EdTech Connect

Jeff Dillon
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** 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 the 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. Matthew Seitz: Humans + AI = Business Impact at UW Madison’s AI Hub

    4일 전

    Matthew Seitz: Humans + AI = Business Impact at UW Madison’s AI Hub

    What does training for one of the world's hardest Ironman races have in common with leading AI transformation in business education? Host Jeff Dillon sits down with Matt Seitz, Director of the AI Hub for Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A veteran of Google, Abbott, and McDonald's, Matt brings 30 years of tech leadership to his mission of preparing students for an AI-driven world. He draws powerful parallels between overcoming the fear of the triathlon swim and the misconceptions holding businesses back from AI adoption. They tackle the critical questions: How can universities balance genuine learning with the need for AI skills that employers demand? What's the "barbell effect" of prompting and verification that students must master? And why is using AI today like having a pair of carbon-plated running shoes in a race? For anyone looking to understand the practical, human-centric future of AI in education and business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and a healthy dose of motivation. Key Takeaways AI is Like the Ironman Swim—The Fear is Worse Than the Reality: The biggest barrier to AI adoption is often misconception and fear, just like how many avoid triathlons due to the swim. In reality, the swim is the shortest part, and AI's perceived challenges are often more manageable than they seem when you start engaging with them. Future-Proof with a "Barbell" Skill Set: The most valuable professionals will be strong at both ends of a "barbell": deeply knowing their core domain (e.g., marketing, finance) and mastering AI skills (prompting, verification), with the crucial connector being adaptability to continuous technological change. The Education Paradox: "Cheating" vs. "Job-Ready": There's a fundamental tension in education where what a teacher might consider "cheating" (e.g., using AI to write an essay) is exactly what a company expects a new hire to be able to do productively. Institutions must find ways to preserve genuine learning while equipping students to be "AI superheroes." Use AI Now to Gain a "Carbon Shoe" Advantage: Just as carbon-plated running shoes gave early adopters a significant speed advantage, using AI tools today provides a competitive edge. Being an early and proficient user makes you more effective ("superhuman") and puts you ahead of peers who are slower to adopt. Human + AI is the Winning Combination: AI is not a magic bullet for replacing humans. Its greatest power is in augmenting human capability. The most impactful business outcomes come from a human defining the goal, strategy, and creative direction, and then working with AI to execute and optimize. Authenticity Will Become a Premium Value: As AI generates a flood of content, there will be an increasing premium on genuine, human authenticity. The MIT "Your Brain on ChatGPT" study showed that over-reliance on AI can lead to "anodyne" work and less ownership, highlighting the enduring value of original thought and human connection.     Find Matthew Seitz here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattseitz/ University of Wisconsin - Madison https://www.wisc.edu/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - The Future of Fashion Is AI(00:00:54) - EdTech Connect Podcast(00:02:37) - Jeff Greene on His First Ironman(00:06:04) - Getting it out there: The science of AI(00:07:11) - The AI Hub for Business at the University(00:12:03) - AI Will Not Replace Our Jobs(00:13:19) - The AI Hub at the UW(00:17:23) - WSJDLive: Integrating AI into the Workforce(00:21:47) - In the Elevator With AI: Authenticity(00:23:32) - The Future of Writing Essays With AI(00:28:34) - Future Proof Your Career with AI(00:30:32) - EdTech Connect

    31분
  2. Nick Cawthon: Responsible AI and Strategic Design

    10월 24일

    Nick Cawthon: Responsible AI and Strategic Design

    How can universities overcome their unique challenges to create amazing digital experiences in an AI-driven world? In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Nick Cawthon, a seasoned UX strategist with over two decades of experience working with giants like Adobe and Visa, and a professor at the California College of the Arts. Nick pulls from his rich background in the first dot-com boom to draw powerful parallels between then and now, arguing that we are in a similar era of transformative potential with AI. He offers a candid look at why higher ed struggles with UX—citing complexity, siloed departments, and slow-moving governance—and provides a fresh perspective on how to navigate it. They dive into the ethical integration of AI, the irreplaceable value of human creativity, and why mastering the humble spreadsheet is more important than ever. For any leader, educator, or designer looking to build more intuitive and impactful digital products, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and strategic insight. Key Takeaways Design Thinking is a Personal Productivity Tool: The principles of design thinking are not just for work. They can be applied to manage personal life, transforming scattered thoughts into a tangible, actionable plan. Higher Ed's UX Problem is a Governance Problem: The struggle to create great digital experiences isn't due to a lack of ideas, but often because of organizational complexity, siloed departments, and a lack of trust that prevents unbiased user research and streamlined decision-making. AI Resets the Starting Line for Everyone: Just as the internet and tools like QuarkXPress once leveled the playing field, AI is doing the same today. It’s not about replacing skills but augmenting them, allowing those who embrace it to move from idea to deployed application at an unprecedented speed. Embrace AI with Amnesty and Transparency in Education: Instead of treating AI as "cheating," educators should grant "amnesty" and encourage its use, with the requirement that students document their process and prompts. This fosters mentorship and transparency, turning AI into a collaborative learning tool. Ethical AI Considers More Than Output: Ethical integration requires looking beyond the "magic" of the output. Consider the human labor used to train models, the intellectual property sourced, the mental health of content moderators, and the environmental impact (carbon footprint) of running AI processes. Foundational Data Skills Are Still Critical: In an age of sleek SaaS interfaces, the fundamental skill of manipulating data in a spreadsheet (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) is more important than ever. It teaches the crucial process of normalizing and analyzing data, which is the bedrock of any data-driven narrative or AI application. Prototype and Validate AI Ideas Rapidly: The speed of AI tools allows teams to prototype and test complex product ideas quickly. This enables rapid iteration and "failing fast," helping to validate usability and refine the target user profile before making significant investments.     Find Nick Cawthorn here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcawthon-ux-digital-agency-product-design-leadership/ Gauge https://gauge.io/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - PODCAST: Nick Cawthon(00:01:48) - Jeff Wilcox: My Daily Life Outside Work(00:04:44) - Tim Ferriss on User Experience(00:08:59) - The Touchy Question of Human Centered Design(00:10:36) - Why is it so hard for higher ed to create amazing digital experiences(00:12:45) - Why Higher Ed Is So Complex(00:20:31) - What excites you the most about the current state of AI in(00:24:12) - What does it mean to integrate AI ethically into curriculum and enterprise(00:26:35) - Beyond Excel: The Art of the Excel(00:28:58) - How to Prototyp & Validate AI

    33분
  3. Dipesh Jain: AI, Accessibility, and the Future of Learning with Magic EdTech

    10월 17일

    Dipesh Jain: AI, Accessibility, and the Future of Learning with Magic EdTech

    What does it take to create digital learning that is truly for everyone? In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Dipesh Jain, Vice President of Revenue at Magic EdTech, a company with a 35-year mission to make learning accessible and transformative. Dipesh shares his unique journey from physical therapist to tech leader and how that background shapes his empathetic, partner-first approach to client relationships. They dive into the critical challenges facing education today—from boosting student retention with modern platforms to navigating the urgent demands of accessibility compliance. Dipesh offers a clear-eyed view on implementing ethical AI that serves real student needs, not just parlor tricks, and explains how his team is making static video content interactive and on-demand. For anyone invested in the future of inclusive, global education, this conversation is a masterclass in mission-driven innovation.   Key Takeaways Mission Over Transaction: The key to long-term partnerships (some lasting 15-20 years) is treating clients as true partners, not customers. This means acting as an extension of their team, understanding their deepest challenges with empathy, and focusing on delivering results that advance their educational mission. Accessibility and Ethical AI are Non-Negotiable Pillars: Digital learning must be built accessibly from the start, not retrofitted later due to compliance mandates. Similarly, AI implementation in education must prioritize safety, security, and reliability over being "cutting-edge," ensuring it serves the core mission of learning without bias. Innovation Must Be Incremental and Inclusive: Disruptive, large-scale innovation can leave learners behind. Effective change in education is slow, sequential, and designed to bring all students along, regardless of their resources or digital literacy. This ensures equity and prevents a wider digital divide. Solve Real Friction Points, Don't Just Chase AI Hype: The best AI applications solve specific, high-friction problems in the user journey. Examples include providing 24/7 academic support for adult learners or using AI to audit and remediate content for accessibility deadlines, moving beyond "parlor tricks" to tools with substantial impact. Understand the "Why" Behind the User: Deeply understanding the user persona—including their daily frustrations, life circumstances, and goals—is the foundation for aligning sales, marketing, and product development. This user-centric focus is crucial for creating solutions that genuinely improve engagement and retention for both traditional and non-traditional students. AI is Making Learning Bidirectional and Personalizable at Scale: Two of AI's most transformative roles are turning passive, unidirectional content (like videos) into interactive learning experiences and finally enabling true personalization for each individual learner, a feat that was impossible to achieve at scale in a traditional classroom setting.     Find Dipesh Jain here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj17/ Magic Edtech https://www.magicedtech.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: A Wealth of Knowledge in EdTech(00:02:27) - Jeff Smith on His Diversity of Career(00:03:26) - How Magic Edtech Works With Its Customers(00:05:20) - How Magic Leap helps clients navigate the shift towards AI and accessible digital(00:08:12) - What is MagicBox(00:09:37) - In the Elevator With Universities(00:11:39) - What is Inclusivity in Education?(00:14:30) - How are we building AI into our product?(00:16:01) - How Can Tech Companies Tackle Digital Transformation Challenges?(00:17:26) - How To Align Sales and Marketing Functions(00:18:30) - WSJD.com Understanding the University Customer(00:20:15) - How has your previous experience at Tally Solutions and other companies shaped(00:21:08) - The future of digital learning(00:22:34) - Magic EdTech: Tailoring Our Strategy for International Markets(00:24:06) - What Excites and Scares You About the Future of Learning(00:25:58) - EdTech Connect

    27분
  4. David Nelson: Why 76% of Students Want to Study Abroad

    10월 10일

    David Nelson: Why 76% of Students Want to Study Abroad

    Student interest in studying abroad is at an all-time high, but so are the challenges of cost, safety, and accessibility. In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with David Nelson, Director of Study Abroad at Terra Dotta and a veteran international education leader. David breaks down the findings from Terra Dotta's latest survey, revealing why 76% of students want to study abroad and how their motivations are shifting from personal growth to resume building. They explore the "clustering effect" of social media, why students are choosing "safe" destinations like the UK, and the critical role parents play in the decision-making process. David also shares how technology—from AI-driven data analysis to automation—is helping understaffed offices meet student expectations and make global experiences more affordable and impactful. For anyone involved in international education, this is a deep dive into the data shaping the future of study abroad. Key Takeaways: Student Interest is High, But Destinations are Concentrating: While 76% of students express a desire to study abroad, post-pandemic trends show them clustering in perceived "safe," English-speaking destinations (like the UK) rather than spreading out globally. This creates logistical challenges for universities and limits the diversity of experiences. The "Why" Has Shifted from Personal to Professional Growth: Students now view study abroad primarily as a critical differentiator for their resumes and future careers in a globally competitive job market, moving beyond just the goal of personal enrichment. Parents are a Critical (and Often Anxious) Audience: Recruitment must start as early as high school, but universities must also address the "helicopter parent" factor. Parents are a major influence and often need reassurance about safety and structure, making faculty-led programs a key selling point. Technology is Essential for Scaling and Affordability: With tight budgets and no new staff, offices must leverage existing tech (like Microsoft Power Automate) and AI to automate processes, provide instant student communication, and use data to negotiate better, more affordable program options with providers. AI is a Powerful Tool for Data-Driven Decision Making: AI can analyze thousands of student feedback points (surveys, emails, reviews) to perform sentiment analysis and identify program value. This allows universities to make concrete, data-backed decisions about which programs to keep, cut, or improve to better serve students. Virtual Experiences are Bridging the Cost Gap: For students who cannot afford a traditional $10,000 program, virtual internships with major global companies (Netflix, Nike, Airbnb) offer a lower-cost alternative that still provides prestigious resume-building and professional experience.     Find David Nelson here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/denelson123/ Terra Dotta https://terradotta.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: David Nelson(00:01:48) - The Teradata Director of Study Abroad(00:03:21) - The Importance of Study Abroad(00:04:18) - Study Abroad: More Secure, More Global(00:06:17) - Study Abroad: Important to Personal Growth(00:08:57) - The UK remains the top student destination(00:11:15) - How to Automate Student Aid Formations(00:13:12) - Can Colleges and Institutions Improve Affordability?(00:15:14) - What's the College Student Travel Plan?(00:17:15) - Education and AI: The Future of Student Experience(00:19:43) - The Parent Involvement in Study Abroad(00:22:14) - Diversifying the message about study abroad(00:23:38) - The Study Abroad Experience: Peer Influence(00:28:16) - EdTech Connect

    29분
  5. Joshua Meredith: From Dean to Deloitte: Tech, Strategy & Student Success

    10월 3일

    Joshua Meredith: From Dean to Deloitte: Tech, Strategy & Student Success

    How can universities break free from outdated systems and siloed data to create a seamless, modern experience for students and staff? In this episode of Edtech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Joshua Meredith, JD, a Client Relationship Executive at Deloitte Consulting with over 12 years of experience inside higher ed. Joshua brings a unique perspective from his roles at Georgetown and Yeshiva University, and now from the consulting side, where he helps institutions navigate their biggest tech challenges. They dive into the urgent need to replace aging ERPs and SIS systems, the transformative power of unifying data, and the practical applications of AI from the classroom to the athletic field. Joshua offers a clear-eyed view of the budget realities schools face and provides crucial advice for leaders looking to future-proof their institutions. This is a must-listen for any university leader, CIO, or administrator invested in building a more connected, data-driven campus. Key Takeaways: The End of the ERP Era is Here: The enterprise systems (like PeopleSoft) implemented in the early 2000s have reached the end of their life cycle. Institutions must now upgrade to modern, mobile-friendly platforms that allow for true data interconnectivity to meet today's user expectations. Data is a Cavernous (But Solvable) Problem: Campuses generate vast amounts of data (from key card swipes to LMS logins), but it's often siloed and unusable. The next revolution in higher ed will be about unifying this data to generate actionable insights for everything from space utilization to student mental health. The "Integrated Experience" is Non-Negotiable: Students expect a seamless, app-like experience, not 20 different links to manage their academic life. Creating a unified Digital Experience Platform (DXP) is critical for student satisfaction and institutional success, especially for decentralized schools. AI is a Practical Tool, Not Just a Buzzword: The most immediate benefits of AI lie in augmenting human roles, such as providing advisors with tools to manage larger caseloads more effectively. It can also analyze disparate data points (dining hall use, gym attendance, LMS activity) to proactively identify and support at-risk students. Change Requires a Dedicated "Band" of Investment: University leaders must consciously earmark a specific portion of their budget for technological change and innovation, separate from maintenance costs. Waiting for immediate ROI or trying to fit transformation into an already-baked budget is a recipe for falling behind. Leaders need to plan and fund this journey years in advance. Your Network is Your Net Worth: A recurring lesson from Joshua's diverse career is that the people you meet are never transactional. Relationships built along the way will often circle back and become integral to your career and life, underscoring the importance of not burning bridges.     Find Joshua Meredith here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuameredithjd/ Deloitte https://www.deloitte.com/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - Higher Ed Expert Joshua Meredith on Deloitte(00:02:03) - Unexpected Lessons From Your Career(00:03:34) - What Draws Deloitte to Higher Ed?(00:05:47) - Floyd Higher Ed: In the Elevator With Universities(00:07:34) - How Deloitte is helping colleges and universities adapt to the digital(00:14:27) - What kind of higher ed is thriving?(00:15:37) - How data affects higher ed strategic decisions(00:18:18) - Academic Faculty and Tech Adoption(00:20:46) - Tim Mackie: Higher Ed Athletics and AI(00:26:02) - How Hoya Hacks Changed Higher Ed(00:27:54) - What aspect of AI in higher ed?(00:31:12) - How to Transform Your University's Tech Ecosystem(00:33:30) - Deloitte Fast Talk: Joshua(00:33:44) - EdTech Connect

    35분
  6. Jenny Li Fowler: Elevating MIT's Digital Presence

    9월 26일

    Jenny Li Fowler: Elevating MIT's Digital Presence

    Join host Jeff Dillon for a conversation with Jenny Li Fowler, the Director of Social Media Strategy at MIT. In this episode, Jenny pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to manage the social presence for one of the world's most innovative universities. She discusses her journey from TV journalism to leading MIT's digital strategy, growing their following to over 6 million. Jenny gets real about the lack of a "secret sauce," the surprising misconceptions about her job, and the challenges of being a one-person team. They also dive into platform strategies, the evolving role of AI, and how to handle a social media crisis. For anyone in higher ed marketing, this is a masterclass in intentionality, community building, and trusting your gut in the fast-paced world of social media. Key Takeaways: There is No "Secret Sauce": Massive growth (like MIT's 6M+ followers) isn't achieved through a single trick. It's the result of being intensely intentional with every post, caption, and image, ensuring everything ties back to core goals. Social Media is Not a Side Hustle: A common misconception is that managing social media is simple and quick. In reality, it requires meticulous planning, strategy, and can take significant time for a single, well-crafted post. Platforms Are Not Created Equal: Audiences on different platforms expect different content. TikTok demands a different style than Instagram Reels. It's crucial to optimize content for how each specific audience prefers to consume it. Your Superpower is Listening, Not Just Talking: Especially during a crisis, the primary role of social media is to monitor, listen, and serve as a critical ear to the ground for leadership, providing them with real-time intelligence to inform decisions. Focus on Public Engagement Metrics: Relying on public metrics like engagements (likes, comments, shares) provides a consistent and reliable feedback loop that tells you what your community wants to see more of, without depending on proprietary platform analytics that could disappear. Paid vs. Organic is an Audience Decision: Paid media makes sense for competitive, specific goals (e.g., business school programs), but proven organic content is often the best foundation for a successful paid campaign. Embrace AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: AI won't take your job, but someone using AI effectively might. Use it for analysis, tone adaptation, and brainstorming—not for copying and pasting content directly to your channels. Trust Your Gut and Don't Be Reactive: In a volatile, fast-moving medium, your intuition is a superpower. Avoid reactive posting; take a beat to assess situations and bring in the right people before responding.     Find Jenny Li Fowler here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/ Podcast - Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager https://www.enrollify.org/podcasts/confessions-of-a-higher-ed-social-media-manager MIT https://mit.edu/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - "Don't Be Reactive to Any Situation"(00:00:29) - Interviewing Jenny Lee Fowler(00:01:37) - Jeff Rosenfeld on MIT's Social Media Strategy(00:05:04) - How to Tell a Higher Ed Story on Social Media(00:07:38) - How to manage social media in academia(00:08:52) - How to Build a Content Management System.(00:10:05) - The role of a social media manager(00:13:47) - How to Build a Strategic Community on Social Media(00:16:15) - What metrics do you consider most important?(00:19:15) - When Should Business Schools Consider Paid Media?(00:20:48) - Post-Post-Social Media: How to Write compelling stories(00:22:15) - Social Media: The Million-Dollar Question(00:23:18) - Is Reddit a Social Media Channel?(00:25:12) - How do you view AI being a part of a social media strategy

    29분
  7. Melanie Lindahl: Beyond the Red Stapler, Budget Friendly UX Strategies for Higher Ed

    9월 19일

    Melanie Lindahl: Beyond the Red Stapler, Budget Friendly UX Strategies for Higher Ed

    In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Melanie Lindahl, Senior UX Designer at UT Austin and winner of the Red Stapler Award for her groundbreaking conference talks on user experience. With a unique background in fine arts and web development, Melanie breaks down how higher ed institutions can implement powerful UX strategies—even on a shoestring budget. From debunking myths about cost and complexity to sharing practical, no-cost tactics like user interviews and “donut diplomacy,” this conversation is a masterclass in making digital experiences more intuitive and impactful. Tune in to learn why skipping UX is like shoving chocolate chips into baked cookies—and how to avoid crumbling user trust. Key Takeaways: UX Doesn’t Require Fancy Tools or Big Budgets: Melanie’s “toolkit” is her brain, empathy, and low-cost methods like surveys, user interviews, and casual feedback sessions (often fueled by donuts!). Success hinges on understanding user pain points—not expensive software or eye-tracking tech. Start Small, Start Now: You don’t need permission or a dedicated UX title to begin. Simply talking to users about their frustrations can uncover actionable insights. Small, consistent efforts (e.g., observing “spicy clicks” or testing navigation) compound into significant improvements over time. UX Is Cheaper Early—Not as an Afterthought: Skipping UX until post-launch is like “shoving chocolate chips into already-baked cookies”—it’s messy, ineffective, and erodes trust. Integrating user feedback throughout the project lifecycle saves time, money, and reputation. AI Is a Helper, Not a Replacement: Melanie uses AI for ideation and summarizing findings but remains cautious about synthetic personas (risk of “sycophantic” feedback). Human nuance and observation are irreplaceable—especially for noting subtle behaviors during testing. Fight Assumptions with Data: UX research provides evidence to challenge internal biases (e.g., “But we’ve always done it this way!”). Even simple data (e.g., students defaulting to search bars) can redirect resources and priorities effectively. Personalization Requires Purpose: Don’t personalize for its own sake. Align it with clear goals—e.g., streamlining tasks for current students vs. avoiding “creepiness” for prospects. Start with low-hanging fruit (e.g., displaying exam dates instead of general finals week) for high impact. Culture Change Through “Donut Diplomacy”: Build bridges across silos by inviting dialogue (and snacks!). UX is everyone’s job—not just a single department. Momentum builds as leadership sees results from user-centered decisions. You Are the UX Advocate Your Institution Needs: You don’t need a title to champion user experience. Be feisty, start conversations, and bake UX into every project—no permission required.   Ready to start your UX journey? Follow Melanie’s work and remember: the best UX strategy begins with a single question—“What’s frustrating you?”   Find Melanie Lindahl here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-lindahl/ The University of Texas at Austin https://www.utexas.edu/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - When a Product Loses Its Trust(00:00:26) - Meet Melanie Lindahl(00:01:52) - One quirky or unexpected thing about you(00:02:55) - Coming soon: The Art of UX Design(00:03:53) - What first drew you into higher ed? User Experience(00:08:08) - Melanie Knows How to Talk About User Experience on a Budget(00:11:32) - What's Your Go-To Toolset?(00:13:17) - How to Take Notes in the Elevator(00:16:06) - What are some myths about user experience in higher ed?(00:19:51) - What are the first small steps institutions can take to integrate UX into(00:21:45) - Small UX Changes that Have a Big Impact(00:26:44) - Does Apple Have a Competitor?(00:27:12) - How to Improve Your Website & Digital Experience?

    29분
  8. Ethan Braden: Building Iconic University Brands

    9월 12일

    Ethan Braden: Building Iconic University Brands

    In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Ethan Braden, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Texas A&M University—and the Content Marketer of the Year—to explore how iconic academic brands cut through the noise in a crowded higher ed landscape. From his days launching billion-dollar pharma brands at Eli Lilly to transforming Purdue into a nationally recognized innovator, Ethan shares how he’s now harnessing tradition, momentum, and mission at Texas A&M to build a brand that resonates globally. Tune in for a lesson in balancing legacy with innovation, why emotion and data must work hand-in-hand, and how to create content that doesn’t just get seen—it gets remembered. Key Takeaways: Define Your “One Thing”: In a sea of 4,000+ universities, schools must be known for something specific. Avoid being a “Swiss Army knife”—focus on 1-2 core differentiators (e.g., Texas A&M’s focus on magnitude, momentum, and mission). Balance Tradition and Innovation: Honor institutional history and values, but stay relevant by evolving to meet audience needs. Great brands (like Disney or Yeti) stay true to their core while adapting to the future. Invest in Both Art and Science: Art: Emotion-driven storytelling and authentic content (e.g., Texas A&M’s viral videos). Science: Data-driven distribution, testing, and platform mastery (e.g., YouTube ABCs, paid amplification). Lead with Courage and Curiosity: Foster a culture where teams can take risks and fail forward. “I’d rather pull you back than have to push you forward.” Hire for AI curiosity and seriousness—it’s a strategic partner, not a replacement. Leverage AI for Insight and Efficiency: Use synthetic market research to test ideas faster/cheaper (e.g., video scripts, naming). AI augments human creativity but doesn’t replace authenticity—stay in control. Measure What Matters: Look beyond views to engagement, watch time, brand equity, and national conversation. Track whether content resonates (e.g., 95% average view duration) and drives perception shifts. Portfolio Thinking Wins: Unify under a master brand (e.g., “Texas A&M”) while allowing localized expression—consistency ≠ uniformity. Storytelling Is Your Superpower: Higher ed is rich with untold stories. Be curious—find the “clay” and mold it into something beautiful that the world needs to hear.   Ready to rethink your brand strategy? Follow Ethan’s work at Texas A&M and learn how to blend heart, data, and daring to build a brand that matters. Check out the moving Google Search: Reunion ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHGDN9-oFJE   Find Ethan Braden here: LinkedIn                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertethanbraden/ Texas A&M University https://tamu.edu/   And find EdTech Connect here: Web: https://edtechconnect.com/   Chapters (00:00:00) - The Future of Brands(00:00:29) - Ethan Braden on EdTech Connect Podcast(00:02:13) - If You Had a Different Career, What Would You Do?(00:02:58) - The Mission of Texas A&M(00:06:00) - Building a national brand in higher education(00:09:51) - Texas A&M University's Branding(00:15:57) - Texas A&M University Graduation Ring Day(00:16:45) - What's The Secret to Creating Content With Million-Viewers?(00:19:49) - Marketing's Culture of Risk(00:22:55) - Are You Using AI in Your Company's Strategy?(00:25:09) - Vox 2 for University Marketing(00:27:10) - What Commercial Brands Inspire Your Work?(00:29:18) - What metrics matter most to you in determining whether your positioning is truly(00:30:55) - Ethan on Higher Ed Branding(00:32:45) - EdTech Connect

    34분
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** 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 the 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.

정보

  • 제작진
    Jeff Dillon
  • 방송 연도
    2024년 - 2025년
  • 에피소드
    59
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
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