EdTech Connect
Jeff Dillon
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Top 10 EdTech Connect Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best EdTech Connect episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to EdTech Connect for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite EdTech Connect episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
02/21/25 • 31 min
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
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelgoodman/
Bravery Media on EdTech Connect
https://edtechconnect.com/service/bravery-media/41/
Bravery Media website
https://bravery.co/
And find EdTech Connect here:
04/11/25 • 31 min
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:
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.
05/09/25 • 30 min
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
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwpiper/
Website
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.
11/15/24 • 35 min
- 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.
- "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."
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.
LINKS
Halda.AI
01/03/25 • 33 min
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
- 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
- Web development landscape constantly evolving
- Higher education requires specialized digital solutions
- Consulting expertise can be productized
- Technology collaboration needs innovative approaches
- 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
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
- 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/
05/16/25 • 28 min
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
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-garcia-336866117/
ASU
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.
09/20/24 • 29 min
Helen Norris, CIO at Chapman University, discusses her journey to becoming a CIO and the evolving role of CIOs in higher education. She emphasizes the importance of integration and change advocacy in the current complex IT environment.
Norris also explores the potential of AI in various areas, such as advising, research, and administrative tasks. She highlights the need for explainability and privacy in AI implementation. Additionally, she discusses the challenges of managing content and data in higher education websites.
Takeaways
- The role of CIOs in higher education has evolved from being service providers to being integrators and change advocates.
- AI has the potential to enhance various areas in higher education, such as advising, research, and administrative tasks.
- The strategic value of legacy systems should be considered before deciding to replace them, and integrating new tools with these systems can be a more practical solution.
- AI implementation should prioritize explainability and privacy to ensure ethical and effective use.
- Managing content and data in higher education websites can be challenging due to the proliferation of information and the presence of stale and duplicate content.
Sound Bites
"Now it's about, oh, all these systems are there. And what I need to do is bring them together, make sure they're secure, make sure they're used well, make sure that we're always scanning that environment and seeing what we need to change."
"Putting new tools in front of legacy systems to enhance their capabilities and provide better outcomes for students and faculty."
"Ensuring explainability in AI decision-making, especially in high-stakes areas like advising."
Chapters
00:00: Introduction and Background of Helen Norris
04:43: The Changing Role of CIOs in Higher Education
08:26: Balancing Process and Outcome in Decision-Making
12:56: Managing Change and Legacy Systems
16:21: The Potential of AI in Higher Education
19:40: Use Cases of AI in Higher Education
21:53: Academic Advisory Guidelines and Policies
22:10: Priorities at Chapman University
24:15: The Importance of IT Strategic Planning
25:08: Challenges of Content Management in Higher Education Websites
27:27: Advice for Upcoming IT Leaders in Higher Education
04/25/25 • 32 min
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:
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.
11/22/24 • 28 min
- 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.
03/14/25 • 27 min
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
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.
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FAQ
How many episodes does EdTech Connect have?
EdTech Connect currently has 37 episodes available.
What topics does EdTech Connect cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts and Education.
What is the most popular episode on EdTech Connect?
The episode title 'The Evolving Role of CIOs in Higher Education with Helen Norris' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on EdTech Connect?
The average episode length on EdTech Connect is 29 minutes.
How often are episodes of EdTech Connect released?
Episodes of EdTech Connect are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of EdTech Connect?
The first episode of EdTech Connect was released on Sep 13, 2024.
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