The Signal (formerly the EdTech Connect Podcast)

In this episode, Jeff Dillon interviews Pete Mackey, PhD, founder and CEO of Mackey Strategies, exploring the intersection of strategic communications and technology in higher education.  They discuss the evolution of Mackey Strategies, the integration of technology in communication strategies, the role of AI, crisis communication, and the ethical implications of AI in the field. The conversation emphasizes the importance of digital governance and the need for training in technology for emerging leaders in communication. Takeaways Mackey Strategies focuses on integrating technology into communication strategies. Technology is essential for effective communication in higher education. AI can enhance personalization in communication efforts. Crisis communication requires a well-defined strategy and practice. Digital governance is crucial for managing technology in institutions. AI's capabilities are advancing rapidly, impacting communication roles. Training programs for technology use are essential for communication leaders. Ethical considerations around AI usage are becoming increasingly important. Institutions must adapt to technological advancements to remain effective.   Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Strategic Communications (02:18) The Genesis of Mackey Strategies (05:28) Examples of Mackey Strategies Integrating Technology in Communications for Clients (07:56) Essential Tools for Higher Ed Communication (10:31) Crisis Communication Strategies (12:51) The Evolution of Content Management Systems (15:21) AI's Impact on Personalization and Communication (23:58) Preparing for Technological Advancements (22:37) Leadership Development and Technology Training (26:19)  Ethics of AI in Communication (29:58) Conclusion and Future Outlook   Find Pete Mackey here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/petemackey/ Mackey Strategies https://mackeystrategies.com/    And find EdTech Connect here: Web:https://edtechconnect.com/  

In this conversation, Eric Smith, Vice President of Technical Services Delivery at Fortify Data, discusses the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in higher education. He shares insights from his extensive experience across various industries, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by higher ed institutions.  The discussion covers Fortify Data's mission to provide continuous risk assessment and threat intelligence, the importance of understanding vulnerabilities, and the need for effective budgeting and awareness in cybersecurity strategies. Eric also highlights the significance of continuous penetration testing and shares success stories from clients who have improved their cybersecurity posture. Takeaways Eric Smith has nearly 30 years of experience in cybersecurity. Fortify Data focuses on continuous risk assessment for higher ed. Higher education institutions face unique cybersecurity challenges. Ransomware and phishing remain significant threats in higher ed. Continuous penetration testing provides ongoing security insights. Higher ed lacks the financial resources of other sectors. Awareness of vulnerabilities is crucial for effective cybersecurity. Metrics and scores help measure cybersecurity success. GLBA compliance is essential for universities accepting federal funds. Budgeting for cybersecurity often increases after a breach. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Cybersecurity and Eric Smith's Background 08:02 Understanding Threats: Ransomware and Phishing in Higher Ed 09:16 Why Higher Ed is a Target for Cyber Attacks 18:00 Success Stories and Lessons Learned in Higher Ed Cybersecurity 22:57 Final Thoughts and Advice for Universities   Find Eric Smith here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jericsmith/ FortifyData https://fortifydata.com/industries/higher-education/    And find EdTech Connect here: Web:https://edtechconnect.com/  

Dr. Jenae Cohn, Executive Director at UC Berkeley's Center for Teaching and Learning, navigates the intersection of technology and education. She highlights the shift towards digital reading and the necessity for new teaching strategies. Jenae raises crucial points about generative AI's role in education, cautioning against its use if it doesn't directly address student engagement. She discusses ethical challenges, including data privacy and equitable access to AI tools, while stressing the importance of maintaining human connections in learning.

In this conversation, Jeff Saville discusses his journey in workforce development and career services, emphasizing the importance of empowering students through innovative programs and technology.   He shares insights on leveraging AI and other tools to enhance career readiness and the challenges faced by higher education institutions in adapting to the rapidly changing job market. The discussion also covers practical advice for students seeking jobs and the future of education in the context of technological advancements.   Takeaways Jeff Saville's passion for empowering individuals began with his entrepreneurial background. NAU Venture Studios aims to incubate student-led solutions to real-world problems. Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing workforce development initiatives. AI agents can help students stay informed about job opportunities. Focusing on student experience is essential for higher education institutions. Building prototypes can help drive innovation in career services. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and job searching. There is a widening gap between higher education and industry needs. AI can streamline administrative tasks in educational institutions. The future of education will be shaped by technology and student-centered approaches.   Chapters 00:00Introduction to Jeff Saville and His Journey 05:47Leveraging Technology for Workforce Initiatives 11:53Building a Prototype for Career Development 17:55Advice for Navigating Higher Education Challenges 24:00The Role of AI in Higher Education 30:02Closing Thoughts and Future Predictions   Links NAU: https://nau.edu Jeff Saville LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsaville1/

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape,  Teri Abbo-Sutherland , Director of Executive Programs Oakland University, is rewriting the rules of professional development. Her breakthrough insights argue that micro credentials—bite-sized, skill-specific certifications—are becoming the new currency of career advancement. Traditional four-year degrees are no longer enough, Sutherland contends. In an age of accelerating technological change, professionals must continuously retool their skills or risk becoming professionally obsolete. Digital badges and micro credentials offer a nimble alternative: targeted learning that can be quickly acquired and immediately applied. For tech workers especially, these compact credentials serve as dynamic proof of expertise, allowing individuals to signal their most current capabilities to employers. They represent more than paper qualifications—they're real-time indicators of a professional's commitment to staying relevant. Sutherland challenges corporate leaders to embrace this new learning ecosystem, arguing that organizations must foster cultures of continuous innovation and skill development. Her message is clear: In today's job market, adaptability isn't just an asset—it's a survival strategy.   Takeaways Micro credentials are essential for staying relevant in technology. Upskilling is crucial as skills can become obsolete quickly. Corporate training budgets often cut professional development first. Micro credentials can lead to specialized skills and career advancement. Employers should recognize the value of experience in their workforce. A toolkit can help employers integrate micro credentials into talent management. Understanding employee motivation is key to effective upskilling. Higher education is rapidly adopting micro credentialing solutions. Digital badges can serve as public resumes on platforms like LinkedIn. Leadership buy-in is critical for fostering a culture of innovation.   Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Micro Credentials and Digital Badges (07:16) Toolkit for Employers: Enhancing Talent Management (13:52) Bundling Micro Credentials for Career Advancement (19:30) Key Takeaways on Micro Credentials   Links Executive Education Programs at Oakland University https://www.oakland.edu/business/graduate-executive-programs/executive-education-programs/   Teri Abbo-Sutherland on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-abbo-sutherland-7225bb9/  International Council for Open & Distance Education: https://www.icde.org/knowledge-centre EdTech Connect: https://edtechconnect.com/  

In this episode, Jeff Dillon is joined by Nick Burrell, VP of Strategic Partnerships at ZogoTech, a company specializing in data analytics solutions designed to empower higher education. With a wealth of expertise in educational technology and artificial intelligence, Nick shares his insights on the evolving role of AI in education, particularly in content management and student engagement. He discusses his journey from working in college financial aid offices to his current role at ZogoTech, and how his experience has shaped his understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education. Nick dives into how AI is transforming student engagement and institutional growth, and explains how content quality directly impacts the effectiveness of AI tools. He also reflects on the importance of digital governance, the need for accurate and reliable content management, and the role of AI in providing personalized responses to students. He also shares his thoughts on the future of AI in education, including the need for institutions to be "AI-ready" and the importance of strategic planning and policy development in preparing for an AI-driven future. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or edtech professional, Nick's insights on the intersection of AI and education are sure to inform and inspire.   Takeaways AI is transforming student engagement and institutional growth. Content quality directly impacts the effectiveness of AI tools. Institutions must prioritize accurate and reliable content management. Digital governance is essential for effective content oversight. AI tools should be integrated with existing systems for personalized responses. A thorough website audit is crucial for maintaining content accuracy. Collaboration with subject matter experts can enhance content management. AI adoption requires a foundational understanding of institutional needs. The website should be treated as a dynamic knowledge base. Preparing for AI involves strategic planning and policy development.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Education 05:40 Content Quality and AI Tools 11:47 Ensuring Accurate and Reliable Content 17:07 Digital Governance in Content Management 30:03 Preparing for an AI-Ready Campus   Links Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-burrell-9a2025b3/ Zototech on EdTech Connect: https://edtechconnect.com/software/organizational-effectiveness/zogotech/1387/?resultIds=1387 Zogotech Website: https://zogotech.com/  

In this episode, Jeff Dillon is joined by Josh Koenig, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Pantheon, a WebOps platform transforming how website teams deliver exceptional digital experiences. With over two decades of experience in web development and online engagement, Josh shares his incredible journey—from his early days building political campaign platforms like DeanSpace for Howard Dean’s 2004 presidential run to co-founding Chapter Three and ultimately Pantheon. Josh dives into how Pantheon grew to become a leading WebOps platform, particularly excelling in the higher education sector, and explains how the company’s “productization” of consulting expertise addressed key challenges in web development collaboration and scalability. We discuss how his transition from Head of Product to Chief Strategy Officer allows him to focus on big-picture strategies that align with industry trends and customer needs. He also reflects on how web development has evolved over the years, offering key insights into the future of WebOps in higher education and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, Josh’s lessons on leadership, innovation, and navigating complex digital ecosystems are sure to inspire. Guest Profile Josh Koenig Position: Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Pantheon Over 20 years in web development Founder of DeanSpace (Howard Dean 2004 campaign) Co-founder of Chapter Three WebOps innovation leader Key Insights Transformation of web development consulting into product WebOps platform specialization in higher education Evolution of digital experience platforms Transition from product leadership to strategic leadership Critical Observations Web development landscape constantly evolving Higher education requires specialized digital solutions Consulting expertise can be productized Technology collaboration needs innovative approaches Strategic Insights Pantheon's approach to solving web development challenges Scaling web technologies for complex institutional needs Bridging gap between consulting and product development Future-proofing digital experience platforms Episode Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Josh Koenig 03:00 - Consulting to Product Transformation 07:13 - Higher Education Web Platform Challenges 12:26 - Digital Experience Platforms Overview 16:09 - From Political Campaigns to Startup World 19:35 - Defining "Productization" 24:40 - WebOps Outsourcing Benefits 29:24 - Career Advice for Web Professionals Key Takeaways WebOps is revolutionizing digital experiences Strategic adaptability is crucial in tech leadership Specialized platforms can solve complex digital challenges Continuous learning is essential in web development Links Pantheon Website: www.pantheon.io Josh Koenig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkoenig/ Pantheon on EdTech Connect: https://edtechconnect.com/software/digital-experience-accessibility/pantheon/1394/

In this conversation, Justin Menard, CEO of ListEdTech, shares his extensive experience in educational technology and the evolution of data usage in higher education. He discusses the importance of data in decision-making for institutions and vendors, the challenges of categorizing educational technology, and the impact of AI on the industry. Justin emphasizes the value of peer insights in tech adoption and highlights common pitfalls institutions face when selecting technology solutions. Guest Profile Name: Justin Menard Position: CEO of ListEdTech Experience: Over 20 years in educational technology Key Insights Comprehensive exploration of data usage in higher education Global perspective shaped by international travel In-depth understanding of educational technology market dynamics Critical Observations Data is a fundamental tool for simplifying institutional decision-making Educational technology categories are continuously evolving AI is dramatically transforming the educational technology landscape Strategic Highlights ListEdTech's role in providing comprehensive higher education system data Supporting vendors in identifying potential clients and market trends Emphasizing the importance of peer insights in technology adoption Technological Challenges Maintaining data accuracy in a rapidly changing educational technology market Navigating complex technology categorizations Helping institutions avoid common pitfalls in technology selection Episode Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Justin Menard and ListEdTech 08:42 - EDUCAUSE and Market Trends Insights 19:13 - Navigating EdTech Categories 25:31 - AI's Impact on Higher Education Technology Key Takeaways Peer insights are crucial in technology adoption Data-driven decision-making is essential AI is reshaping educational technology approaches Links Justin Menard LinkedIn ListEdTech website ListEdTech on EdTech Connect EdTech Connect website

In this podcast episode, Jeff Dillon interviews Meredith Bailey, founder and CEO of StreamWork, a platform designed to enhance collaboration in online learning and higher education. Meredith shares her journey from working at tech giants like Google and Apple to founding StreamWork, driven by her desire to streamline creative collaboration.  The conversation explores how StreamWork bridges the gap between in-person and online learning, its impact on student engagement, and the importance of integrating feedback and grading in the learning process.  Meredith also discusses the future of online education, the role of AI, and offers valuable advice for aspiring tech founders. Highlights Meredith Bailey founded StreamWork to enhance online collaboration. StreamWork transforms education by fostering engagement and creativity. The platform allows for collaborative work on various content types. Professors can save time with StreamWork's auto grading feature. Students gain exposure to next-gen collaboration tools in the classroom. StreamWork mimics traditional peer group experiences in online settings. AI integration is a focus for improving workflows in education. Feedback and meaningful discussion are prioritized in StreamWork. Persistence and flexibility are crucial for tech founders. StreamWork is adaptable for both small and large class sizes.   Chapters:   (00:00) Intro (00:57) Introduction to StreamWork and Its Mission (03:59) Meredith's Journey from Tech Giants to Founding StreamWork (06:22) Bridging the Gap in Higher Education (08:43) StreamWork's Impact on Collaborative Learning (11:26) Integration and Compatibility with Other Tools (13:53) Grading vs. Feedback: Enhancing Student Engagement (19:00) Future of Online Learning and AI Integration (20:47) Advice for Aspiring Tech Founders   Links: Meredith Bailey on Linked InStreamwork on EdTech ConnectStreamwork website  

In this episode, Jeff Dillon dives into a compelling conversation with Kat Liendgens, CEO of Hannon Hill, exploring the transformative journey of content management systems (CMS) in higher education. Kat reveals her path into the tech industry, sharing both the obstacles she encountered and the opportunities that arose. Together, they examine the evolving landscape of user expectations and emerging technology trends. The discussion highlights the critical role of personalization in connecting with prospective students and the impact of artificial intelligence on streamlining content management processes. Kat underscores the importance of a strategic approach to AI adoption, providing actionable insights for marketers and web directors seeking to navigate the complexities of the CMS environment. Don’t miss this enlightening exchange that offers a deeper understanding of the future of content management in the educational sector.   Takeaways Kat's journey into technology was driven by overcoming intimidation. The CMS landscape has evolved significantly over the years. Flexibility and governance are key challenges for modern CMS. Personalization is crucial for engaging prospective students. AI can enhance content management but requires careful implementation. Higher education institutions are often slow to adopt new technologies. Effective CMS should educate content contributors for better outcomes. Start small with personalization to test its effectiveness. Understanding user needs is essential for successful CMS implementation. Focus on solving problems rather than just features when selecting a CMS. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Content Management Revolution 06:08 Evolution of CMS and User Expectations 11:17 The Importance of Personalization in Higher Education 18:42 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption 24:48 Final Tips for Marketers and Web Directors   Links On EdTech Connect Hannon Hill website Kat Liendgens on LinkedIn