EdTech Connect

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 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 ep...

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 act...

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...

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:

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 le...

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...

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 al...

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...

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 r...

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 ne...

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 ahe...

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 f...

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

In this conversation, Eric Smith, Vice President of Technical Services Delivery at Fortify Data, discusses the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in higher education.

He shares insights from his extensive experience across various industries, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by higher ed institutions. 

The discussion covers Fortify Data's mission to provide continuous risk assessment and threat intelligence, the importance of understanding vulnerabilities, and the need for effective budgeting and awareness in cybersecurity strategies.

Eric also highlights the significance of continuous penetration testing and shares success stories from clients who have improved their cybersecurity posture.

In this conversation, Dr. Jenae Cohn discusses her extensive experience at the intersection of higher education and technology, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by digital reading and generative AI. 

She emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching methods to meet the needs of students who engage with texts in diverse ways, particularly in the context of AI's growing presence in education. 

Dr. Cohn also addresses ethical concerns, equity in access to AI tools, and the necessity of maintaining human connections in an increasingly AI-driven educational landscape. She concludes with advice for university leaders on ad...

In this conversation, Jeff Saville discusses his journey in workforce development and career services, emphasizing the importance of empowering students through innovative programs and technology.   He shares insights on leveraging AI and other tools to enhance career readiness and the challenges faced by higher education institutions in adapting to the rapidly changing job market. The discussion also covers practical advice for students seeking jobs and the future of education in the context of technological advancements.   Takeaways
Jeff Saville's passion for empowering individuals began with his entrepreneurial background. NAU Venture Studios aims to incubate student-led solutions to real-world problems. Technology pl...

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape,  Teri Abbo-Sutherland , Director of Executive Programs Oakland University, is rewriting the rules of professional development. Her breakthrough insights argue that micro credentials—bite-sized, skill-specific certifications—are becoming the new currency of career advancement.

Traditional four-year degrees are no longer enough, Sutherland contends. In an age of accelerating technological change, professionals must continuously retool their skills or risk becoming professionally obsolete. Digital badges and micro credentials offer a nimble alternative: targeted learning that can be quickly acquired and immediately applied.

For tech workers especially, these compact credentials serve as dynamic proof...

In this episode, Jeff Dillon is joined by Nick Burrell, VP of Strategic Partnerships at ZogoTech, a company specializing in data analytics solutions designed to empower higher education.

With a wealth of expertise in educational technology and artificial intelligence, Nick shares his insights on the evolving role of AI in education, particularly in content management and student engagement. He discusses his journey from working in college financial aid offices to his current role at ZogoTech, and how his experience has shaped his understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education.

Nick dives into how AI...

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...

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

Key Insights

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 ad...

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...

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 st...

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 dev...

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...

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 thro...

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...

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...

In this conversation, Jeff Dillon interviews Dustin Stout, the founder of Magai, an all-in-one AI platform designed to enhance teaching and learning in higher education.   Dustin shares his journey of creating Magai, the challenges faced in adapting the platform for educational use, and the ethical implications of AI in the classroom.   He emphasizes the importance of educators in guiding students on how to use AI responsibly and offers practical tips for faculty looking to integrate AI into their teaching. The discussion highlights the transformative potential of AI in education and the need for institutions to embrace this technology.  

Takeaways

Marcus Schober, founder of Blue Cape Security and creator of CyberLabHero, discusses the importance of hands-on cybersecurity training in higher education. He explains how his browser-based virtual lab platform simplifies the learning experience for students and eliminates the need for complex setup requirements. 

Schober also highlights the challenges faced by higher education institutions in adopting new technology and the benefits of using CyberLabHero. He emphasizes the flexibility and security of the platform and its ability to improve course completion rates.

Takeaways

Chris Du, the founder of Insightful and TimelyGrader, is revolutionizing group project management and grading in higher education.   TimelyGrader, launched in 2024, uses AI to provide quick and accurate feedback to students, streamlining the grading process for instructors. The platform integrates with popular learning management systems like Canvas and D2L.   Chris emphasizes the importance of trust and the human element in education, and TimelyGrader is designed to work as a tool alongside instructors, not replace them. The future of EdTech and AI in education lies in self-hosted AI models within institutions.   Takeaways TimelyGrader uses AI to provide quick and accurate fee...

In this episode, we sit down with Vikram Chalana, the co-founder and driving force behind Pictory.AI - an innovative software company leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence to empower users to transform their messages into captivating video content.

Vikram shares the inspiration behind starting Pictory.AI, which stemmed from his own experience struggling to create professional-quality videos as a business leader. 

He recognized the challenges that many professionals, especially in education, face when it comes to video production, and set out to build a user-friendly platform that democratizes the video creation process through the power of A...

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

Ardis Kadiu, founder and CEO of Element 451, discusses the evolution of AI in education and the importance of personalization in student engagement. He shares the inspiration behind the name Element 451 and the journey of starting the company. Kadiu emphasizes the need for education institutions to embrace AI and prioritize student-centric experiences. 

He also addresses concerns about job security and highlights the potential of AI to enhance productivity and eliminate menial tasks. Kadiu provides insights on how campuses can prepare for AI implementation and emphasizes the importance of data privacy and security.

Takeaways