In this episode, Jeff Dillon is joined by Josh Koenig, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Pantheon, a WebOps platform transforming how website teams deliver exceptional digital experiences. With over two decades of experience in web development and online engagement, Josh shares his incredible journey—from his early days building political campaign platforms like DeanSpace for Howard Dean’s 2004 presidential run to co-founding Chapter Three and ultimately Pantheon. Josh dives into how Pantheon grew to become a leading WebOps platform, particularly excelling in the higher education sector, and explains how the company’s “productization” of consulting expertise addressed key challenges in web development collaboration and scalability. We discuss how his transition from Head of Product to Chief Strategy Officer allows him to focus on big-picture strategies that align with industry trends and customer needs. He also reflects on how web development has evolved over the years, offering key insights into the future of WebOps in higher education and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, Josh’s lessons on leadership, innovation, and navigating complex digital ecosystems are sure to inspire. Guest Profile Josh Koenig Position: Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Pantheon Over 20 years in web development Founder of DeanSpace (Howard Dean 2004 campaign) Co-founder of Chapter Three WebOps innovation leader Key Insights Transformation of web development consulting into product WebOps platform specialization in higher education Evolution of digital experience platforms Transition from product leadership to strategic leadership Critical Observations Web development landscape constantly evolving Higher education requires specialized digital solutions Consulting expertise can be productized Technology collaboration needs innovative approaches Strategic Insights Pantheon's approach to solving web development challenges Scaling web technologies for complex institutional needs Bridging gap between consulting and product development Future-proofing digital experience platforms Episode Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Josh Koenig 03:00 - Consulting to Product Transformation 07:13 - Higher Education Web Platform Challenges 12:26 - Digital Experience Platforms Overview 16:09 - From Political Campaigns to Startup World 19:35 - Defining "Productization" 24:40 - WebOps Outsourcing Benefits 29:24 - Career Advice for Web Professionals Key Takeaways WebOps is revolutionizing digital experiences Strategic adaptability is crucial in tech leadership Specialized platforms can solve complex digital challenges Continuous learning is essential in web development Links Pantheon Website: www.pantheon.io Josh Koenig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkoenig/ Pantheon on EdTech Connect: https://edtechconnect.com/software/digital-experience-accessibility/pantheon/1394/

In this conversation, Justin Menard, CEO of ListEdTech, shares his extensive experience in educational technology and the evolution of data usage in higher education. He discusses the importance of data in decision-making for institutions and vendors, the challenges of categorizing educational technology, and the impact of AI on the industry. Justin emphasizes the value of peer insights in tech adoption and highlights common pitfalls institutions face when selecting technology solutions. Guest Profile Name: Justin Menard Position: CEO of ListEdTech Experience: Over 20 years in educational technology Key Insights Comprehensive exploration of data usage in higher education Global perspective shaped by international travel In-depth understanding of educational technology market dynamics Critical Observations Data is a fundamental tool for simplifying institutional decision-making Educational technology categories are continuously evolving AI is dramatically transforming the educational technology landscape Strategic Highlights ListEdTech's role in providing comprehensive higher education system data Supporting vendors in identifying potential clients and market trends Emphasizing the importance of peer insights in technology adoption Technological Challenges Maintaining data accuracy in a rapidly changing educational technology market Navigating complex technology categorizations Helping institutions avoid common pitfalls in technology selection Episode Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Justin Menard and ListEdTech 08:42 - EDUCAUSE and Market Trends Insights 19:13 - Navigating EdTech Categories 25:31 - AI's Impact on Higher Education Technology Key Takeaways Peer insights are crucial in technology adoption Data-driven decision-making is essential AI is reshaping educational technology approaches Links Justin Menard LinkedIn ListEdTech website ListEdTech on EdTech Connect EdTech Connect website

In this podcast episode, Jeff Dillon interviews Meredith Bailey, founder and CEO of StreamWork, a platform designed to enhance collaboration in online learning and higher education. Meredith shares her journey from working at tech giants like Google and Apple to founding StreamWork, driven by her desire to streamline creative collaboration.  The conversation explores how StreamWork bridges the gap between in-person and online learning, its impact on student engagement, and the importance of integrating feedback and grading in the learning process.  Meredith also discusses the future of online education, the role of AI, and offers valuable advice for aspiring tech founders. Highlights Meredith Bailey founded StreamWork to enhance online collaboration. StreamWork transforms education by fostering engagement and creativity. The platform allows for collaborative work on various content types. Professors can save time with StreamWork's auto grading feature. Students gain exposure to next-gen collaboration tools in the classroom. StreamWork mimics traditional peer group experiences in online settings. AI integration is a focus for improving workflows in education. Feedback and meaningful discussion are prioritized in StreamWork. Persistence and flexibility are crucial for tech founders. StreamWork is adaptable for both small and large class sizes.   Chapters:   (00:00) Intro (00:57) Introduction to StreamWork and Its Mission (03:59) Meredith's Journey from Tech Giants to Founding StreamWork (06:22) Bridging the Gap in Higher Education (08:43) StreamWork's Impact on Collaborative Learning (11:26) Integration and Compatibility with Other Tools (13:53) Grading vs. Feedback: Enhancing Student Engagement (19:00) Future of Online Learning and AI Integration (20:47) Advice for Aspiring Tech Founders   Links: Meredith Bailey on Linked InStreamwork on EdTech ConnectStreamwork website  

In this episode, Jeff Dillon dives into a compelling conversation with Kat Liendgens, CEO of Hannon Hill, exploring the transformative journey of content management systems (CMS) in higher education. Kat reveals her path into the tech industry, sharing both the obstacles she encountered and the opportunities that arose. Together, they examine the evolving landscape of user expectations and emerging technology trends. The discussion highlights the critical role of personalization in connecting with prospective students and the impact of artificial intelligence on streamlining content management processes. Kat underscores the importance of a strategic approach to AI adoption, providing actionable insights for marketers and web directors seeking to navigate the complexities of the CMS environment. Don’t miss this enlightening exchange that offers a deeper understanding of the future of content management in the educational sector.   Takeaways Kat's journey into technology was driven by overcoming intimidation. The CMS landscape has evolved significantly over the years. Flexibility and governance are key challenges for modern CMS. Personalization is crucial for engaging prospective students. AI can enhance content management but requires careful implementation. Higher education institutions are often slow to adopt new technologies. Effective CMS should educate content contributors for better outcomes. Start small with personalization to test its effectiveness. Understanding user needs is essential for successful CMS implementation. Focus on solving problems rather than just features when selecting a CMS. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Content Management Revolution 06:08 Evolution of CMS and User Expectations 11:17 The Importance of Personalization in Higher Education 18:42 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption 24:48 Final Tips for Marketers and Web Directors   Links On EdTech Connect Hannon Hill website Kat Liendgens on LinkedIn

In this conversation, Jeff Dillon interviews Haley Johnson, the regional vice president of education solutions at Motimatic. They discuss Haley's journey from College Scheduler to Civitas and now to Motimatic, focusing on her expertise in student engagement and retention through innovative marketing strategies.   Haley shares insights on the importance of social media in reaching students, particularly those who have stopped out, and the effectiveness of a performance-based marketing model that only charges institutions when they see results. The conversation also touches on emerging trends in higher education and the future of student communication.   Takeaways Haley Johnson is a champion for student success in educational technology. Motimatic uses social media to drive student engagement and retention. The pay-for-performance model ensures institutions only pay for results. Student adoption is crucial for the success of educational software. Community colleges are seeing significant success with targeted marketing efforts. Social media ads are tailored to specific student needs and actions. Traditional communication methods are becoming less effective with students. Haley emphasizes the importance of understanding student behavior and preferences. The future of higher education marketing is shifting towards innovative solutions. Institutions should consider low-risk, performance-based marketing opportunities. Sound Bites "A true champion for student success." "We average 3 to 5% conversion of those lists." "We are a revenue generating partnership." "Don't be afraid to look into it." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Haley Johnson and Motimatic 02:53 Haley's Journey: From College Scheduler to Civitas 06:10 Understanding College Scheduler and Its Impact 09:09 Motimatic's Unique Approach to Student Engagement 11:46 Targeting Stopouts: Strategies and Success Stories 14:55 The Power of Social Media in Higher Education 17:55 Performance-Based Marketing: A Game Changer 21:13 Future Trends in Higher Education Marketing   Links Motimatic on EdTech Connect Motimatic Website Haley Johnson on LinkedIn

In this conversation, Jeff Dillon interviews Sameer Maggon, CEO and founder of SearchStax, about the evolution of search technology, particularly in the context of higher education.   Sameer shares his journey in the search industry, the challenges organizations face in building effective search infrastructures, and how SearchStax aims to bridge the gap for businesses of all sizes.   The discussion also delves into the differences between search in e-commerce and higher education, the importance of continuous innovation, and the role of AI in enhancing search experiences.   Sameer emphasizes the need for resilience in entrepreneurship and the significance of customer-centric approaches in technology development.   Takeaways Search is critical for shaping user experience online. Building scalable search infrastructure is challenging for many organizations. Higher education search focuses on guiding users to relevant information. Continuous learning and innovation are essential to stay ahead in search technology. Resilience is key in overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship. Empowering teams fosters ownership and enhances productivity. Customer feedback is vital for shaping product development. AI can personalize and enhance search experiences significantly. Data accessibility is crucial for effective search solutions. Search engines should allow users to deprioritize outdated content.   Chapters 00:00 The Journey of SearchStax 08:02 Staying Ahead in Search Technology 14:58 The Role of AI in Search Technology 20:01 Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Ed Search   Links Sameer Maggon on LinkedIn SearchStax on EdTech Connect

In this episode of the EdTech Connect podcast, Jeff Dillon interviews Dallin Palmer, co-founder of Halda Inc., an AI-powered platform designed to enhance engagement for enrollment marketers in higher education.   Dallin discusses the challenges faced by universities in digital marketing, the transformative role of AI in personalizing user experiences, and the importance of data privacy. He shares insights on measuring success and ROI in enrollment marketing, emphasizing the need for a luxury experience in higher education. The conversation concludes with advice for enrollment marketers on leveraging AI effectively.   Takeaways Halda aims to revolutionize engagement for enrollment marketers in higher education. AI can significantly enhance the effectiveness of enrollment marketing strategies. Personalization is key to improving user experience and conversion rates. Understanding user behavior on websites is crucial for effective marketing. Data privacy is a major concern, and only first-party data should be used for personalization. Measuring success in enrollment marketing requires a focus on real ROI and student feedback. The future of higher education will rely heavily on technology and AI integration. Institutions must adapt to changing market dynamics and student expectations. Effective content management is essential for successful enrollment marketing. Enrollment marketers should embrace AI and experiment with its applications. Sound Bites "Your website is a prioritization problem." "93% of students say this was helpful." "If the student wins, everyone wins." "You need a luxury experience in higher ed." "We only use data that has been given to us." "Don't be afraid of AI; embrace it." Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Halda and Its Mission 02:51 The Role of AI in Enrollment Marketing 05:50 Transforming User Experience with Personalization 08:56 Challenges in Higher Ed Marketing 11:55 Data Privacy and Ethical Considerations 14:53 Measuring Success and ROI in Enrollment 18:08 The Future of AI in Higher Education 20:57 Final Thoughts and Advice for Enrollment Marketers   BIO Dallin Palmer is the Co-Founder of HALDA, Inc., an AI-powered platform revolutionizing engagement for enrollment marketers in higher education. With a background in sales and service design at companies like Podium and Chegg, Dallin specializes in innovative, data-driven solutions that drive personalization and automation in marketing. LINKSHalda.AI

In this episode of EdTech Connect, Jeff Dillon interviews William Culpepper, a seasoned design educator, about his experiences and insights in graphic design education.    They discuss Culpepper's innovative Grafik Intervention project aimed at revitalizing urban spaces through visual communication, the challenges and opportunities in online learning, and the integration of AI in graphic design.   Culpepper emphasizes the importance of balancing online and in-person learning, the emergence of new educational technologies, and the need for equity and accessibility in education.   Takeaways William Culpepper has a diverse background in design education and practice. The Graphic Intervention project aims to revitalize urban spaces through community engagement. Online learning has gained traction, especially post-pandemic, but challenges remain. AI tools are being integrated into graphic design education to enhance creativity. Balancing online and in-person learning is crucial for effective education. Emerging technologies like VR and AR can transform learning experiences. Accessibility and universal design principles are essential in education. Cultural sensitivity in design education broadens students' perspectives. Training for educators is vital for effective technology integration. Student engagement is enhanced through a blend of online and face-to-face learning.   Sound Bites "It's like open source community revitalization." "AI can provide personalized learning tools." "The ethics involved with AI will impact you." Chapters   00:00 Introduction to William Culpepper 01:05 The Grafik Intervention Project 05:59 Technology in the Classroom 07:11 Challenges and Opportunities in Online Learning 10:06 The Role of AI in Graphic Design 15:51 Balancing Online and In-Person Learning 22:05 Emerging Tools and Technologies in Education 25:36 Equity and Accessibility in Educational Technology   Links Grafik Intervention

In this episode of EdTech Connect, Jeff Dillon engages with Tracy Halverson, the dynamic CEO of adeo, to unravel the unique blend of art and leadership. Tracy dives deep into how artistic creativity can redefine leadership approaches, transforming the culture and strategies within organizations. She sheds light on the formidable challenges facing higher education, offering innovative solutions and emphasizing the role of strategic thinking in overcoming these obstacles. Tracy shares her vision of technology as a catalyst for collaboration, breaking down barriers between departmental silos, and fostering an environment where experimentation and innovation can flourish. By understanding audience needs, she explains how institutions can enhance external engagement, ensuring meaningful connections and effective organizational change. Join Jeff and Tracy for an insightful discussion filled with practical advice and visionary ideas, perfect for educators, leaders, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of education and leadership. Takeaways Creativity and curiosity are essential from the start. Higher education struggles with siloed environments. Technology enables departmental experimentation. Agility supports organizational change. Rebranding should focus on the audience, not just internal needs. External collaboration relieves internal pressure. Sound Bites "Creativity and curiosity must be there from the beginning." "The worst thing you can do is try to be all things to all people." "Clarity is not bragging." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tracy Halverson and adeo02:32 The Interplay of Art and Leadership04:30 Challenges in Higher Education06:45 The Role of Technology in Collaboration10:07 Improving External Engagement13:20 Insights from Different Sectors19:21 The Process of Rebranding and UI Development22:57 Agility in Organizational Change25:00 Final Thoughts and Advice LinksTracey Halvorsen on LinkedIn

In this podcast episode, Jeff Dillon interviews Michelle Caers, co-founder and CEO of Crowdmark, discussing the innovative grading and assessment solution for higher education. Michelle shares her journey in education and technology, the role of Crowdmark in enhancing grading efficiency, and how AI is leveraged to support educators. The conversation also touches on the challenges of adopting new educational technologies, the integration with learning management systems, the nuances of subjective grading, and the ethical implications of AI in education. Michelle provides insights into the onboarding process for Crowdmark and shares unexpected success stories from institutions using the platform. She concludes with advice for entrepreneurs looking to innovate in the education technology space. Takeaways Crowdmark automates tedious grading tasks to free up educators' time. The platform supports collaboration among grading teams for consistent feedback. AI is used to enhance grading processes, not replace human interaction. Overcoming the status quo is a significant challenge in educational tech adoption. Crowdmark integrates with major learning management systems for ease of use. The platform excels in grading handwritten work, particularly in STEM fields. Ethical considerations in AI include data privacy and academic integrity. Sound Bites "Grading is an essential part of the education system." "Crowdmark assists in managing that grading team." "AI is the flavor of the day." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Crowdmark and Michelle Caers 04:07 The Role of Crowdmark in Grading Efficiency 07:16 Leveraging AI in Education 09:18 Overcoming Challenges in Educational Technology Adoption 11:28 Integration with Learning Management Systems 14:45 Ethical Implications of AI in Education 18:13 Onboarding Process for Crowdmark 22:28 Advice for EdTech Entrepreneurs