EdTech Connect

Jeff Dillon
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

** Reached #4 on Apple Podcast Education Category ** The EdTech Connect Podcast is the leading podcast for higher education professionals who want learn about the most innovative people and tech shaping the future of Higher Education Join host Jeff Dillon as he explores emerging trends, pioneering developments, and real-world applications of technology in academia. Each episode features interviews with leading experts, educators, technologists and solution providers, who share their insights on how technology can be used to improve student engagement, enhance learning outcomes, and transform the educational experience. Whether you're a marketer, faculty, IT Leader, enrollment director, or anyone interested in the future of higher education, the EdTech Connect Podcast is your source for knowledge and inspiration you need to harness the power of technology and drive innovation on your campus. Listeners of the EdTech Connect Podcast will learn about the latest trends, best practices, and challenges in the rapidly evolving field of educational technology. Learn more at https://edtechconnect.com.

  1. Ep. 71 - Jen Jenkins: What Online Universities Can Teach Campus Leaders About Digital Experience

    4D AGO

    Ep. 71 - Jen Jenkins: What Online Universities Can Teach Campus Leaders About Digital Experience

    Jen Jenkins, Director of Digital Experience at Western Governors University, brings a unique background that spans theater arts, healthcare content strategy, and higher ed—all centered on understanding user needs. She shares how her work at University of Utah Health shaped her approach to empathy-driven content, and how she now applies those lessons to WGU’s student-obsessed, competency-based model. Jen dives into the challenges of aligning academics with content strategy, how SEO is shaping degree offerings, and why institutions must move toward omni-channel consistency. She also unpacks the technical shifts every content professional must understand—from bot traffic to headless CMS—and offers practical advice for universities and healthcare organizations ready to rethink their digital presence. Whether you’re in content, marketing, or digital strategy, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for a human-first digital future. Key Takeaways Content Strategy in Healthcare vs. Higher Ed – Both involve high-stakes, life-changing decisions. Healthcare content focuses on easing anxiety and building emotional comfort, while higher ed content is about empowerment and selling a future. WGU’s Model is Built for Access & Flexibility – As a fully online, competency-based university, WGU serves over 200,000 students by allowing them to test through material they already know—making education accessible regardless of location or schedule. SEO Informs Academic Program Development – Search behavior doesn’t just drive traffic; it helps identify demand for new degrees and ensures content meets users where they are, using the language they actually search for. Consistency Across Channels is Non-Negotiable – With the rise of generative AI and omni-channel touchpoints, brand messaging must be unified everywhere—from websites to AI-generated answers—to build trust and clarity. Content Teams Need Technical Literacy – Content professionals must understand analytics, algorithm changes, bot traffic, and content delivery infrastructure (like CDNs) to protect performance and adapt quickly. Pod-Based Collaboration Breaks Down Silos – Jen’s team uses a “pod” model with content leads, writers, SEO specialists, UX experts, and analysts working together instead of siloed, man-to-man efforts. Headless CMS Enables Omni-Channel Agility – While challenging to implement, a headless content management system allows content to flow seamlessly across platforms and future-proofs digital experiences for evolving student needs. Start with an Audit & Clear Priorities – Before revamping digital strategy, institutions should conduct a full content and user audit, identify priority audiences, and align resources to both “keep the lights on” and drive toward future goals.   Find Jen Jenkins: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenjenkins/ Western Governors University https://www.wgu.edu/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - What's a Web Student's Must-Have Skills(00:00:38) - EdTech Connect Podcast(00:02:04) - How Content Strategy Is Influenced by the Arts(00:04:10) - The Content Shift From Medical to Higher Ed(00:07:22) - WGU's Digital Environments(00:08:44) - How to Win Over Skeptics With Content Projects(00:09:45) - How WGU spots demand for new degrees(00:10:47) - WGU's Digital Strategy(00:14:37) - What to Expect from WGU Online Student Experience(00:15:32) - How Content Strategy Is Being Shaped by GEO and AI(00:17:38) - How to Build a Content Professional's Team(00:19:46) - Will Headless Make a Bigger Difference for Student Experience?(00:22:14) - An Audition of Digital Content Strategy

    24 min
  2. Ep. 70 - Sharon Harrison: How AI Support is Becoming the New Front Door of Higher Education

    JAN 16

    Ep. 70 - Sharon Harrison: How AI Support is Becoming the New Front Door of Higher Education

    In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Sharon Harrison, CMO at Gravyty, to explore the dramatic evolution of AI in higher education. Sharon, who played a key role in unifying the leading platforms Ivy.ai and Ocelot under the Gravyty brand, traces the journey from the early days of simple "chat boxes" to today's sophisticated conversational AI agents. They discuss how this technology has shifted from a novelty to mission-critical infrastructure, helping schools tackle urgent challenges like summer melt, the enrollment cliff, and 24/7 multilingual support. Sharon shares surprising use cases, from addressing student food insecurity with empathy to uncovering actionable recruitment insights from chatbot data. The conversation dives deep into practical questions: How do you measure true ROI beyond simple deflection counts? What does "hybrid AI" really mean for seamless student support? And, crucially, what guardrails must institutions have for data privacy, accessibility, and bias? For any campus leader wondering where to start with AI, this episode is a masterclass in strategy, integration, and impact.   Key Takeaways AI Has Evolved from "Chat Box" to Core Infrastructure: Conversational AI in higher ed has rapidly progressed from a simple FAQ tool ("chat box") to a virtual assistant, and is now moving toward autonomous AI agents. This shift, accelerated by COVID and the enrollment cliff, makes AI a strategic necessity, not a novelty. The "Why" is Democratizing Access & Solving Urgent Pain Points: The most powerful AI use cases solve critical institutional pain points while democratizing access. Examples include providing 24/7 support for time-pressed families completing FAFSA, offering shame-free access to basic needs resources, and proactively engaging at-risk students before they fall through the cracks. True ROI is Measured in Impact, Not Just Volume: Success metrics must go beyond "questions answered." Institutions should focus on deflected calls translated into staff hours and salary savings, increased application submission rates, shortened student worker onboarding, and uncovering demographic insights for targeted recruitment. "Hybrid AI" is the Key to Safe, Effective Conversations: Modern chatbots use a hybrid algorithm that blends retrieval-based AI (for accurate, curated answers from the institution's knowledge base) with generative AI (for a natural, conversational flow). This approach provides guardrails, ensures brand-aligned tone, and prevents hallucinations. Integration Over Replacement: Successful AI doesn't replace existing systems (CRM, SIS, LMS); it sits on top of them. The goal is to unify fragmented data, make legacy investments more valuable, and provide a seamless, single point of contact for the student across all campus silos. Critical Guardrails: Ask "How," Not Just "If": When vetting AI vendors, leaders must ask how the AI works. Key safeguards include ensuring the AI is grounded only in the institution's content (not the open web), verifying current VPAT/accessibility compliance and SOC 2 certification, and thoroughly understanding data privacy and FERPA adherence. Drive Adoption to Realize Value: Simply deploying a chatbot isn't enough. Institutions must proactively drive student adoption through social media campaigns, commercials, and integration into student workflows to achieve the deflection and engagement metrics that deliver ROI. Start with an Internal Audit: For smaller institutions or those just beginning, the best first step is an internal audit. Discover what tools and systems already exist across campus departments. Leveraging existing, vetted contracts can speed up procurement and ensure smoother int... Chapters (00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: The Fear of Confessing(00:01:01) - Meet Sharon Harrison, Chief Marketing Officer at Gravity(00:02:36) - In the Elevator of Higher Ed: Ivy AI(00:04:18) - The Merger of Ivy, AI and Ocelot(00:05:31) - Chatbots' evolution in higher ed(00:09:21) - AI Use Cases for Colleges(00:11:54) - How to Build an AI-enabled Campus(00:16:36) - What metrics should institutions focus on to understand true chatbot effectiveness?(00:23:17) - Teaching Innovation: The Hybrid AI Chatbot(00:29:23) - Are we Ready to Identify Students at Risk?(00:31:16) - Where to Start with AI and Chatbot?

    33 min
  3. Ep. 69 - Gerry White: From Shakespeare to Cyborgs Teaching the Human Side of Humanity

    JAN 9

    Ep. 69 - Gerry White: From Shakespeare to Cyborgs Teaching the Human Side of Humanity

    In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Gerry White, an award-winning educator and Dean of Academic Technology at ECPI University whose career defies easy categorization. Gerry’s journey spans from English literature and music to AI development and robotics, and he brings this interdisciplinary passion to every project. They discuss his AI-powered tutoring platform, MyTutorPlus, which creates a personalized "Iron Man"-style knowledge map for learners. Gerry also shares the surprising origins of Project Virgil—a school safety initiative using quadrupedal robots—and his work with local police. The conversation dives deep into why the fusion of code and quill (technology and humanities) is more critical than ever, how to teach students not just to use AI but to ask the right questions, and why maintaining human agency and ethics is non-negotiable in our tech-driven future. For any educator wondering how to keep humanity at the center of innovation, this conversation is a guide to creative, ethical, and interdisciplinary thinking.   Key Takeaways The Most Valuable Skill is the Ability to Pivot: In an AI-driven future, the single most important skill educators can instill in students is adaptability. The workforce will change rapidly, and the ability to learn new tools and shift directions will be more valuable than any specific technical knowledge. AI Enhances Subject Matter Experts: Like a photographer using precise camera terminology in Midjourney, subject matter experts (musicians, writers, etc.) can use AI as a superpower. Their deep knowledge allows them to craft highly effective prompts and prototypes, elevating their work rather than replacing it. Teach the Art of the Question: In the age of AI, learning to ask the right, specific questions is a foundational skill. This ancient art of inquiry is now a critical technical competency, as the quality of the output is directly tied to the quality and precision of the input prompt. Human Agency is a Choice We Must Actively Make: There's a danger in "ceding our agency" to technology. Gerry argues that we must consciously decide what we want AI to be and build that world. This requires ongoing discussion, ethical design, and involvement from everyone, especially those building the tools. "Hybrid" Models Keep Humanity Central: The goal of technology should be to automate tasks and leave "the human things to the humans." Whether in education via AI tutors that free up teachers for personal connection, or in safety projects like robots that are human-controlled, the ideal model leverages tech to enhance, not replace, human interaction. Interdisciplinary Thinking Solves Real Problems: Gerry's projects—from an AI tutor born from a music idea to a safety robot developed with criminal justice students—show that the most innovative solutions happen at the intersection of disciplines (arts, humanities, tech, government). Breaking down silos is essential. The Path to Adoption is Hands-On Modeling: For school leaders, the best way to integrate AI is to model its use and provide hands-on experimentation. Administrators and teachers should try the tools themselves, demonstrate live in meetings and classrooms, and empower early adopters to share their discoveries. Technology Should Bridge Gaps, Not Widen Them: A core mission is to use AI and emerging tech like AR to democratize access and preserve human connection. This means building tools that serve underrepresented communities and creating experiences (like AR grave markers) that deepen our understanding of history and each other.   Find Gerry White: LinkedIn                               Chapters (00:00:00) - The role of data in learning(00:00:39) - Jerry White(00:02:37) - What originally drew you into education?(00:03:59) - MyTutor Plus: More Personalized Learning for Students(00:07:43) - Project Virgil: School Threats(00:09:27) - What's the Most Surprising Effect of AI in Government?(00:11:26) - Preparing students for the AI driven future(00:12:53) - Code and Quill Review(00:14:42) - Are Musicians Using AI in Their Music?(00:16:31) - The value of humanities in the world(00:18:08) - Augmented-Reality Visibility at Arlington Cemetery(00:20:09) - AI and Creativity in Schools(00:21:28) - In the Elevator With Jerry Rosen(00:23:34) - EdTech Connect

    24 min
  4. Ep. 68 - France Hoang: Designing AI Ready Systems that put People Before Platforms

    JAN 2

    Ep. 68 - France Hoang: Designing AI Ready Systems that put People Before Platforms

    France Hoang, a former White House Counsel, Army Special Forces veteran, and now the co-founder and CEO of Boodlebox, brings a unique perspective forged by a lifetime of service and leadership, now focused on one of education's most urgent questions: How do we get the human-AI relationship right? They dive into why the traditional educational model—information, struggle, assessment—is fundamentally disrupted by AI, and the dangers of students outsourcing their critical thinking. France outlines the three pillars of being "AI ready" and explains why educators are more important than ever, not less. He shares powerful stories from campuses using Boodlebox to create transparent, ethical AI collaborations, resulting in zero academic integrity cases and dramatically improved student comfort with AI. For any leader wondering how to move from simply providing AI access to truly transforming teaching and learning, this conversation is a masterclass in strategy, ethics, and human-centric innovation.   Key Takeaways The Goal is a Partnership, Not Just a Tool: AI in education should aim to create a human-AI partnership that extends and amplifies human potential, allowing students and professionals to spend 80% of their time on high-value creative and critical work, not administrative drudgery. Educators Are More Important Than Ever: In the age of AI, the educator's role is not diminished but elevated. They are the essential source for building domain expertise (being better than the AI), teaching responsible AI enablement, and fostering the durable human skills (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration) that AI cannot replicate. AI Readiness is a People Problem, Not a Platform Problem: True institutional AI readiness is not about buying software or providing access (students already have that). It's a cultural and pedagogical transformation that requires partnership, piloting, peer-to-peer learning, and a multi-year rollout focused on integrating AI thoughtfully into teaching and learning. Reintroduce "Productive Struggle": Since AI tools are designed for ease and productivity, educators must intentionally design learning environments that reintroduce challenge. Platforms like Boodlebox allow for guardrails and transparency, letting teachers see the process of how students use AI as a thought partner, not just the final product. Start with Pilots and Use Cases, Not Campus-Wide Rollouts: The most successful AI adoption starts small. Identify a high-impact use case, partner with a group of pioneering faculty, and let success grow organically through peer influence. Avoid the "solution in search of a problem" approach of broad, untargeted rollouts. Measure Human Impact, Not Just Usage: While metrics like logins are important, true success should be measured by qualitative human outcomes aligned with the institution's mission. This includes changes in student confidence, job interview success stories, ethical AI use, and the quality of collaborative problem-solving. Equitable Access is a Foundational Concern: There is a real risk of a "digital divide" where students who can pay for premium AI tools get better outcomes. Institutions have a responsibility to provide equitable, high-quality AI access to all students to ensure opportunity is based on merit and work, not on financial resources. The Future is Personalized, Differentiated, and Portable: AI enables a future where learning is personalized at scale (like a TA for every student), differentiated by discipline (e.g., AI simulations for history, data analysis for chemistry), and portable—allowing students to take a curated toolkit of their AI-augmented academic work with them into their careers as a lifelong learning resource.... Chapters (00:00:00) - France Huang on the Future of AI in Education(00:02:02) - In the Elevator With Edtech's Founders(00:03:44) - Buddha Box on AI in Education(00:08:03) - The role of educators in AI adoption(00:10:56) - Boodlebox: The Future of AI Learning(00:14:44) - What Does AI Readiness Mean to a Campus?(00:20:57) - How should leaders measure AI in learning?(00:25:54) - Boodle Box on the Future of AI in Education

    29 min
  5. Ep. 67 - NYU's Erin Callihan: Real AI Strategy for Higher Ed

    12/26/2025

    Ep. 67 - NYU's Erin Callihan: Real AI Strategy for Higher Ed

    This week on EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Erin Callihan, AVP of Strategic Marketing at NYU and a powerhouse who blends law, design, and deep tech strategy. They dive into the ever-expanding AI toolbox that's reshaping how higher ed professionals work. Erin shares her latest favorite tools—from Google Gemini's surprising slide design capabilities and Napkin AI for instant data viz to Notebook LM's powerful research features. She gets practical about how AI is saving her team significant time on everything from analyzing survey data to identifying fonts from a screenshot. The conversation tackles the big questions: How do we maintain an authentic, human voice while scaling content with AI? What's the right pace for developing university-wide AI policy? And how can professionals in "high-risk" areas like advancement and fundraising get started safely? Tune in for a masterclass in practical AI adoption from one of higher ed's most creative and strategic minds.   Key Takeaways AI is Built into the Tools You Already Use: The most powerful and accessible AI is often integrated into existing platforms. Leverage the AI functions in Google Sheets, Gemini, and Notebook LM for data analysis, research, and content creation before seeking out standalone apps. Start with Low-Risk, High-Impact Tasks: To build comfort and demonstrate value, begin with AI on "low-risk" tasks. Examples include analyzing anonymized survey data, brainstorming campaign ideas, troubleshooting tech issues, or automating mundane formatting tasks in spreadsheets. The "Human 20%" is Non-Negotiable: For authentic communication—especially in areas like donor relations—AI should handle the middle 80% of a task. Humans must provide the crucial front-end context (brand voice, mission, audience personas) and the final 20% review to ensure quality, accuracy, and heart. AI Policy is About Guidance, Not Just Prohibition: Effective university AI strategy involves moving beyond simple "don't share data" policies. It requires providing practical guidance, showcasing good and bad use cases, and, where possible, standardizing on a few trusted, vetted tools to simplify training and security. Clean Your Data to Mitigate Risk: For teams in sensitive areas (e.g., advancement), a critical first step is ensuring data is clean and exportable. This allows you to replace private information (like donor names) with unique identifiers before using LLMs for analysis, protecting privacy while unlocking insights. Curiosity is the Ultimate Superpower: Erin’s unique background in law (distilling authoritative sources) and design (asking exhaustive questions) makes her a natural at prompt engineering. The key to using AI effectively is innate curiosity and the ability to ask comprehensive, context-rich questions. AI is Not a Fad—Ignoring It is the Risk: The biggest misconception is that AI is a passing trend. It is already integrated into everyday technology and is reshaping the economy and workforce. The real risk for higher ed professionals is not engaging with it to understand its capabilities and limitations. The Real Need is a "Pause Button": With the breakneck pace of new tool releases, the greatest challenge—and desired superpower—is time. Professionals need dedicated space to explore, experiment, and thoughtfully integrate new technologies into their workflows without being overwhelmed.   Find Erin Callihan: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/erincallihan/ NYU https://www.nyu.edu/   And find EdTech Co... Chapters (00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: The Future of AI in Higher Ed(00:01:37) - The Most Fun Tool of All Time(00:08:37) - How AI Is Saving Time(00:09:48) - Alex Jones on His AI Wins(00:12:01) - Advancement & Campaigns: The Future of AI(00:16:00) - How AI is Affecting the Storytelling of Higher Ed(00:18:04) - In an AI World, Authentic Voice(00:21:04) - How Law and Design intersect in higher ed(00:27:21) - Teachers: We Have to Empower Them(00:27:41) - So AI is Having Its Moment(00:29:33) - What's an AI Superpower for Higher Ed?

    31 min
  6. Ep. 66 - Christy Heid: How VR Simulation is Transforming Nursing Education

    12/19/2025

    Ep. 66 - Christy Heid: How VR Simulation is Transforming Nursing Education

    Jeff Dillon sits down with Dr. Christy Heid, a Nursing Simulation Specialist at UbiSim. They tackle a critical issue revealed by UbiSim’s recent report: 65% of hospital leaders feel new nursing graduates aren't fully prepared for day-one patient care. Christy explains how this "readiness gap" is being closed through immersive VR simulation and AI-powered tools. She delves into how UbiSim’s nurse-built platform fosters essential clinical judgment, provides a safe space for deliberate practice, and helps solve systemic challenges like clinical site shortages and faculty burnout. From stunning stats on AI-assisted charting adoption to real-world success stories of improved nurse retention, this conversation is a deep dive into how technology is not just enhancing, but fundamentally reshaping, nursing education to create a more confident, competent, and future-ready healthcare workforce.   Key Takeaways There is a Significant "Readiness Gap": 65% of hospital leaders believe new nursing graduates are not fully prepared for day-one patient care, highlighting a critical disconnect between academic training and the realities of modern healthcare. Clinical Judgment is the #1 Priority: The most pressing skill gap identified by employers is clinical judgment—the ability to make sound decisions in complex, changing situations. This is a foundational skill that takes time and repeated practice to develop. VR Simulation is a Safe, Scalable Solution: Immersive VR provides a risk-free environment for students to make mistakes, learn from them, and engage in "deliberate practice." It is scalable, standardizes experiences for all learners, and can help address limitations like scarce clinical sites and faculty shortages. AI is Already Transforming Healthcare Workflows: The adoption of AI-assisted charting in hospitals has increased by 165% in the last three years. Nurses now need to be trained to work alongside AI tools, which can free up to half of their time from administrative tasks for direct patient care. The Future is a Blended, Personalized Approach: The goal isn't to replace all live clinical experience with simulation, but to use it as a strategic, blended component. The future of nursing education lies in personalized, goal-directed learning that leverages both VR immersion and AI-driven feedback. Technology Strengthens Academic-Practice Partnerships: A major trend is hospitals and nursing schools creating co-branded micro-credential programs. Immersive VR acts as a bridge between these two worlds, ensuring graduates are equipped with the specific competencies employers need. The Human Element Remains Irreplaceable: While AI and VR are powerful tools, they are designed to enhance, not replace, human skills. The focus is on using technology to recapture time for the human connection, critical thinking, and reflective dialogue that are at the heart of nursing.   Find Christy Heid: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchristyheid/ UbiSim https://www.ubisimvr.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - How Technology is Disrupting Nursing Education(00:02:16) - UB SIM: The Nursing Education Platform(00:04:28) - Practice Ready: The Need for New Graduates(00:07:26) - How is AI impacting the nursing profession?(00:11:58) - Immersive VR Simulation(00:15:04) - UBSIM: Case Studies(00:16:44) - The Right Blend Between Simulation and Live Clinical Experience(00:17:53) - Immersive VR Training(00:19:47) - How is simulation influencing healthcare system training programs?(00:22:23) - The future of nursing education: VR and AI(00:25:30) - How VR Simulation and EdTech Connect are shaping nursing education

    28 min
  7. Ep. 65 - Jim Sterne: When AI Becomes a Thinking Partner

    12/12/2025

    Ep. 65 - Jim Sterne: When AI Becomes a Thinking Partner

    In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with digital marketing pioneer Jim Sterne, a professional explainer who has been at the forefront of every major tech shift since the 1980s. Jim reframes Generative AI not as just another tool, but as a fundamental metamorphosis—a shift from computational power to intellectual prowess. They explore how this changes the very nature of our work and identity, why "taste" and "context" are the irreplaceable human advantages, and how organizations can build trust with this new technology. Jim offers pragmatic advice on where to start, the critical importance of sharing failures, and why the goal isn't to replace people, but to empower them to become trusted advisors. Tune in for a masterclass in navigating the AI revolution with clarity, curiosity, and a healthy dose of critical thinking. Key Takeaways AI is a Metamorphosis, Not Just a Tool: Generative AI represents a sea change from automating tasks to generating ideas. It's a different kind of computing that requires a fundamental shift in how we think about work, creativity, and problem-solving. Humans Provide the Critical "Taste" and "Context": The two most valuable things humans bring to the table in the age of AI are context (understanding the bigger picture) and taste (the opinion and judgment to evaluate AI's output). Our role is evolving from task-doers to trusted advisors. Trust, But Verify: You can trust AI to be creative and generate ideas, but you should never trust it for facts. Always validate and verify its outputs before publication or action, treating it like a witness that may tell you what you want to hear rather than the absolute truth. Start with an "AI Council" and Active Play: To adopt AI effectively, organizations should form a cross-functional council to establish policy and risk tolerance. Simultaneously, individuals should dedicate time to "active learning"—playing with the tools daily and sharing insights with colleagues. Celebrate and Share Failures: The path to AI mastery is paved with mistakes. Creating a culture that celebrates and shares "stupid mistakes" is one of the fastest ways for an entire organization to learn and avoid common pitfalls. AI Enhances Jobs, It Doesn't Just Replace Them: The misconception is that AI will allow you to fire half your team. The reality is that it allows your current team to do the work of 10, freeing them from toil to focus on higher-level strategy, creativity, and human connection. Ask for Opinions, Not Just Facts: When using AI for analytics, move beyond simple queries for data. Ask it for its opinion—"Where do we seem to be making the same problem over and over again?"—to uncover insights that prompt critical thinking and new ideas. The Promise of Hyper-Personalization is Finally Here: AI is the key to delivering on the long-held "one-to-one" marketing promise. It can parse complex customer data to not only send the right message at the right time but also to use the right tone, creating truly personalized customer relationships at scale.     Find Jim Sterne: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimsterne/ Target Marketing of Santa Barbara https://targeting.com   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - The challenge of digital transformation(00:00:46) - Jim Stern on Artificial Intelligence & Customer Relationships(00:01:47) - What's Surprising About AI in Marketing?(00:05:03) - The Role of the Fractional Evangelist(00:06:37) - How to Train Your Team for Generative AI(00:10:47) - The Future of Websites: Analytics(00:14:03) - How Much Do We Trust AI?(00:18:56) - What's the Biggest Concerns About Generative AI?(00:22:29) - What Excites and Worrys About AI Marketing(00:24:03) - The Future of Analytics in Content and Campaigns(00:25:04) - What's One Mind Shift for AI Teams?(00:26:08) - Jeff Greene: The New Science of Customer Relationships(00:28:24) - EdTech Connect

    29 min
  8. Ep. 64 - Mariah Tang: Why Storytelling Still Wins in the Age of AI

    12/05/2025

    Ep. 64 - Mariah Tang: Why Storytelling Still Wins in the Age of AI

    Jeff Dillon and Mariah Tang dive deep into the philosophy that content marketing is more about people than platforms. Mariah explains the critical mindset shift marketers need to make—from creating generic "AI slop" to crafting content that uniquely answers people's questions. They explore the concept of "Search Everywhere Optimization" (SEO), the importance of niching down, and how to effectively repurpose long-form content across multiple channels—even with a small team. Mariah shares practical advice on using AI as a creative partner for ideation and efficiency without losing the human touch, and reveals how higher ed can learn from healthcare's successful embrace of blogging. Tune in for a lesson in creating content that doesn't just generate clicks, but builds genuine connection and drives real conversions. Key Takeaways Content is About People, Not Platforms: The biggest mindset shift for marketers is to return to creating content "by people, for people." Generic content is dying; successful content uniquely answers questions and speaks to niche topics with a human voice. Embrace "Search Everywhere Optimization": SEO best practices still apply, but you must now optimize for all platforms where your audience searches—like TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit—not just Google. Content should be broken down and repurposed to meet users wherever they are. Focus Your Efforts with Limited Resources: Don't try to be on every platform. Do the upfront work to identify your target audience and the 1-2 platforms they use most. Use AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Replacement: AI will not replace authentic, expert-driven content. Use it for ideation, to whittle down complex topics, to draft social media posts, and to check grammar—but the final product must reflect genuine human expertise and connection, especially for high-stakes decisions. Go Niche to Stand Out: Move beyond safe, general topics. The key to differentiation is creating highly specific, niche content. Be "pleasantly persistent" in interviewing subject matter experts to uncover the unique depth and stories that only your institution can tell. Measure What Matters Beyond Clicks: To prove content effectiveness, look at a holistic set of metrics: social engagement, brand sentiment, reach, non-branded search traffic, user activity on-site, and ultimately, conversions like form fills and "click to apply." Content Should "Close the Deal": Conversion-ready content makes the audience feel something. It successfully balances a clear answer to a specific question with a sense that the institution genuinely cares, building trust that influences final decisions. The Ultimate Goal is to Be Helpful: Don't let data and internal goals completely rule your strategy. The most impactful content marketing goes back to the core principle of being useful and helpful to the person on the other end. This human-centric approach, ironically, leads to better metrics and ensures you can't be replaced by a robot.     Find Mariah Tang: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahtang/ Stamats https://stamats.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - Mariah Tang on How to Build Meaningful Content(00:01:43) - Content Marketing: More People Than Platforms(00:03:23) - SEO for Healthcare Organizations: Search Everywhere optimization(00:05:28) - How to optimize your content for social media and healthcare content(00:08:17) - Stamates: How AI Is Affecting Content Strategy(00:10:48) - How to Use AI in Thought Leadership Content(00:13:02) - A Word from Mackie Strategies(00:15:00) - Healthcare and Higher Ed: What's the Connection?(00:16:47) - Healthcare News: More Niche Content(00:18:41) - How to Measure Content effectiveness in higher ed(00:20:53) - Content Marketing's Most Understood Topic: AI(00:23:56) - What makes content truly conversion ready?(00:25:06) - You've moved from being a writer to being The Chief Content Marketing(00:26:40) - Modern Marketing: Why Everybody Needs Content(00:28:27) - EdTech Connect

    29 min
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About

** Reached #4 on Apple Podcast Education Category ** The EdTech Connect Podcast is the leading podcast for higher education professionals who want learn about the most innovative people and tech shaping the future of Higher Education Join host Jeff Dillon as he explores emerging trends, pioneering developments, and real-world applications of technology in academia. Each episode features interviews with leading experts, educators, technologists and solution providers, who share their insights on how technology can be used to improve student engagement, enhance learning outcomes, and transform the educational experience. Whether you're a marketer, faculty, IT Leader, enrollment director, or anyone interested in the future of higher education, the EdTech Connect Podcast is your source for knowledge and inspiration you need to harness the power of technology and drive innovation on your campus. Listeners of the EdTech Connect Podcast will learn about the latest trends, best practices, and challenges in the rapidly evolving field of educational technology. Learn more at https://edtechconnect.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Dillon
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 - 2025
  • Show Website
    EdTech Connect