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. 78 - Shannon Vander Muelen: Students Don’t Hate Waiting They Hate Uncertainty

    13H AGO

    Ep. 78 - Shannon Vander Muelen: Students Don’t Hate Waiting They Hate Uncertainty

    Jeff Dillon sits down with Shannon Vander Meulen, Co-Founder and CMO of WaitWell, a tech platform transforming how students access campus services—from advising to financial aid. A former public service office manager turned tech founder, Shannon brings a rare blend of frontline operational experience and educator empathy to the problem of waiting. She shares how her decade running a busy registry office revealed that what people truly want isn’t popcorn or music—it’s competence, clarity, and their time back. Shannon unpacks how WaitWell eliminates physical lines, empowers staff with AI-driven insights, and gives students the digital-first experience they now expect. From onboarding without tech fatigue to launching their new AI agent “Waillo,” this conversation is a useful guide to building solutions that solve real problems—not just deploying tech for tech’s sake. Whether you’re in student affairs, IT, or service operations, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas for making service interactions faster, fairer, and more human. Key Takeaways Waiting Is a Universal Pain Point – Long lines aren’t just inefficient—they create stress for both visitors and staff. Modern students expect the same digital convenience (DoorDash, Uber) when accessing campus services. Competence Trumps Friendliness – While a welcoming environment matters, what people truly want is to be served by someone with the right training to solve their problem—quickly and correctly. Transparency Reduces Frustration – Simply knowing how long a wait will be—whether 15 minutes or 2 hours—dramatically improves the service experience and reduces anxiety. Educator Mindset Informs Product Design – Shannon’s teaching background taught her to “scaffold” complex processes into smaller steps—a skill that directly translates to building intuitive, user-centered technology. AI Should Solve Real Problems, Not Chase Hype – WaitWell’s AI agent “Waillo” was born from customer feedback. It helps staff ask natural-language questions like, “When’s the best day to close for training without impacting wait times?” Onboarding Is the Secret Sauce – Successful tech adoption hinges on dedicated setup: sandbox environments, workflow mapping, and a single point of contact (account manager) to ensure smooth implementation. Tech Fatigue Is Real – Staff are often juggling dozens of tools. The best new solutions either integrate seamlessly or replace existing systems—not add to the clutter. Data Reveals Hidden Patterns – Once organizations track wait times and service demand, they often discover unexpected peaks and valleys—enabling smarter staffing and resource allocation. Keep the Human in the Loop – While AI and chatbots can handle routine inquiries, many institutions still value in-person connection. The key is balancing digital efficiency with human touchpoints where they matter most. Build a Culture That Listens – WaitWell’s product innovations are driven by weekly meetings between support and development teams, ensuring engineers hear directly from users—keeping the company focused on solving real problems.   Find Emily Vander Meulen: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonvandermeulen/ WaitWell https://waitwellsoftware.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - What I Learned About Customer Service(00:00:29) - Interviewing Shannon Vandermeulen(00:01:39) - How I Founded Weightwell: Learning From the Process(00:06:50) - What's Waitwell Do for Student Service Centers?(00:12:44) - What have been the biggest technical or cultural barriers to digital transformation in(00:14:02) - What's Been Your Proudest Moment Since Launching Weightwell?(00:15:15) - Service Experience Insights(00:16:46) - What insights typically surprise the leadership the most?(00:20:55) - How to Manage Student Service Delivery with AI(00:22:44) - Waitwell's CEO Shannon on EdTech Connect(00:24:27) - EdTech Connect

    25 min
  2. Ep. 77 - Stephen Laster: From Harvard to Panopto - Scaling EdTech That Matters

    MAR 6

    Ep. 77 - Stephen Laster: From Harvard to Panopto - Scaling EdTech That Matters

    Stephen Laster is the CEO of Panopto and a veteran leader in digital education whose career spans Harvard Business School, McGraw-Hill, D2L, and Ellucian. Stephen shares how his own experience as a dyslexic learner—and an early adopter of the Apple II—shaped his lifelong mission to use technology to make learning more accessible and human. He unpacks what it truly means to be a “human-centered AI-first” platform, how Panopto is using AI to extend—not replace—the learning community, and why interoperability and focus are more critical than ever in edtech. From navigating institutional change to fostering a culture of smart risk-taking, Stephen offers a candid look at the patterns, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of teaching and corporate training. Whether you’re leading digital transformation, building learning tools, or thinking about how to scale knowledge in a rapidly changing world, this conversation is packed with wisdom from the front lines. Key Takeaways Technology as an Accessibility Lifeline – Stephen’s dyslexia led him to an Apple II in 1981, where he built his own spell checker and word processor. This personal experience cemented his belief that technology should empower learners by removing barriers, not creating them. Human-Centered AI Expands Community, Not Replaces It – Panopto’s AI strategy focuses on automating time-consuming tasks (summarization, translation, generating knowledge checks) to give time back to instructors and learners—strengthening human connection rather than substituting it. Interoperability Is Non-Negotiable – Seamless LMS integration and open ecosystems are essential for adoption. Panopto’s success is rooted in making technology “fade into the background” so teaching and learning can take center stage. Institutional Knowledge Must Be Findable & Reusable – Beyond capturing lectures, Panopto is evolving into a knowledge hub that serves alumni, prospects, and partners—turning video libraries into searchable, AI-enhanced assets that support lifelong learning. Teaching Experience Makes You a Better EdTech Leader – Stephen credits his seven years teaching at Babson as foundational to understanding the realities of the classroom. His advice: “If you're really going to be passionate about anything you're making technology for, go do the job.” Innovation Requires Smart Risk-Taking & Space to Fail – Successful digital transformation hinges on creating conditions where “smart failures” are rewarded. Institutions and companies need to embrace deliberate experimentation and learn from iterative pilots. Focus on North Stars, Not Just Features – Panopto operates under three durable guideposts: lead in visual/auditory learning, be the most customer-centric edtech provider, and be a destination for top talent. Clarity of mission enables agility without losing direction. The Biggest Gap Isn’t Technology—It’s Time – Faculty and instructional designers need dedicated time and support to innovate. The industry must prioritize professional development and create breathing room for pedagogical experimentation. Jobs Are Changing Faster Than Ever – In both higher ed and corporate learning, the imperative is to reskill and upskill continuously. Platforms that enable just-in-time, accessible learning are critical to retention and growth. Stay Calm, Stay Focused, Stay Open – Stephen’s background as a merchant mariner taught him to problem-solve calmly under pressure—a mindset that translates directly to leading through edtech’s relentless waves of change.   Find Stephen Laster: LinkedIn                               Chapters (00:00:00) - Creating the conditions for disruptive learning(00:00:32) - Steve Laster(00:01:40) - Leading the Digital Transformation of Education(00:05:17) - CIO Network: Learning From HBS and Babson(00:06:44) - What is panopto? What role does it play inside the(00:08:00) - Panopto: A Human-Centered AI First Platform(00:10:11) - How Panopto is helping institutions scale knowledge sharing in 2026(00:12:07) - Top EdTech Executives: The Current Wave(00:17:31) - What is the role of people in higher education?(00:19:01) - Panopto's Mission-(00:22:59) - on Becoming a Tech Leader

    25 min
  3. Ep. 76 - Fiona Hayes: Why Perspective Is the Most Underrated Skill in Higher Education

    FEB 27

    Ep. 76 - Fiona Hayes: Why Perspective Is the Most Underrated Skill in Higher Education

    Fiona’s journey is anything but conventional: from clinical audiologist and university instructor to scaling a global edtech startup used by over 30,000 students at institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. She serves as the CEO and co-founder of Viewpoint Simulations. She shares how teaching during the pandemic revealed a gap in experiential learning—and how she and her co-founder turned a classroom tool into a thriving platform that transforms lecture content into active role-playing simulations. Fiona shares her experiences building a fully remote, mission-driven team, why educator-to-educator referrals fuel growth, and how deep LMS integration became a non-negotiable key to adoption. Whether you’re an educator looking to engage students in new ways, an edtech founder navigating early growth, or a leader curious about the future of experiential learning, this conversation is packed with real-world insights on innovation, empathy, and scaling with purpose. Key Takeaways Experiential Learning Fills a Critical Gap – Viewpoint Simulations transforms traditional lecture content into active role-playing, debate, and negotiation exercises—helping students move from passive consumption to engaged, perspective-taking learning. Empathy-Driven Product Development – Fiona’s background as an audiologist and educator taught her that communication isn’t one-size-fits-all. This mindset shapes how Viewpoint designs for diverse learners and maintains an open feedback loop with educators. Educators Are Your Best Advocates – Viewpoint’s early traction came largely from educator referrals and peer-to-peer sharing. Building tools that educators genuinely want to use—and making them easy to share—creates organic, scalable growth. LMS Integration Is Mission-Critical – Deep integration with platforms like Canvas (via LTI) wasn’t a nice-to-have—it was essential for adoption. Fiona advises partnering with university teaching and learning centers to navigate integration smoothly. Remote Teams Can Drive Creativity & Mission – Viewpoint’s fully remote, global team isn’t a compromise—it’s a strategic advantage. Hiring across time zones and cultures brings diverse perspectives and fuels innovation. Play to Your Team’s Strengths – Successful leadership means knowing your own strengths and complementing them with team members who bring different skills. This self-awareness has been key to navigating startup highs and lows. Partner with Publishers to Enhance Existing Content – Viewpoint’s publisher-integrated model turns static case studies into interactive simulations, adding value to existing educational materials and creating new avenues for adoption. The Biggest Barrier Is Educator Adoption – While demand for experiential learning is growing, convincing seasoned educators to change long-established teaching methods remains a challenge. Success stories and peer advocacy are crucial to overcoming this. Prepare Students by Bridging Theory & Practice – Higher ed can better equip graduates by fostering stronger partnerships between academia and industry—giving students a clearer picture of how classroom learning translates to real-world challenges.   Find Fiona Hayes: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionamhayes/ Viewpoint Simulations https://viewpointsims.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - What are college students learning these days?(00:00:35) - EdTech Connect: Fiona Hayes(00:02:42) - Televisual Influencers: Learning From Experience in Healthcare(00:04:32) - How Learning Has Shape Your Tech Startup(00:05:30) - What Sets Perspective Simulations apart?(00:08:43) - Inventing Viewpoint: The Learning System(00:10:45) - How a Remote Team Helped You Lead(00:13:15) - WSJDLive: The Challenges of Experiential Learning(00:15:09) - What's One Thing Higher Ed Could Do to Better Prepare Students for(00:16:31) - Viewpoint Edtech's Publisher-to-Educator Integration(00:19:47) - Viewpoint Solutions: What's Next for the Software?

    22 min
  4. Ep. 75 - Tawnya Means: Human Plus AI and the Future of Teaching

    FEB 20

    Ep. 75 - Tawnya Means: Human Plus AI and the Future of Teaching

    Tawnya Means, Founding Partner and Principal at Inspire Higher Ed, talks about how institutions can navigate the rapid shifts in technology without losing the human heart of education. With over two decades of experience guiding colleges through digital transformation—from the early LMS days to today’s AI revolution—Tawnya brings a rare, grounded perspective on what it takes to innovate with purpose. She breaks down why smaller institutions can actually lead the way, how to move beyond "shiny object" tech adoption, and why the future of teaching is a "human plus AI" partnership—not a replacement. Whether you’re wrestling with change fatigue, misaligned incentives, or the pressure to modernize on a budget, this conversation offers practical frameworks, real-world examples, and a refreshing focus on culture, accessibility, and sustainable impact. Key Takeaways Innovation Isn’t About Tools, It’s About Teaching – True transformation starts with pedagogy, not technology. Tools should serve learning goals, not drive them. The sequence matters: teaching first, then technology. Change Fatigue Is Real, and It’s Eroding Trust – Faculty and staff are exhausted from constant shifts (pandemic, LMS changes, AI). Institutions must acknowledge this and build sustainable, trust-based approaches to change. Align Incentives with Innovation Goals – If institutions value teaching innovation but reward research, transformation will stall. Incentive structures must support the behaviors they claim to prioritize. Adopt a “Human Plus AI” Mindset – AI should expand human capability, not replace it. Think of AI as a thought partner, tutor, or mentor that helps students understand concepts—not just a shortcut for answers. Accessibility Is a Design Philosophy, Not a Compliance Burden – Building accessible learning from the start expands access for everyone and should be baked into the innovation process—not retrofitted later. Measure Success Through Culture, Engagement & Sustainability – Look beyond workshop attendance. Ask: Is change still happening six months later? Are people more engaged? Has the culture shifted toward collaboration and safe experimentation? Pilot Focused, High-Impact Programs – Instead of campus-wide rollouts, start with one program or problem area. Prove value, learn, and then expand. Education’s Lasting Value Is Human Connection – In a world where anyone can learn anything online, institutions must protect and deepen what makes them unique: community, mentorship, relationships, and the development of character and wisdom.   Find Tawnya Means: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawnya-means/ Inspire Higher Ed https://inspirehighered.com/ Substack https://tawnyameans.substack.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - Tanya Means on Higher Ed Technology Connect(00:02:01) - Jeff Jarvis: The Future of Learning Through Technology(00:04:57) - In the Elevator With Higher Ed: The Digital Transformation(00:10:36) - What Do Colleges and Universities Face?(00:14:56) - Smaller Institutions and Edtech(00:17:46) - Higher Ed Tech: The Human + AI Partnership(00:27:13) - What's a College's Success?(00:29:26) - The future of higher education(00:31:47) - A Moment With Tanya on EdTech Connect

    33 min
  5. Ep. 74 - Charity Stutzman: Future Proofing Student Wellbeing with Data Driven Prevention

    FEB 13

    Ep. 74 - Charity Stutzman: Future Proofing Student Wellbeing with Data Driven Prevention

    Charity Stutzman, Senior Director of Higher Education Strategy at Vector Solutions, unpacks the groundbreaking findings from the latest Campus Prevention Network National Insights Report. With over 15 years in student affairs—including as Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Texas at Arlington—Charity brings a frontline perspective to a dramatic cultural shift: students are increasingly choosing not to drink, driven by mental health, finances, and a desire for control. They dive into what this means for prevention work, the rise of cannabis use, and how campuses can move from fear-based messaging to support, belonging, and skill-building. Charity also shares how tools like AlcoholEdu and CannabisEdu provide real-time data to help institutions respond proactively, and why tying student wellbeing directly to career readiness is the future of higher ed strategy. For anyone in student affairs, prevention, or institutional leadership, this conversation is an essential look at the data reshaping student success. Key Takeaways A Rapid Cultural Shift is Underway – The number of students abstaining from alcohol has jumped significantly in just two years, with 64% of incoming students citing negative health consequences as a reason—up from 55% in 2023. Younger students are driving this change, breaking long-held stereotypes about college drinking culture. Prevention Must Shift from Risk Reduction to Reinforcement – With more students already making healthy choices, campuses should focus on reinforcing positive behaviors, building skills, and creating environments that support wellbeing—not just warning about risks. Cannabis Use Presents a Dual Challenge & Opportunity – As cannabis becomes legal and socially normalized, institutions need to provide education on safety, mental health connections, and risk reduction, tailored to their state and campus environment. Protective Factors Are Stacking Up – Students are prioritizing mental health, tight friend groups, financial pressure, and academics—making not drinking a logical choice. Campuses can leverage this by promoting healthy hubs like campus recreation centers. See Students as Whole Individuals – Support must move beyond isolated behaviors to address the mix of stress, identity, finances, and academic pressure. This requires breaking down silos and adopting a case-management approach to student care. Data-Driven Tools Enable Real-Time Insight – Platforms like Alcohol EDU and Cannabis EDU give campuses real-time data, benchmarking, and tailored pathways (e.g., for abstainers or survivors), helping them spot trends and adjust support before issues escalate. Upskill Faculty & Staff for Holistic Support – Faculty and staff should be trained to engage students across the eight dimensions of wellness and refer them appropriately, creating safe, supportive touchpoints throughout the student journey. Be Ready to Pivot Quickly – Higher ed moves slowly, but today’s student trends shift fast. Institutions need mechanisms to adapt policies, programs, and resources swiftly—even when outcomes are uncertain—to stay relevant and responsive.   Find Charity Stutzman: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/charity-stutzman-9a4a1121/ Vector Solutions https://www.vectorsolutions.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - The rising number of students drinking(00:00:51) - EdTech Connect: Campus Prevention Network National Insights(00:02:22) - The Vital Moment of My College Experience(00:05:34) - In the Elevator with Higher Ed Strategy(00:08:09) - CPN National Insights Report(00:14:12) - Protective Factors for Student Wellbeing(00:19:56) - About the Vector Solutions Training Tools(00:22:37) - What kinds of success stories have been reported from institutions that have implemented(00:25:19) - What Obstacles Are Higher Ed Students Running Into?(00:26:33) - Student Affairs Teams Need to Be More Empowered(00:28:58) - Top Higher Ed Leaders: Future Proofing Student Support Systems(00:31:21) - EdTech Connect

    32 min
  6. Ep. 73 - Ben Tasker: Living in the AI Between Times

    FEB 6

    Ep. 73 - Ben Tasker: Living in the AI Between Times

    Ben Tasker, an expert in AI, workforce readiness  and skills-based learning, shares his unique journey from higher education to industry, exploring how AI is reshaping learning and work during what he calls the "AI between times"—a transitional era of rapid change and "uh-oh moments." They dive into why AI amplifies human capability rather than replacing it, how institutions can ethically integrate AI, and the urgent need to shift from time-based degrees to skills-based outcomes. Whether you're in higher ed, corporate training, or just thinking about the future of learning, this conversation offers actionable insights and a hopeful vision for an AI-enabled, accessible, and human-centered education system. Key Takeaways We’re in the "AI Between Times": A transitional period where AI is rapidly evolving, but the full "AI future economy" hasn’t arrived. This phase will include both breakthroughs and "uh-oh moments," like failed automation and deepfake risks. AI Amplifies, Doesn’t Replace: Companies that lay off staff for AI often hire them back (and more) when point solutions fail. Successful organizations combine AI adoption with upskilling, leading to 52% higher profitability. Shift from Time-Based to Skills-Based Learning: Traditional degree timelines are too slow for AI-paced change. Microcredentials, project-based learning, and skills validation are becoming critical for workforce readiness. Embed AI Responsibly & Early: Ethical AI and governance should be established before implementation. This includes transparency, accountability, fairness, and cross-functional steering committees to mitigate risks. AI in Education: Risk & Opportunity: While AI poses risks (e.g., student over-reliance, misinformation), embedding AI tools into learning platforms can accelerate learning, provide 24/7 tutoring, and improve outcomes—like students learning coding 8 weeks faster. Human-Centered AI Projects Succeed: The most successful AI initiatives—whether in healthcare, education, or enterprise—integrate human elements: understanding user needs, ethical considerations, and real-world impact. Start with a Personal Learning Plan: Educators and leaders should begin their AI journey by mapping their current skills, identifying desired skills, and using AI as a tool for personalized learning and productivity. The Future is Accessible & Personalized: AI will make education more accessible, personalized, and continuous. Institutions must adapt to stay relevant, embedding AI across curricula and focusing on competency over credit hours.   Find Ben Tasker: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentaskerai/ National Grid https://www.nationalgrid.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - This is the AI Between Times(00:00:45) - Interview: Ben Tasker on the Future of Learning(00:02:02) - Deep learning and data science: The science of AI(00:03:15) - The AI 'Between Times'(00:07:28) - What is Upskilling and Reskilling?(00:10:28) - Will AI Replace Jobs?(00:12:41) - The Future of AI in Higher Ed(00:15:28) - Goodbye AI, Hello Governance(00:17:53) - Post-Skills Based Learning(00:20:04) - Healthcare, Higher Ed: The AI Success Stories(00:22:00) - The Need for Ethics in AI(00:25:05) - What emerging trend in AI and Learning(00:26:28) - How to Apply AI to Student Learning

    29 min
  7. Ep. 72 - Michelle Craig: What Colleges Need to Know Before Gen Alpha Arrives

    JAN 30

    Ep. 72 - Michelle Craig: What Colleges Need to Know Before Gen Alpha Arrives

    Jeff Dillon sits down with Michelle Craig, Director of Marketing and Commercial Operations at AppsAnywhere, to explore the seismic shifts happening in higher education as Generation Alpha prepares to enter college. With two decades of experience at companies like Blackboard, QS Unisolution, and Job Teaser, Michelle shares insights from her groundbreaking research into Gen Alpha—students born between 2010 and 2025. They discuss how this "Generation AI" is already using tools like ChatGPT, why 56% expect hybrid learning to be the norm, and the critical challenges institutions face around equity, access, and digital transformation. From rethinking IT strategy to marketing in the EdTech space, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone preparing for the future of student success. Key Takeaways Generation Alpha is “Generation AI” – The first Gen Alpha students will enter higher ed in 2028. Born alongside the iPad and Siri, they are early adopters of AI, with 73% already using or planning to use AI tools. However, they are also acutely aware of tech's downsides, with 72% worried about online safety and data security. Hybrid Learning is the New Baseline – 56% of Gen Alpha believes higher education should be offered in a hybrid format. They expect flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere, driven by personal circumstances like work schedules and the normalization of remote environments. Tech Equity is a Defining Challenge – 96% of Gen Alpha expects institutions to provide the devices and software needed to succeed. Equity isn't just an ideal—it's an operational necessity. Institutions must centralize IT, use data to optimize resources, and ensure access is agnostic of device or location. Institutions Must Set Clear AI Guidelines – With AI use already common in K-12, colleges need to establish clear policies on acceptable use, provide approved AI tools in centralized platforms (like Apps Anywhere), and offer guidance to prevent confusion around plagiarism or cheating. Student Satisfaction Will Hinge on Seamless Digital Experiences – Gen Alpha’s expectations for digital experiences include fast performance, easy navigation, and high-speed Wi-Fi as a given. Institutions will be judged on their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality interactions across physical and digital spaces. Marketing in EdTech Requires Patience & Partnership – Selling to higher ed is not like selling to startups. Buying cycles are longer, stakeholders are layered, and success depends on building long-term partnerships, co-designing solutions, and aligning with institutional mission—not just pushing product. The Pace of Change is Accelerating – Digital transformation in higher ed is happening faster than ever. Institutions must become more agile, data-informed, and student-centric to keep up with technological and generational shifts. Centralization and Agnostic Systems Are Key – To support diverse device ecosystems (BYOD) and evolving software needs, IT departments should aim for centralized, agnostic platforms that provide equitable access, reduce waste, and simplify management.   Find Michelle Craig: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-craig-4a186312/ AppsAnywhere https://www.appsanywhere.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - Gen X and the Code Generation(00:00:48) - Michelle Craig(00:02:02) - Top Executives: What Surprises Me About Generation Alpha(00:04:42) - What's been consistent across your experiences in higher education?(00:07:38) - Gen Alpha research from Apps Anywhere(00:11:11) - The Future of Higher Education: Artificial Intelligence(00:14:12) - Gen Alpha: The hybrid learning landscape(00:15:22) - College IT: Apps anywhere, for Students(00:17:09) - What's the Tech Trend we're Ignoring?(00:18:40) - Top Higher Ed Executives: Digital Transformation Challenges(00:20:08) - How to Prepare for a Digital Student Experience?(00:24:35) - Marketing in Higher Ed: The challenges(00:30:22) - EdTech Connect

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

    JAN 23

    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
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

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
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © EdTech Connect Inc 2024 - 2026
  • Show Website
    EdTech Connect