EdTech Connect

In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Dr. Bao Johri, CIO at Fresno State and 2025 Top Women Leader in Technology, to explore how universities can harness AI as a force for equity and transformation. From launching Fresno State’s campus-wide AI initiative (with 60+ faculty collaborators) to mentoring the next generation of IT leaders, Bao shares how her research on Hmong American women informs her approach to inclusive tech leadership. Discover how Fresno State is navigating AI governance, empowering first-gen students with tools like Grammarly, and preparing for the fall 2025 CIO’s AI Conversation Webinar Series—a platform to normalize AI in teaching and operations. Key Takeaways AI as a Strategic Partner: Fresno State’s AI initiative, co-led by faculty, has shifted from curiosity to demand—with 250+ attendees at their AI Immersion Day. Governance with Guardrails: Faculty-driven committees established ethical guidelines for AI use, enabling responsible adoption (e.g., ChatGPT provisioning). Student Success Beyond Metrics: Technology must remove barriers—like providing laptops or writing tools—to help first-gen students feel they belong. Inclusive Leadership: Bao’s dissertation on Hmong women leaders shapes her mentorship, emphasizing cultural wealth and intergenerational support. Budgeting for Impact: Prioritize projects tied to core goals (compliance, student success) through collaborative, data-informed decision-making. The Human-AI Balance: “Tech supports your journey, but people help you through it”—Bao’s advice to students navigating AI and beyond.     Listen now for a lesson in leading AI initiatives with heart—where technology meets inclusion and transformation.   Find Dr Bao Johri here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bao-johri-396a0546/ Fresno State https://www.fresnostate.edu/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/  

In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Jill Whitaker, Director of Web Services at Southern Utah University, to explore the evolving landscape of higher ed website management. With 25 years of experience, Jill shares candid insights on balancing short-term fixes with long-term strategy (inspired by her half-marathon coaching!), wrangling 100+ content editors, and championing accessibility through empathy-driven tactics. Discover how SUU’s centralized approach keeps their site student-focused, why "Don’t Make Me Think" remains a timeless mantra, and what AI’s rise means for the future of university web teams. Key Takeaways The Marathon Mindset: Website governance mirrors distance running—balance immediate tasks with long-term vision to avoid burnout or shortsighted decisions. Student-Centric Design: SUU’s homepage prioritizes recruitment/retention, with internal content redirected to portals—a battle-tested strategy. Accessibility as Empathy: Tools like Siteimprove help, but real change comes from humanizing compliance (e.g., revealing colleagues who rely on screen readers). Federated Governance: A Google Group for 100+ CMS users replaces formal committees, fostering peer support and accountability. AI’s Double-Edged Sword: Excited for code debugging but wary of zero-click searches scraping outdated content. Future-Proof Teams: Web teams of 2027 will blend marketing savvy with technical literacy—no more "coders in the dark."   Listen now for a masterclass in keeping university websites human-centered—no matter how tech evolves. Find Jill Whitaker here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillow/ SSU https://suu.edu/   Recommended Reading: Don’t Make Me think – Steve Krug https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Me-Think-Usability/dp/0321344758   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/  

In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon chats with Jennie Wong, Global Director of Education at Slalom, about how universities can harness AI and data to drive strategic value. Jennie shares her innovative "car metaphor" framework for AI implementation, reveals surprising GenAI use cases, and explains why federated data models are the future for higher ed. From overcoming institutional overwhelm to reimagining student engagement with e-commerce tactics, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders navigating the AI revolution. Key Takeaways The "Car Metaphor" Framework: AI is the engine, but you also need steering (functional expertise), integration (systems), and fuel (data) to reach strategic goals. Start Small, Scale Fast: Focus on high-impact, low-complexity projects (e.g., A/B testing AI-enhanced fundraising emails) to demonstrate quick wins. Federated Data Strategy: Centralize only what’s necessary (e.g., cloud contracts) and empower departments with domain-specific data ownership. E-Commerce Lessons for Higher Ed: Apply tactics like "comeback campaigns" for stopout students and reduce application abandonment with behavioral design. ROI Nuances in Higher Ed: Measure year-one success via efficiency gains (e.g., administrative workflows) and year-three via mission outcomes (e.g., persistence rates). Agentic AI Future: Every campus role will blend human judgment with AI assistance—escalating complex/emotional tasks to people. Chapter Headings with Time Stamps (00:01) - Introduction: Meet Jennie Wong - From Organizational Communication to AI Strategy (04:40) - Slalom’s Triple-Digit Growth: Personas and Partner Alignment (06:30) - The "Car Metaphor": AI as an Engine, Not a Silver Bullet (09:13) - Biggest Struggles: Simplifying Choices with Strategic Value Maps (11:18) - Surprising GenAI Wins: Doubling Fundraising at UCLA (13:16) - Data Strategy: Federated Models and Conversational AI (15:38) - E-Commerce Tactics: Paradox of Choice and Comeback Campaigns (18:39) - Measuring ROI: Efficiency vs. Mission Impact (21:07) - Future of Campus Jobs: Humans + AI Collaboration (22:47) - Jennie’s Inspiration: Learning from Entertainment and VR (ASU’s Dreamscape)   Listen now to rethink AI strategy—and turn data into measurable impact.   Find Jennie Wong here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniewong/ Slalom https://www.slalom.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/  

In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Dr. Alexander "Sasha" Sidorkin, Chief AI Officer at Sacramento State University, to explore the transformative impact of AI on education.  From debunking myths about AI replacing teachers to discussing practical applications in the classroom, Sasha shares his insights as an "AI realist."  Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping learning outcomes, the challenges of governance and equity, and why fostering relational learning remains irreplaceable. Key Takeaways AI as a Disruptive Force: AI has rendered traditional assignments like essays obsolete, forcing educators to rethink teaching methods and learning outcomes.   Relational Learning is Key: Education thrives on human relationships—AI cannot replace the emotional and contextual aspects of teaching. Equity and Access: AI can level the playing field for students with disabilities or language barriers, but disparities in technology access must be addressed. Policy and Governance: Institutions should avoid rigid AI policies until consensus emerges; faculty must justify AI use (or restrictions) pedagogically. Future Skills: "Executive thinking"—orchestrating tasks between human and AI collaboration—is the emerging critical skill for students.   Dig Deeper Dr. Alexander "Sasha" Sidorkin LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-garcia-336866117/  Sacramento State University https://www.csus.edu/ Explore More on EdTech Connect For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Gemma Garcia, Executive Director of Learning Technology at Arizona State University, to explore how ASU is leading the charge in scalable digital learning innovation.  With over 130,000 learners worldwide, Gemma shares insights on balancing bold experimentation with practical implementation, fostering faculty adoption of new technologies, and ASU's groundbreaking AI initiatives—including their partnership with OpenAI. Discover how ASU's "principled innovation" framework guides responsible AI integration, why personalized learning pathways are the future, and how the university is breaking down silos to create a collaborative, global learning community.  Whether you're an educator, administrator, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers a masterclass in scaling educational innovation while keeping student success at the core. Key Takeaways   Scalable Innovation: ASU’s "principled innovation" framework ensures new tools align with student outcomes and institutional goals before adoption. AI in Action: From language-learning chatbots to faculty "AI challenges," ASU leverages AI to enhance engagement while maintaining ethical guardrails. Faculty Adoption: Meet faculty where they are—emphasizing how tools solve their problems and benefit students—to drive buy-in. Global Inclusion: Designing for cultural and linguistic diversity is key to serving ASU’s worldwide online learner population. Personalized Learning: The future of edtech lies in adaptive pathways tailored to individual learning styles (powered by AI).   Dig Deeper LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-garcia-336866117/  ASU http://asu.edu/  Explore More on EdTech Connect For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Brian Piper, Director of Content Strategy at the University of Rochester and author of Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education, to explore how AI is transforming content creation and audience engagement in higher ed.  Brian shares practical insights on building AI-driven personas, repurposing content at scale, and overcoming institutional resistance to AI adoption. Learn how custom GPTs can simulate student perspectives, why "audience-first" storytelling is non-negotiable, and how to leverage student ambassadors to amplify authenticity.  Whether you're a marketer, administrator, or educator, this episode offers actionable strategies to harness AI while keeping human creativity at the core. Key Takeaways AI-Powered Personas: Train custom GPTs on institutional data (e.g., strategic plans, student demographics) to simulate audience perspectives and test content ideas before production. Content Repurposing: Use AI to redistribute high-performing content across channels, combating declining organic reach and maximizing ROI. Fear vs. Opportunity: Resistance to AI stems from fear of replacement and lack of time—but it’s a change management challenge, not just a tech adoption hurdle. Governance First: Clear AI usage guidelines prevent "shadow AI" and ensure ethical data practices (e.g., avoiding public ChatGPT for sensitive records). Student Ambassadors Matter: Authentic, student-generated "day-in-the-life" content outperforms institutional messaging in building trust with prospects.     Dig Deeper LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/  Website https://brianwpiper.com/  Explore More on EdTech Connect For more insights on innovative teaching strategies, the role of technology in education, and the future of learning, visit EdTech Connect. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and conversations in educational technology or visit https://edtechconnect.com.

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Jennifer Lonchar, founder of AmbioEdu, to explore how streaming TV is revolutionizing higher ed marketing. Jennifer shares her journey from traditional digital marketing to pioneering performance-based TV advertising for colleges and universities.  Discover how AmbioEdu ‘s cutting-edge platform targets households with unskippable commercials, tracks enrollment attribution, and supercharges traditional digital campaigns. Jennifer also weighs in on the "perception cliff" facing higher ed, why video is the future of student engagement, and how schools can stand out in an increasingly noisy digital landscape. Tune in for actionable insights on modernizing your marketing strategy with streaming TV! Key Takeaways Streaming TV is the New Frontier: Higher ed lags behind other industries in adopting streaming TV ads, but it offers unskippable, measurable, and highly targeted opportunities to reach students and parents. Full-Funnel Marketing: Unlike traditional TV ads, streaming campaigns can track engagement from awareness (top of funnel) to conversions (applications, deposits) by linking ad exposure to household IP addresses. Emotional Storytelling Wins: Schools must move beyond generic taglines and create emotionally resonant 15-30 second spots that make students say, "I can see myself there." The "Perception Cliff": Beyond demographic declines, higher ed faces a crisis of perceived value. Jennifer advocates for industry-wide efforts to promote lifelong learning and combat skepticism Diversify or Fall Behind: Relying solely on crowded digital channels (e.g., social media, Google Ads) is no longer enough. Streaming TV complements existing strategies and boosts performance across platforms. Conversation Rundowns Introduction (00:00) Jennifer’s Journey from Carnegie to AmbioEdu (02:04) Why Streaming TV? The Untapped Opportunity in Higher Ed (04:22) How It Works: Targeting Households and Measuring ROI (08:25) Creative Strategy: Crafting Ads That Resonate with Students and Parents (09:25) Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry with New Technology (13:03)   Beyond Undergrad: Streaming for Grad Programs, Stopouts, and Fundraising (18:35) Industry Shifts: Short Tenures, Vendor Consolidation, and Innovative Startups (24:26) Final Advice: Diversify Your Strategy and Lean into Video (29:39) Dig Deeper Find Jennifer Lonchar here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlonchar/  AmbioEdu https://ambioedu.com/  Explore More on EdTech Connect For more insights on innovative 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 Lee Rainie, Director of Elon University’s Imagining the Digital Future Center, to explore the transformative impact of AI on higher education. They delve into groundbreaking research on how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and academic integrity, uncovering surprising divides among educators—half of whom see AI as a tool for creativity, while the other half view it as a threat to critical thinking. From redefining cheating to navigating the "Wild West" of AI governance, Lee shares insights on how institutions can adapt, the rise of "prompt literacy," and why "show your work" might be the mantra of the future. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the promises and pitfalls of AI in education. Key Takeaways AI’s Disruptive Potential: 95% of academic leaders believe AI will disrupt traditional teaching models, with half calling it a "major disruption." Cheating vs. Creativity: Administrators are split—50% say using AI for assignments (e.g., generating outlines) is acceptable, while 50% consider it cheating. Positive Outcomes: AI is expected to enhance learning, research skills, writing, and creativity—but only if integrated thoughtfully. Risks: Concerns include academic integrity, student dependency on AI, digital inequities, and declining attention spans. Governance Challenges: Schools lack clear policies, leaving faculty to navigate AI use case-by-case. "Show your work" is emerging as a key accountability standard. The Future of Work: AI demands new skills like "prompt literacy" and shifts the focus from content creation to critical evaluation.   Conversation Rundown Intro (00:00) Lee Rainie’s Background and the AI in Higher Ed Study (02:29) Key Findings: Disruption, Cheating, and Student Outcomes (04:28) Academic Integrity: Defining Misuse in the AI Era (07:20) Why Coding Embraces AI But Writing Resists It (10:48) AI as a Creative Ally: The Power of Prompting (12:45) Institutional Challenges: Governance and Faculty Preparedness (15:22) Digital Governance: Bridging Gaps in AI Policy (19:10) AI vs. Past Tech Revolutions: Adoption and Social Impact (23:55) Emerging Questions: Mastery, Testing, and Human Purpose in an AI World (27:29)   Dig Deeper This episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and education, offering a deep dive into the trends and challenges shaping the future of higher education. Tune in to learn how AI is quietly revolutionizing education data—without displacing humans. Find Lee Rainie here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrubenstein/ Elon University https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-rainie-866742/    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 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.