EdTech Connect

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."

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

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."

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."

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

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 Dustin Stout's journey led to the creation of Magai. Magai integrates multiple AI tools into one platform. Higher education can benefit from AI in lesson planning. Ethical use of AI requires user responsibility. AI can serve as a creative partner for educators. Faculty should explore AI to enhance their teaching. Universities are beginning to teach AI usage to students. AI's rapid evolution presents both challenges and opportunities. Engagement with AI is essential for future readiness. Sound Bites "This new wave of AI is magical." "You only have to subscribe to one tool." "There's no better tool than Magi." Chapters 00:00 The Genesis of Magai: A Founder’s Journey

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 CyberLabHero is a browser-based virtual lab platform that simplifies hands-on cybersecurity training in higher education. The platform eliminates the need for complex setup requirements and allows students to access virtual machines seamlessly through their browser. Higher education institutions can benefit from using CyberLabHero by improving course completion rates and providing a more immersive learning experience. The platform is flexible, customizable, and secure, making it an ideal solution for technical training programs in various industries. Sound Bites "It can take a lot of work off of the hands of the teachers, the faculty members." "If you basically make it all client based where all you need is a browser, it all runs in the cloud and you don't have, everyone has the same chance of completing the training." "It's very centralized and easy to manage." Chapters 00:00: Introduction to Marcus Schober and CyberLabHero 03:02: The Advantages of Browser-Based Virtual Labs 05:26: Challenges in Higher Education and the Solution 07:20: The Flexibility and Advantage of Being a Newer Company 09:21: The Importance of Security in Building a Virtual Lab 12:38: Inspiration from Founders and Customizability of CyberLabHero 15:28: How to Find and Contact CyberLabHero

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 feedback to students, streamlining the grading process for instructors. The platform integrates with popular learning management systems like Canvas and D2L. Trust and the human element are important in education, and TimelyGrader is designed to work alongside instructors, not replace them. The future of EdTech and AI in education lies in self-hosted AI models within institutions. Sound Bites "That's the best intro I've heard in my five years." "If you could solve scalability with feedback, it's going to be huge." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chris Dew and Insightful 01:25 The Journey from Insightful to TimelyGrader

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 AI. We explore how Pictory.AI is helping to enable micro-learning and engage students through short, impactful video content. Vikram discusses the company's evolution, the integration of technologies like GPT-3 and AI voice synthesis, and the strategies they are employing to drive adoption within the higher education sector. Additionally, Vikram shares insights from his personal entrepreneurial journey, including the lessons he learned while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his son, and the influential leaders and companies that have inspired his vision for Pictory.AI. This conversation offers a fascinating look at the transformative potential of AI-driven content creation tools and their impact on the future of education and learning. Takeaways Pictory uses AI to make video creation easy for business people The ideal video length for effective learning is around four to five minutes Pictory has evolved over the years, incorporating AI models and adding features like AI voiceovers Engagement is key in creating and consuming learning content Pictory offers individual user pricing as well as enterprise solutions for universities Vikram finds inspiration in the founders of Canva and business leaders like Bill Gates and Satya Nadella Sound Bites "Just like building a business, climbing Kilimanjaro was tough" "The inspiration for Pictory was to make videos easy using AI" "Pictory is like a Canva for video" Chapters 00:00: Introduction to Vikram Chalana and Pictory 02:08: The Inspiration for Pictory: Making Video Creation Easy with AI 05:34: Enabling Micro Learning with Short Videos 07:33: Building Analytics Capabilities and Challenges 09:44: Challenges Faced by Pictory 12:00: Ethical Concerns and Adoption of AI in Higher Ed 13:53: Pictory's Model: Individual User Pricing and Enterprise Solutions Li...

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

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 AI has the potential to transform education by enabling personalization and improving student engagement. Education institutions should prioritize student-centric experiences and embrace AI to enhance the student journey. AI can eliminate menial tasks and enhance productivity, allowing professionals to focus on higher-value work. Campuses can prepare for AI implementation by identifying areas where AI can remove friction from the student experience. Data privacy and security should be prioritized when implementing AI solutions in education. Sound Bites "We don't have enough time today to do our jobs properly. The fear of AI taking our jobs is so far away. AI is going to eliminate tasks we don't want to do and amplify what we're able to do." "Think about where you're having deficiencies and friction in the student experience today and invest in AI solutions there." "Think about the AI capabilities that are being embedded in current tools that you're using that already have the data security layer and governance in place." Chapters 00:00: Introduction and Background of Ardis Kadiu 02:23: Ardis Kadiu's Founder Story 06:01: The Evolution of Element 451 08:02: User Experience and Personalization in Element 451 10:47: Addressing the Fear of AI Taking Jobs 13:09: Enhancing Productivity and Eliminating Menial Tasks with AI 15:45: Prioritizing Data Privacy and Security in AI Solutions 17:53: The Future of AI in Education and Personalization 20:31: Closing Remarks Links Element 451 Ardis Kaidu Element 451 on LinkedIn