EdTech Connect

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. Conversation Rundowns Introduction & Jeff’s Journey (0:00) The Student Data Problem (03:53) Predictive Analytics in Action (10:24) Integration: Standalone vs. Embedded (15:51) The Future of EdTech Infrastructure (20:10) Who is doowii for? (25:41) What Current EdTech Trend Will Be Remembered? (27:19) Dig Deeper LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrubenstein/ doowii https://www.doowii.io/  Explore More on EdTech Connect For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.  

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) The Differences Between Corporate and Academic Needs (08:28) Personalisation, Privacy & Ethical AI (11:52) Choosing an LLM (14:38) Google’s AI Advantage (19:07) AI & the Future of Jobs (22:51) Diffusion LLMs: The Next Frontier (25:58) Final Advice for Universities (29:34) Dig Deeper Tune in for a masterclass on AI’s role in higher ed—from cutting-edge research to pragmatic implementation. Links to Saugata’s podcast Machine Learning Made Simple and LinkedIn in the show notes! Find Saugata Chatterjee here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/saugatach/  Machine Learning Made Simple https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mlsimple    Explore More on EdTech Connect For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.  

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 & CIOs (25:39) Tune in for a deep dive into modernizing higher ed content strategy—from killing PDFs to leveraging AI without losing authenticity.  Find Will Noble here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/wdnoble Foleon https://foleon.com Explore More on EdTech Connect For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.  

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) Dig Deeper This episode of EdTech Connect is packed with actionable insights for anyone involved in digital strategy, content creation, or higher education. Georgie’s expertise and thoughtful approach provide valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of digital transformation in the education sector.   Find Georgy Cohen here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgy/  OHO https://www.oho.com/    Explore More on EdTech Connect For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.    

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) Red Tape and Delays in Decision Making (26:39) Looking Ahead: Regulatory Changes and Financial Pressures (29:44) 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. Interesting Links: State of Higher Ed LMS Market for US and Canada: Year-End 2024 Edition https://onedtech.philhillaa.com/p/state-of-higher-ed-lms-market-for-us-and-canada-year-end-2024-edition   Find Phill Hill here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/phildhill/  Phil Hill & Associates https://philhillaa.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web:https://edtechconnect.com/  

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 (23:09) Choosing the Right CRM for Advancement Dig Deeper Kimberly Verstandig LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-verstandig-78b852b/  Mackey Strategies https://mackeystrategies.com/  And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/ Explore More on EdTech Connect For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.

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 Conversation Rundown (00:00) Introduction to Higher Ed Marketing (03:44) Understanding Student Search Behavior (08:23) Optimizing Websites for Student Needs (16:58) The Role of Social Media in Higher Ed (23:11) Challenges for Community Colleges (26:26) Skills for Future Higher Ed Marketers Dig Deeper Elevate Your Social Media Game https://mycollegecrusader.com/ Social Media Calculator http://mycollegecrusader.com/social-media-calculator Hidden Gems Podcast https://mycollegecrusader.com/hiddent-gem-podcast-community-colleges/   Find Maya Demishkovich here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayademishkevich/  Carroll Community College https://www.carrollcc.edu/    Explore More on EdTech Connect For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.

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. Targeted marketing strategies yield better enrollment results. TikTok can be effective for brand building but may not drive immediate enrollment. Automation and CRM systems are underutilized in many colleges. Implementation and planning are key to successful marketing strategies. Chasing shiny objects can lead to inconsistent marketing efforts.   Chapters (00:00) Introduction (02:27) The Birth of Graduate Communications (05:09) Evolution of Marketing in Higher Education (08:44) Leveraging AI in Marketing Strategies (11:30) Barriers to AI Adoption in Higher Ed (13:07) Optimizing Enrollment Through Targeted Marketing (18:15) The Role of TikTok in Higher Ed Marketing (19:48) Automation and CRM in Higher Ed (20:40) The Importance of Implementation of Systems in Marketing Strategies (25:46) Outdated Marketing Strategies to Abandon (27:30) Future Predictions for Higher Ed Marketing   Find Cheryl Broom here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylbroom/ Graduate Communications  https://gradcomm.com/    And find EdTech Connect here: Web:https://edtechconnect.com/  

Show Notes In this conversation, 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. Fast-loading websites significantly impact conversion rates. AI tools are often overhyped and not always effective in higher ed. The human touch in admissions is a key differentiator for institutions. Higher ed websites often serve as dumping grounds for information. A full content audit is essential for improving user experience.   Conversation Rundown 00:00 Introduction to Joel Goodman and Bravery Media 02:44 Joel's Journey in Higher Ed Marketing 05:31 The Evolution of Higher Ed and Digital Strategies 07:17 Understanding the Value of Content and Websites 10:21 Challenges of Higher Ed Websites and Performance 13:45 Search, SEO and AI Tools 18:07 AI's Role in Higher Ed Marketing 20:25 The Future of AI in Higher Ed 29:03 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts   Dig Deeper LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joelgoodman/ Bravery Media on EdTech Connecthttps://edtechconnect.com/service/bravery-media/41/Bravery Media websitehttps://bravery.co/    And find EdTech Connect here: https://edtechconnect.com/  

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 (26:19)  Ethics of AI in Communication (29:58) Conclusion and Future Outlook   Find Pete Mackey here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/petemackey/ Mackey Strategies https://mackeystrategies.com/    And find EdTech Connect here: Web:https://edtechconnect.com/