Content Marketing's Most Understood Topic: AI(00:23:56) - What makes content truly conversion ready?(00:25:06) - You've moved from being a writer to being The Chief Content Marketing(00:26:40) - Modern Marketing: Why Everybody Needs Content(00:28:27) - EdTech Connect
From her roots as a struggling student and president of the Cal State Student Association to her current role as a Higher Education Consultant at Canva, Mia Healy shares her unique journey and passion for making education more approachable and equitable. They dive into how her student leadership experience shaped her approach to EdTech, the importance of meeting students and institutions where they are, and why technology adoption is more about trust and people than the tech itself. Mia reveals innovative ways campuses are using Canva to transform learning, communication, and brand management, and discusses the rising trends of generative AI and digital skill-building as the new baseline competencies across all majors. Tune in for a conversation filled with practical insights on bridging gaps, fostering creativity, and leading with empathy in higher education. Key Takeaways Start with Empathy and Purpose: Mia's passion for EdTech was sparked by her own experience as a struggling student. She believes technology should be an equalizer, designed with empathy to meet students where they are and break down systemic barriers in higher education. Leadership is Ecosystem Building: Effective leadership in education and tech isn't top-down; it's about building ecosystems and ensuring every voice—from students to administrators—has a hand in shaping how technology transforms learning and connection. Change Requires "Dancing with the System": Successful technology adoption in higher ed is rarely about disruption. It's about aligning with an institution's culture and capacity for change, "dancing" with the existing systems to create meaningful, lasting impact. Focus is Key to Digital Transformation: With limited resources and endless possibilities, institutions must have a laser focus. Mia's success with the Sac State mobile app came from optimizing for specific, high-impact needs like basic student resources, rather than trying to do everything at once. The Visual Economy is Here: Communication has shifted from text-based to visual. Campuses must adapt to cut through the noise and communicate clearly with their communities (students, alumni, donors) using modern, visual tools. Canva as a Strategic Partner: Beyond being a design platform, Canva serves as a strategic partner for campuses. It helps unify brand governance, enhance accessibility, and develop digital skills, effectively acting as an extension of often resource-strapped campus teams. AI is Moving from Experimentation to Implementation: The trend in higher ed is moving from disorganized experimentation with GenAI to structured implementation, focusing on enhancing academic integrity, personalizing learning, and streamlining workflows. Digital Skills are Baseline Competencies: Communication, design, and data literacy are no longer just for creative majors. They are essential skills for all students—from engineers to scientists—to translate complex ideas and succeed in the modern workforce. Career Advice: Say "Yes" and Be Useful: For students looking to make an impact, Mia's advice is to start where you are, use what you have, and say "yes" to learning opportunities that scare you. Shift your focus from quantitative achievements to the qualitative impact of how you can help and be useful to others. Find Mia Healy: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-c-kage/ Canva https://canva.com And find EdTech Connect here: Web: http... Chapters (00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: Creativity Is the New Campus Currency(00:02:32) - What's Your Creative Project?(00:03:52) - What First Sparked Your Passion for Higher Ed?(00:07:01) - One of the Students on a Tech Conference(00:10:17) - Leading in Higher Ed: The Challenges(00:13:32) - Leading with a Student Experience(00:15:18) - Work at Moto Labs and Higher Ed(00:17:48) - Exploring Canva: Help Colleges and Universities Integrate Visual Communication(00:22:57) - Canva: Learning & Campus Communications(00:25:54) - What's Canva Doing With AI(00:28:53) - Top Tech Trends in Higher Education(00:30:36) - Say Yes to Tech and EdTech
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Faton Sopa, the co-founder and CEO of Manaferra, to unravel how the prospective student journey has been completely transformed. Faton shares groundbreaking insights from his agency's latest research, revealing that prospective students no longer get their information from single sources, but are instead "cross-checking" information across a vast digital ecosystem—from Google and Reddit to TikTok and AI tools like ChatGPT. We dive into why nearly 90% of students find AI-generated answers helpful, how Reddit has become an unexpected powerhouse for influencing college decisions, and why authenticity now trumps polished advertising. Faton provides actionable strategies for institutions to navigate this new reality, including the importance of optimizing for AI search engines, engaging authentically on platforms like Reddit, and balancing paid ads with organic, trust-building content. This is a must-listen for any enrollment leader or marketer in higher education looking to connect with students where they are today. Key Takeaways The College Search Journey is No Longer Linear: The college search process has evolved from a simple Google-based path to a complex, multi-platform journey. Students now fluidly move between search engines, social media (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube), community forums (Reddit), and AI tools. The Rise of "Cross-Checking": A staggering 88% of students cross-check the information they find on one platform by visiting another. They are actively searching for truth and consistency, making a cohesive digital presence more critical than ever. AI is a Major Player: AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity are being used consistently across all stages of the student journey. To be visible, institutions must ensure their public information is consistent, fresh, and widespread across the "AI ecosystem," as these tools synthesize data from many sources. Reddit's Surprising Influence: One of the most surprising findings was that 1 in 5 students visit Reddit during their search. They go there for authentic, unfiltered voices from current students and alumni. Institutions are advised to conduct sentiment analysis and empower their community to engage authentically on the platform, not promotionally. Authenticity Beats Polish: Across all segments, students prefer authentic content over polished advertising. They skip sponsored results and are more influenced by organic content that feels genuine, such as college life videos and admission tips on social media. Don't Abandon Paid Ads, But Balance Them: While students trust organic content more, paid ads are still crucial for building awareness at the beginning of the student journey. The key is to find the right balance, using paid ads to capture attention and authentic content to build trust and drive the final decision. Different Segments, Different Journeys: Undergraduates are highly influenced by social media and are looking for "fit" and college life. Graduate Students are more precise, searching for specific programs and how they balance with work/life. Adult Learners are the heaviest users of AI, seeking fast, efficient answers to balance their busy lives. The Core Challenge for Institutions: The fundamental gap in higher ed marketing is a disconnect between how students behave online (searching for trust signals) and how institutions manage their online presence (often focused on brand control). Closing this gap requires a shift towards authenticity and a multi-platform strategy. Find Faton Sopa: LinkedIn Chapters (00:00:00) - How to SEO your way through college life(00:00:47) - EdTechConnect: How to Sell Your College Online(00:01:58) - LinkedIn Icebreaker(00:03:12) - What inspired your transition from being a developer and a marketing officer to(00:04:34) - How to Close the Visibility Gap in College Search(00:08:03) - The Impact of AI on Student Decision(00:09:50) - How should universities engage on Reddit?(00:12:56) - How to Optimize for AI-based Search(00:16:00) - How to Balance Authenticity & Brand Consistency on Social Media(00:22:30) - Manifera: Future Plans(00:24:06) - Interviewing EdTech Connect Host Jeff Manifa
How can universities create a seamless, safe, and connected experience that meets the soaring expectations of today's students? In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Rasheed Behrooznia, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Transact+ CBORD, who leads a $250 million business serving over 1,500 institutions. Drawing from his unique background in defense systems engineering and transportation tech, Rasheed explains why the modern campus is like a "smart city" and how mission-critical technology—from mobile credentials in digital wallets to AI-powered dining—is the key to navigating it. They dive into the explosive 90% adoption rate of mobile student IDs, how his team balances massive scale with rapid innovation, and why the convergence of FinTech and EdTech is creating powerful new insights. For any leader looking to reduce friction and build a truly integrated campus ecosystem, this conversation is a masterclass in leveraging technology to put the student experience first. Key Takeaways The Campus is a "Smart City": Modern campuses are complex ecosystems where students navigate numerous daily use cases—from residential access and dining to parcel pickup and makerspaces. The goal is to integrate these into one seamless, safe, and efficient experience, much like a smart city, rather than treating them as disjointed, one-off tasks. Mobile Credentials are Now Table Stakes: The digital student ID, housed in the secure element of a phone or watch, has moved from a novelty to an expectation. With a 90% adoption rate at deployed institutions, it's the foundational layer for a frictionless campus experience, and the innovation now focuses on what can be built on top of this platform. Balance Innovation and Scale with a Portfolio Mindset: Managing a vast product portfolio requires strategic prioritization. The key is to assess where each solution is in its lifecycle—heavy innovation, growth, or maturity—and use continuous client feedback and data to weigh the "hundreds of good ideas" against mission-critical reliability and security needs. AI is an Operational Streamliner and Future Disruptor: In the short term, AI is being applied to solve immediate operational pains, such as using machine learning to predict food order ready-times or natural language interfaces for system queries. Long-term, AI is expected to be a disruptive force that will fundamentally change campus operations. The Rate of Innovation Must Match Student Expectations: Student expectations evolve as fast as technology does. What was once a cutting-edge feature quickly becomes a baseline requirement. To keep pace, EdTech providers must continuously increase their own rate of innovation, leveraging cloud architectures to deliver updates to all clients simultaneously. Success is a Team Sport: In an era of accelerated change and pressure to do more with less, impactful transformation cannot happen in silos. Rasheed's central message to university leaders is to "work as a team," leaning on trusted partners and fostering collaboration to navigate the future successfully and safely. Find Rasheed Behrooznia: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbehrooznia/ Transact + CBORD https://www.transactcampus.com/home And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - The pace of innovation in the United States(00:00:42) - Interview(00:01:59) - How My College Experience Shaped My Career(00:05:14) - Transact Seaboard(00:07:25) - Six Rules for a Connected Campus(00:10:30) - What innovations in Mobile Credentials are most exciting to students?(00:13:30) - How System Engineering Helped Me Lead the EdTech Team(00:15:51) - How Do You Balance Innovation and Safety?(00:19:53) - WSJDLive: How Close Do You Stay to Your Clients(00:21:20) - Transact Seaboard: Student Experience and Fintech(00:25:26) - Immersive: AI's Role on Campus(00:27:20) - Teamwork for the Next Decade(00:28:45) - EdTech Connect
Why is coordinating family dinner surprisingly similar to managing complex university processes? In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Ricardo Rengifo, President and CEO of DBS Software and Services, a pioneer in digitizing campus operations. Ricardo pulls back the curtain on the "document chaos" that plagues so many institutions—the siloed systems, fillable PDFs, and endless email chains—and reveals the path to a streamlined, paperless future. They discuss how smart forms and e-signatures transform user experience, why the biggest ROI often comes from overlooked operational areas like HR and facilities, and how to overcome the twin roadblocks of fear and perceived lack of IT resources. For any campus leader drowning in paperwork or looking to launch a digital transformation, this conversation is a practical guide to eliminating friction, boosting efficiency, and finally creating that single, seamless digital experience for students and staff. Key Takeaways Start with the Painful, Overlooked Processes: Don't try to boil the ocean. The biggest ROI for digital transformation often comes not from student-facing applications, but from internal operational areas like HR, facilities, and faculty contracting, where cumbersome, paper-based processes create significant hidden costs and inefficiencies. "Smart Forms" are a Game Changer, Not Just Digital Paper: Moving from a fillable PDF (a "dumb" container) to an interactive smart form transforms the user experience. Smart forms guide users with logic and validation, reduce errors, and automatically kick off workflows, moving information seamlessly from user to stakeholder. A Partnership Model is Key to Successful Change Management: Successful implementation isn't just about installing software; it's about partnership. By starting with a few key use cases to prove value, building internal champions, and providing "concierge-level" support, schools can socialize success and drive organic adoption across departments. The Right Tool for the Job Saves Money: Many schools use the wrong tools for their needs, such as trying to model complex workflows in e-signature platforms like DocuSign, which causes costs to skyrocket. A dedicated forms and workflow solution can handle signatures at a much lower total cost. The Future is Intelligent and Accessible Automation: The next wave of innovation is moving beyond simple digitization to intelligent automation. Integrating AI (like using ChatGPT to generate code for form logic) empowers non-technical staff to create complex, rich digital experiences without needing to be programmers. Sign up for the Webinar and find out how to transform your college and save money: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1617603826973/WN_JUrajEQBT0mys3qU5Ibk_w Find Ricardo Rengifohere: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rrengifo/ DBS Software and Services https://www.dbsgroup.net/ Sign up for the November 19th webinar here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - PODCAST: Ricardo Renjifo(00:01:34) - If You Could Automate Any Everyday Task, What Would You Do(00:02:23) - EdTech Connect: Finding efficiencies in higher ed(00:03:46) - The Before and After of a Campus IT Transformation(00:04:59) - What are the biggest roadblocks to fully going fully digital?(00:05:59) - How Do Smart Forms Change the Game for Colleges and Universities?(00:10:44) - Breaking Down the Silos(00:11:30) - How to Manage the Change Process for the Platform(00:12:54) - Real-World Success Stories(00:15:05) - What is Software as a Service (SaaS) for institutions(00:16:11) - Are Small Schools More Successful?(00:16:48) - E-Forms: The Future of Workflow Automation(00:19:25) - What's the One Actionable Step for Digital Transformation on Campus?(00:20:49) - EdTech Connect
What does training for one of the world's hardest Ironman races have in common with leading AI transformation in business education? Host Jeff Dillon sits down with Matt Seitz, Director of the AI Hub for Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A veteran of Google, Abbott, and McDonald's, Matt brings 30 years of tech leadership to his mission of preparing students for an AI-driven world. He draws powerful parallels between overcoming the fear of the triathlon swim and the misconceptions holding businesses back from AI adoption. They tackle the critical questions: How can universities balance genuine learning with the need for AI skills that employers demand? What's the "barbell effect" of prompting and verification that students must master? And why is using AI today like having a pair of carbon-plated running shoes in a race? For anyone looking to understand the practical, human-centric future of AI in education and business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and a healthy dose of motivation. Key Takeaways AI is Like the Ironman Swim—The Fear is Worse Than the Reality: The biggest barrier to AI adoption is often misconception and fear, just like how many avoid triathlons due to the swim. In reality, the swim is the shortest part, and AI's perceived challenges are often more manageable than they seem when you start engaging with them. Future-Proof with a "Barbell" Skill Set: The most valuable professionals will be strong at both ends of a "barbell": deeply knowing their core domain (e.g., marketing, finance) and mastering AI skills (prompting, verification), with the crucial connector being adaptability to continuous technological change. The Education Paradox: "Cheating" vs. "Job-Ready": There's a fundamental tension in education where what a teacher might consider "cheating" (e.g., using AI to write an essay) is exactly what a company expects a new hire to be able to do productively. Institutions must find ways to preserve genuine learning while equipping students to be "AI superheroes." Use AI Now to Gain a "Carbon Shoe" Advantage: Just as carbon-plated running shoes gave early adopters a significant speed advantage, using AI tools today provides a competitive edge. Being an early and proficient user makes you more effective ("superhuman") and puts you ahead of peers who are slower to adopt. Human + AI is the Winning Combination: AI is not a magic bullet for replacing humans. Its greatest power is in augmenting human capability. The most impactful business outcomes come from a human defining the goal, strategy, and creative direction, and then working with AI to execute and optimize. Authenticity Will Become a Premium Value: As AI generates a flood of content, there will be an increasing premium on genuine, human authenticity. The MIT "Your Brain on ChatGPT" study showed that over-reliance on AI can lead to "anodyne" work and less ownership, highlighting the enduring value of original thought and human connection. Find Matthew Seitz here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattseitz/ University of Wisconsin - Madison https://www.wisc.edu/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - The Future of Fashion Is AI(00:00:54) - EdTech Connect Podcast(00:02:37) - Jeff Greene on His First Ironman(00:06:04) - Getting it out there: The science of AI(00:07:11) - The AI Hub for Business at the University(00:12:03) - AI Will Not Replace Our Jobs(00:13:19) - The AI Hub at the UW(00:17:23) - WSJDLive: Integrating AI into the Workforce(00:21:47) - In the Elevator With AI: Authenticity(00:23:32) - The Future of Writing Essays With AI(00:28:34) - Future Proof Your Career with AI(00:30:32) - EdTech Connect
How can universities overcome their unique challenges to create amazing digital experiences in an AI-driven world? In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Nick Cawthon, a seasoned UX strategist with over two decades of experience working with giants like Adobe and Visa, and a professor at the California College of the Arts. Nick pulls from his rich background in the first dot-com boom to draw powerful parallels between then and now, arguing that we are in a similar era of transformative potential with AI. He offers a candid look at why higher ed struggles with UX—citing complexity, siloed departments, and slow-moving governance—and provides a fresh perspective on how to navigate it. They dive into the ethical integration of AI, the irreplaceable value of human creativity, and why mastering the humble spreadsheet is more important than ever. For any leader, educator, or designer looking to build more intuitive and impactful digital products, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and strategic insight. Key Takeaways Design Thinking is a Personal Productivity Tool: The principles of design thinking are not just for work. They can be applied to manage personal life, transforming scattered thoughts into a tangible, actionable plan. Higher Ed's UX Problem is a Governance Problem: The struggle to create great digital experiences isn't due to a lack of ideas, but often because of organizational complexity, siloed departments, and a lack of trust that prevents unbiased user research and streamlined decision-making. AI Resets the Starting Line for Everyone: Just as the internet and tools like QuarkXPress once leveled the playing field, AI is doing the same today. It’s not about replacing skills but augmenting them, allowing those who embrace it to move from idea to deployed application at an unprecedented speed. Embrace AI with Amnesty and Transparency in Education: Instead of treating AI as "cheating," educators should grant "amnesty" and encourage its use, with the requirement that students document their process and prompts. This fosters mentorship and transparency, turning AI into a collaborative learning tool. Ethical AI Considers More Than Output: Ethical integration requires looking beyond the "magic" of the output. Consider the human labor used to train models, the intellectual property sourced, the mental health of content moderators, and the environmental impact (carbon footprint) of running AI processes. Foundational Data Skills Are Still Critical: In an age of sleek SaaS interfaces, the fundamental skill of manipulating data in a spreadsheet (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) is more important than ever. It teaches the crucial process of normalizing and analyzing data, which is the bedrock of any data-driven narrative or AI application. Prototype and Validate AI Ideas Rapidly: The speed of AI tools allows teams to prototype and test complex product ideas quickly. This enables rapid iteration and "failing fast," helping to validate usability and refine the target user profile before making significant investments. Find Nick Cawthorn here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcawthon-ux-digital-agency-product-design-leadership/ Gauge https://gauge.io/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - PODCAST: Nick Cawthon(00:01:48) - Jeff Wilcox: My Daily Life Outside Work(00:04:44) - Tim Ferriss on User Experience(00:08:59) - The Touchy Question of Human Centered Design(00:10:36) - Why is it so hard for higher ed to create amazing digital experiences(00:12:45) - Why Higher Ed Is So Complex(00:20:31) - What excites you the most about the current state of AI in(00:24:12) - What does it mean to integrate AI ethically into curriculum and enterprise(00:26:35) - Beyond Excel: The Art of the Excel(00:28:58) - How to Prototyp & Validate AI
What does it take to create digital learning that is truly for everyone? In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Dipesh Jain, Vice President of Revenue at Magic EdTech, a company with a 35-year mission to make learning accessible and transformative. Dipesh shares his unique journey from physical therapist to tech leader and how that background shapes his empathetic, partner-first approach to client relationships. They dive into the critical challenges facing education today—from boosting student retention with modern platforms to navigating the urgent demands of accessibility compliance. Dipesh offers a clear-eyed view on implementing ethical AI that serves real student needs, not just parlor tricks, and explains how his team is making static video content interactive and on-demand. For anyone invested in the future of inclusive, global education, this conversation is a masterclass in mission-driven innovation. Key Takeaways Mission Over Transaction: The key to long-term partnerships (some lasting 15-20 years) is treating clients as true partners, not customers. This means acting as an extension of their team, understanding their deepest challenges with empathy, and focusing on delivering results that advance their educational mission. Accessibility and Ethical AI are Non-Negotiable Pillars: Digital learning must be built accessibly from the start, not retrofitted later due to compliance mandates. Similarly, AI implementation in education must prioritize safety, security, and reliability over being "cutting-edge," ensuring it serves the core mission of learning without bias. Innovation Must Be Incremental and Inclusive: Disruptive, large-scale innovation can leave learners behind. Effective change in education is slow, sequential, and designed to bring all students along, regardless of their resources or digital literacy. This ensures equity and prevents a wider digital divide. Solve Real Friction Points, Don't Just Chase AI Hype: The best AI applications solve specific, high-friction problems in the user journey. Examples include providing 24/7 academic support for adult learners or using AI to audit and remediate content for accessibility deadlines, moving beyond "parlor tricks" to tools with substantial impact. Understand the "Why" Behind the User: Deeply understanding the user persona—including their daily frustrations, life circumstances, and goals—is the foundation for aligning sales, marketing, and product development. This user-centric focus is crucial for creating solutions that genuinely improve engagement and retention for both traditional and non-traditional students. AI is Making Learning Bidirectional and Personalizable at Scale: Two of AI's most transformative roles are turning passive, unidirectional content (like videos) into interactive learning experiences and finally enabling true personalization for each individual learner, a feat that was impossible to achieve at scale in a traditional classroom setting. Find Dipesh Jain here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj17/ Magic Edtech https://www.magicedtech.com/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: A Wealth of Knowledge in EdTech(00:02:27) - Jeff Smith on His Diversity of Career(00:03:26) - How Magic Edtech Works With Its Customers(00:05:20) - How Magic Leap helps clients navigate the shift towards AI and accessible digital(00:08:12) - What is MagicBox(00:09:37) - In the Elevator With Universities(00:11:39) - What is Inclusivity in Education?(00:14:30) - How are we building AI into our product?(00:16:01) - How Can Tech Companies Tackle Digital Transformation Challenges?(00:17:26) - How To Align Sales and Marketing Functions(00:18:30) - WSJD.com Understanding the University Customer(00:20:15) - How has your previous experience at Tally Solutions and other companies shaped(00:21:08) - The future of digital learning(00:22:34) - Magic EdTech: Tailoring Our Strategy for International Markets(00:24:06) - What Excites and Scares You About the Future of Learning(00:25:58) - EdTech Connect
Student interest in studying abroad is at an all-time high, but so are the challenges of cost, safety, and accessibility. In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with David Nelson, Director of Study Abroad at Terra Dotta and a veteran international education leader. David breaks down the findings from Terra Dotta's latest survey, revealing why 76% of students want to study abroad and how their motivations are shifting from personal growth to resume building. They explore the "clustering effect" of social media, why students are choosing "safe" destinations like the UK, and the critical role parents play in the decision-making process. David also shares how technology—from AI-driven data analysis to automation—is helping understaffed offices meet student expectations and make global experiences more affordable and impactful. For anyone involved in international education, this is a deep dive into the data shaping the future of study abroad. Key Takeaways: Student Interest is High, But Destinations are Concentrating: While 76% of students express a desire to study abroad, post-pandemic trends show them clustering in perceived "safe," English-speaking destinations (like the UK) rather than spreading out globally. This creates logistical challenges for universities and limits the diversity of experiences. The "Why" Has Shifted from Personal to Professional Growth: Students now view study abroad primarily as a critical differentiator for their resumes and future careers in a globally competitive job market, moving beyond just the goal of personal enrichment. Parents are a Critical (and Often Anxious) Audience: Recruitment must start as early as high school, but universities must also address the "helicopter parent" factor. Parents are a major influence and often need reassurance about safety and structure, making faculty-led programs a key selling point. Technology is Essential for Scaling and Affordability: With tight budgets and no new staff, offices must leverage existing tech (like Microsoft Power Automate) and AI to automate processes, provide instant student communication, and use data to negotiate better, more affordable program options with providers. AI is a Powerful Tool for Data-Driven Decision Making: AI can analyze thousands of student feedback points (surveys, emails, reviews) to perform sentiment analysis and identify program value. This allows universities to make concrete, data-backed decisions about which programs to keep, cut, or improve to better serve students. Virtual Experiences are Bridging the Cost Gap: For students who cannot afford a traditional $10,000 program, virtual internships with major global companies (Netflix, Nike, Airbnb) offer a lower-cost alternative that still provides prestigious resume-building and professional experience. Find David Nelson here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denelson123/ Terra Dotta https://terradotta.com/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: David Nelson(00:01:48) - The Teradata Director of Study Abroad(00:03:21) - The Importance of Study Abroad(00:04:18) - Study Abroad: More Secure, More Global(00:06:17) - Study Abroad: Important to Personal Growth(00:08:57) - The UK remains the top student destination(00:11:15) - How to Automate Student Aid Formations(00:13:12) - Can Colleges and Institutions Improve Affordability?(00:15:14) - What's the College Student Travel Plan?(00:17:15) - Education and AI: The Future of Student Experience(00:19:43) - The Parent Involvement in Study Abroad(00:22:14) - Diversifying the message about study abroad(00:23:38) - The Study Abroad Experience: Peer Influence(00:28:16) - EdTech Connect
How can universities break free from outdated systems and siloed data to create a seamless, modern experience for students and staff? In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Joshua Meredith, JD, a Client Relationship Executive at Deloitte Consulting with over 12 years of experience inside higher ed. Joshua brings a unique perspective from his roles at Georgetown and Yeshiva University, and now from the consulting side, where he helps institutions navigate their biggest tech challenges. They dive into the urgent need to replace aging ERPs and SIS systems, the transformative power of unifying data, and the practical applications of AI from the classroom to the athletic field. Joshua offers a clear-eyed view of the budget realities schools face and provides crucial advice for leaders looking to future-proof their institutions. This is a must-listen for any university leader, CIO, or administrator invested in building a more connected, data-driven campus. Key Takeaways: The End of the ERP Era is Here: The enterprise systems (like PeopleSoft) implemented in the early 2000s have reached the end of their life cycle. Institutions must now upgrade to modern, mobile-friendly platforms that allow for true data interconnectivity to meet today's user expectations. Data is a Cavernous (But Solvable) Problem: Campuses generate vast amounts of data (from key card swipes to LMS logins), but it's often siloed and unusable. The next revolution in higher ed will be about unifying this data to generate actionable insights for everything from space utilization to student mental health. The "Integrated Experience" is Non-Negotiable: Students expect a seamless, app-like experience, not 20 different links to manage their academic life. Creating a unified Digital Experience Platform (DXP) is critical for student satisfaction and institutional success, especially for decentralized schools. AI is a Practical Tool, Not Just a Buzzword: The most immediate benefits of AI lie in augmenting human roles, such as providing advisors with tools to manage larger caseloads more effectively. It can also analyze disparate data points (dining hall use, gym attendance, LMS activity) to proactively identify and support at-risk students. Change Requires a Dedicated "Band" of Investment: University leaders must consciously earmark a specific portion of their budget for technological change and innovation, separate from maintenance costs. Waiting for immediate ROI or trying to fit transformation into an already-baked budget is a recipe for falling behind. Leaders need to plan and fund this journey years in advance. Your Network is Your Net Worth: A recurring lesson from Joshua's diverse career is that the people you meet are never transactional. Relationships built along the way will often circle back and become integral to your career and life, underscoring the importance of not burning bridges. Find Joshua Meredith here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuameredithjd/ Deloitte https://www.deloitte.com/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - Higher Ed Expert Joshua Meredith on Deloitte(00:02:03) - Unexpected Lessons From Your Career(00:03:34) - What Draws Deloitte to Higher Ed?(00:05:47) - Floyd Higher Ed: In the Elevator With Universities(00:07:34) - How Deloitte is helping colleges and universities adapt to the digital(00:14:27) - What kind of higher ed is thriving?(00:15:37) - How data affects higher ed strategic decisions(00:18:18) - Academic Faculty and Tech Adoption(00:20:46) - Tim Mackie: Higher Ed Athletics and AI(00:26:02) - How Hoya Hacks Changed Higher Ed(00:27:54) - What aspect of AI in higher ed?(00:31:12) - How to Transform Your University's Tech Ecosystem(00:33:30) - Deloitte Fast Talk: Joshua(00:33:44) - EdTech Connect
Join host Jeff Dillon for a conversation with Jenny Li Fowler, the Director of Social Media Strategy at MIT. In this episode, Jenny pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to manage the social presence for one of the world's most innovative universities. She discusses her journey from TV journalism to leading MIT's digital strategy, growing their following to over 6 million. Jenny gets real about the lack of a "secret sauce," the surprising misconceptions about her job, and the challenges of being a one-person team. They also dive into platform strategies, the evolving role of AI, and how to handle a social media crisis. For anyone in higher ed marketing, this is a masterclass in intentionality, community building, and trusting your gut in the fast-paced world of social media. Key Takeaways: There is No "Secret Sauce": Massive growth (like MIT's 6M+ followers) isn't achieved through a single trick. It's the result of being intensely intentional with every post, caption, and image, ensuring everything ties back to core goals. Social Media is Not a Side Hustle: A common misconception is that managing social media is simple and quick. In reality, it requires meticulous planning, strategy, and can take significant time for a single, well-crafted post. Platforms Are Not Created Equal: Audiences on different platforms expect different content. TikTok demands a different style than Instagram Reels. It's crucial to optimize content for how each specific audience prefers to consume it. Your Superpower is Listening, Not Just Talking: Especially during a crisis, the primary role of social media is to monitor, listen, and serve as a critical ear to the ground for leadership, providing them with real-time intelligence to inform decisions. Focus on Public Engagement Metrics: Relying on public metrics like engagements (likes, comments, shares) provides a consistent and reliable feedback loop that tells you what your community wants to see more of, without depending on proprietary platform analytics that could disappear. Paid vs. Organic is an Audience Decision: Paid media makes sense for competitive, specific goals (e.g., business school programs), but proven organic content is often the best foundation for a successful paid campaign. Embrace AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: AI won't take your job, but someone using AI effectively might. Use it for analysis, tone adaptation, and brainstorming—not for copying and pasting content directly to your channels. Trust Your Gut and Don't Be Reactive: In a volatile, fast-moving medium, your intuition is a superpower. Avoid reactive posting; take a beat to assess situations and bring in the right people before responding. Find Jenny Li Fowler here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/ Podcast - Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager https://www.enrollify.org/podcasts/confessions-of-a-higher-ed-social-media-manager MIT https://mit.edu/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - "Don't Be Reactive to Any Situation"(00:00:29) - Interviewing Jenny Lee Fowler(00:01:37) - Jeff Rosenfeld on MIT's Social Media Strategy(00:05:04) - How to Tell a Higher Ed Story on Social Media(00:07:38) - How to manage social media in academia(00:08:52) - How to Build a Content Management System.(00:10:05) - The role of a social media manager(00:13:47) - How to Build a Strategic Community on Social Media(00:16:15) - What metrics do you consider most important?(00:19:15) - When Should Business Schools Consider Paid Media?(00:20:48) - Post-Post-Social Media: How to Write compelling stories(00:22:15) - Social Media: The Million-Dollar Question(00:23:18) - Is Reddit a Social Media Channel?(00:25:12) - How do you view AI being a part of a social media strategy
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Melanie Lindahl, Senior UX Designer at UT Austin and winner of the Red Stapler Award for her groundbreaking conference talks on user experience. With a unique background in fine arts and web development, Melanie breaks down how higher ed institutions can implement powerful UX strategies—even on a shoestring budget. From debunking myths about cost and complexity to sharing practical, no-cost tactics like user interviews and “donut diplomacy,” this conversation is a masterclass in making digital experiences more intuitive and impactful. Tune in to learn why skipping UX is like shoving chocolate chips into baked cookies—and how to avoid crumbling user trust. Key Takeaways: UX Doesn’t Require Fancy Tools or Big Budgets: Melanie’s “toolkit” is her brain, empathy, and low-cost methods like surveys, user interviews, and casual feedback sessions (often fueled by donuts!). Success hinges on understanding user pain points—not expensive software or eye-tracking tech. Start Small, Start Now: You don’t need permission or a dedicated UX title to begin. Simply talking to users about their frustrations can uncover actionable insights. Small, consistent efforts (e.g., observing “spicy clicks” or testing navigation) compound into significant improvements over time. UX Is Cheaper Early—Not as an Afterthought: Skipping UX until post-launch is like “shoving chocolate chips into already-baked cookies”—it’s messy, ineffective, and erodes trust. Integrating user feedback throughout the project lifecycle saves time, money, and reputation. AI Is a Helper, Not a Replacement: Melanie uses AI for ideation and summarizing findings but remains cautious about synthetic personas (risk of “sycophantic” feedback). Human nuance and observation are irreplaceable—especially for noting subtle behaviors during testing. Fight Assumptions with Data: UX research provides evidence to challenge internal biases (e.g., “But we’ve always done it this way!”). Even simple data (e.g., students defaulting to search bars) can redirect resources and priorities effectively. Personalization Requires Purpose: Don’t personalize for its own sake. Align it with clear goals—e.g., streamlining tasks for current students vs. avoiding “creepiness” for prospects. Start with low-hanging fruit (e.g., displaying exam dates instead of general finals week) for high impact. Culture Change Through “Donut Diplomacy”: Build bridges across silos by inviting dialogue (and snacks!). UX is everyone’s job—not just a single department. Momentum builds as leadership sees results from user-centered decisions. You Are the UX Advocate Your Institution Needs: You don’t need a title to champion user experience. Be feisty, start conversations, and bake UX into every project—no permission required. Ready to start your UX journey? Follow Melanie’s work and remember: the best UX strategy begins with a single question—“What’s frustrating you?” Find Melanie Lindahl here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-lindahl/ The University of Texas at Austin https://www.utexas.edu/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - When a Product Loses Its Trust(00:00:26) - Meet Melanie Lindahl(00:01:52) - One quirky or unexpected thing about you(00:02:55) - Coming soon: The Art of UX Design(00:03:53) - What first drew you into higher ed? User Experience(00:08:08) - Melanie Knows How to Talk About User Experience on a Budget(00:11:32) - What's Your Go-To Toolset?(00:13:17) - How to Take Notes in the Elevator(00:16:06) - What are some myths about user experience in higher ed?(00:19:51) - What are the first small steps institutions can take to integrate UX into(00:21:45) - Small UX Changes that Have a Big Impact(00:26:44) - Does Apple Have a Competitor?(00:27:12) - How to Improve Your Website & Digital Experience?
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Ethan Braden, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Texas A&M University—and the Content Marketer of the Year—to explore how iconic academic brands cut through the noise in a crowded higher ed landscape. From his days launching billion-dollar pharma brands at Eli Lilly to transforming Purdue into a nationally recognized innovator, Ethan shares how he’s now harnessing tradition, momentum, and mission at Texas A&M to build a brand that resonates globally. Tune in for a lesson in balancing legacy with innovation, why emotion and data must work hand-in-hand, and how to create content that doesn’t just get seen—it gets remembered. Key Takeaways: Define Your “One Thing”: In a sea of 4,000+ universities, schools must be known for something specific. Avoid being a “Swiss Army knife”—focus on 1-2 core differentiators (e.g., Texas A&M’s focus on magnitude, momentum, and mission). Balance Tradition and Innovation: Honor institutional history and values, but stay relevant by evolving to meet audience needs. Great brands (like Disney or Yeti) stay true to their core while adapting to the future. Invest in Both Art and Science: Art: Emotion-driven storytelling and authentic content (e.g., Texas A&M’s viral videos). Science: Data-driven distribution, testing, and platform mastery (e.g., YouTube ABCs, paid amplification). Lead with Courage and Curiosity: Foster a culture where teams can take risks and fail forward. “I’d rather pull you back than have to push you forward.” Hire for AI curiosity and seriousness—it’s a strategic partner, not a replacement. Leverage AI for Insight and Efficiency: Use synthetic market research to test ideas faster/cheaper (e.g., video scripts, naming). AI augments human creativity but doesn’t replace authenticity—stay in control. Measure What Matters: Look beyond views to engagement, watch time, brand equity, and national conversation. Track whether content resonates (e.g., 95% average view duration) and drives perception shifts. Portfolio Thinking Wins: Unify under a master brand (e.g., “Texas A&M”) while allowing localized expression—consistency ≠ uniformity. Storytelling Is Your Superpower: Higher ed is rich with untold stories. Be curious—find the “clay” and mold it into something beautiful that the world needs to hear. Ready to rethink your brand strategy? Follow Ethan’s work at Texas A&M and learn how to blend heart, data, and daring to build a brand that matters. Check out the moving Google Search: Reunion ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHGDN9-oFJE Find Ethan Braden here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertethanbraden/ Texas A&M University https://tamu.edu/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - The Future of Brands(00:00:29) - Ethan Braden on EdTech Connect Podcast(00:02:13) - If You Had a Different Career, What Would You Do?(00:02:58) - The Mission of Texas A&M(00:06:00) - Building a national brand in higher education(00:09:51) - Texas A&M University's Branding(00:15:57) - Texas A&M University Graduation Ring Day(00:16:45) - What's The Secret to Creating Content With Million-Viewers?(00:19:49) - Marketing's Culture of Risk(00:22:55) - Are You Using AI in Your Company's Strategy?(00:25:09) - Vox 2 for University Marketing(00:27:10) - What Commercial Brands Inspire Your Work?(00:29:18) - What metrics matter most to you in determining whether your positioning is truly(00:30:55) - Ethan on Higher Ed Branding(00:32:45) - EdTech Connect
In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Jenny Leigh Morris, a technology strategist at Doctums who bridges the worlds of Fortune 100 innovation and higher education modernization. With a background in designing AI education programs for giants like Walmart, L’Oreal, and Microsoft, Jenny brings a unique perspective on how institutions can streamline technology adoption, improve vendor relationships, and accelerate decision-making. From dissecting the pitfalls of RFPs and pilot programs to advocating for “laser focus” in project scoping, this conversation is a masterclass in cutting through institutional complexity. Tune in to learn why communication trumps ghosting, how to avoid “kitchen sink” projects, and why the future of higher ed tech depends on courageous leadership—not just compliance. Key Takeaways: AI is Your Junior Consultant—Not Your Replacement: AI can automate tasks (e.g., configuration, documentation) but requires human oversight to avoid errors (like botched time zone conversions). The billable hour model may evolve toward value-based pricing, but expertise will remain critical. Higher Ed Can Learn from Fortune 100 Agility: Competition: Schools must identify and exploit their unique advantages in a hyper-competitive landscape. Experimentation: Embrace A/B testing, rapid iteration, and “failing fast” instead of relying on assumptions or lengthy feedback cycles. Avoid “Kitchen Sink” Scope Creep: Involving too many stakeholders leads to bloated RFPs and projects. Prioritize mission-critical features over appeasing every voice. Stay ruthlessly focused on outcomes—not just inclusivity. Communication > Ghosting: Vendors often get ghosted after lengthy RFP processes. Transparency (e.g., “We’re behind schedule”) builds trust and can reveal solvable issues (e.g., slow sandbox environments). Adopt Intuit’s “Design for Delight” approach: streamline processes and respect partners’ time. Pilot with Purpose: Unstructured sandbox trials often fail due to lack of time, context, or clear criteria. Run “together alone” sessions: schedule dedicated time for teams to test tools simultaneously with vendor support. Vendor Selection: Focus > Scale: Avoid vendors that “do it all.” Prioritize specialists over generalists, even if it means using multiple partners. Newer vendors offer leverage (e.g., pricing flexibility, influence on roadmaps) but require due diligence. Speed Up Decision-Making: Long cycles (18–24 months) stem from siloed approvals. Empower cross-functional champions (e.g., tech-savvy marketers) to drive decisions. Ensure projects have a “bleeding neck” problem, budget, and a decisive leader to avoid stagnation. Manage Vendors for Performance—Not Compliance: Hold vendors accountable to deliverables and timelines. Don’t hesitate to switch if they underperform. Embrace tough conversations: you hired them for expertise—demand it. Ready to modernize your approach? Learn more about Jenny’s work at Doctums https://doctums.com/ and follow her insights on blending enterprise rigor with higher ed mission. Find Jenny Leigh Morris here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyleighmorris/ Doctums https://doctums.com/ And find EdTech Connect here:... Chapters (00:00:00) - Will Consulting Be More Expensive in the Future?(00:00:43) - A Taste of Higher Ed Technology: Jenny Lee Morris(00:02:07) - How AI is shaping the higher ed vendor landscape(00:03:24) - How Will AI Change the Consulting and Implementation Business?(00:04:44) - What Higher Ed Can Learn From Other Industries(00:09:34) - Better Technology Buying: Communication(00:16:06) - The Best College Vending Company(00:18:07) - Vendors: The Need to Vet Solutions(00:20:23) - How to Build a Modernization Partnership with a Vendor(00:23:29) - How to Streamline the Higher Ed Project Process(00:27:10) - How to Manage Venders for Performance(00:29:16) - EdTech Connect
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. Find Emily here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-chase-coleman-95062779/ HAI Analytics https://haianalytics.com/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - AI models have allowed us to take huge data sets(00:00:42) - Emily Chase Coleman(00:02:00) - What Inspired You to Start HAI Analytics?(00:03:03) - Advisers to Colleges and Universities Turn Campus Data Into Stories(00:06:00) - Enrollment Dashboards: Should Colleges Buy Them?(00:07:53) - Have we Found the Secret to Predicting Student Retention?(00:11:34) - Private schools' high-price tuition model(00:13:16) - Predicting Future Student Behavior with the Pandemic(00:15:06) - Race and Equity in College Admissions(00:16:34) - Can HAIS Forecasts Affect Financial Aid Awards?(00:18:49) - How do you keep institutions from becoming dependent on your analysts?(00:20:17) - WSJDLive: The Use of AI in Business(00:22:05) - What Measures Should Colleges Track to Prepare Students?(00:24:27) - EdTech Connect
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. Dig deeper: Download the full Designing for Decisions report at https://echodelta.co/designing-for-decisions/ and rethink how your website serves today’s students! Find Jarrett Smith here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithjarrett/ Echo Delta https://echodelta.co/ And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - What Students Really Want From Their Campus Websites(00:02:04) - The Need for User Research on Website Design(00:03:35) - Interviewing 1,000 Prospective Students(00:05:35) - The College Website Sprawl(00:09:57) - Top Tasks: How to Personalize the Student Survey(00:12:00) - A Word from Our Sponsor(00:13:15) - Total Cost of Attendance(00:17:28) - 3 Ways to Enhance Student Financial Aid(00:21:10) - Surprising Differences between What Higher Ed Pros Think Students Want and What(00:22:44) - What Do Traditional Students Care About Most?(00:24:47) - What's your advice to schools paralyzed by internal debates over content hierarchy(00:27:11) - What's one simple fix any school could make to its financial aid(00:28:11) - Beyond Synthetic Research: Future of AI in the Learning Industry
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! Find Jennifer Beyer here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbeyer/ Thesis https://www.thesiscloud.com/elements And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Chapters (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