The Signal (formerly the EdTech Connect Podcast)

In this conversation, Jeff Dillon interviews Haley Johnson, the regional vice president of education solutions at Motimatic. They discuss Haley's journey from College Scheduler to Civitas and now to Motimatic, focusing on her expertise in student engagement and retention through innovative marketing strategies.   Haley shares insights on the importance of social media in reaching students, particularly those who have stopped out, and the effectiveness of a performance-based marketing model that only charges institutions when they see results. The conversation also touches on emerging trends in higher education and the future of student communication.   Takeaways Haley Johnson is a champion for student success in educational technology. Motimatic uses social media to drive student engagement and retention. The pay-for-performance model ensures institutions only pay for results. Student adoption is crucial for the success of educational software. Community colleges are seeing significant success with targeted marketing efforts. Social media ads are tailored to specific student needs and actions. Traditional communication methods are becoming less effective with students. Haley emphasizes the importance of understanding student behavior and preferences. The future of higher education marketing is shifting towards innovative solutions. Institutions should consider low-risk, performance-based marketing opportunities. Sound Bites "A true champion for student success." "We average 3 to 5% conversion of those lists." "We are a revenue generating partnership." "Don't be afraid to look into it." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Haley Johnson and Motimatic 02:53 Haley's Journey: From College Scheduler to Civitas 06:10 Understanding College Scheduler and Its Impact 09:09 Motimatic's Unique Approach to Student Engagement 11:46 Targeting Stopouts: Strategies and Success Stories 14:55 The Power of Social Media in Higher Education 17:55 Performance-Based Marketing: A Game Changer 21:13 Future Trends in Higher Education Marketing   Links Motimatic on EdTech Connect Motimatic Website Haley Johnson on LinkedIn

In this conversation, Jeff Dillon interviews Sameer Maggon, CEO and founder of SearchStax, about the evolution of search technology, particularly in the context of higher education.   Sameer shares his journey in the search industry, the challenges organizations face in building effective search infrastructures, and how SearchStax aims to bridge the gap for businesses of all sizes.   The discussion also delves into the differences between search in e-commerce and higher education, the importance of continuous innovation, and the role of AI in enhancing search experiences.   Sameer emphasizes the need for resilience in entrepreneurship and the significance of customer-centric approaches in technology development.   Takeaways Search is critical for shaping user experience online. Building scalable search infrastructure is challenging for many organizations. Higher education search focuses on guiding users to relevant information. Continuous learning and innovation are essential to stay ahead in search technology. Resilience is key in overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship. Empowering teams fosters ownership and enhances productivity. Customer feedback is vital for shaping product development. AI can personalize and enhance search experiences significantly. Data accessibility is crucial for effective search solutions. Search engines should allow users to deprioritize outdated content.   Chapters 00:00 The Journey of SearchStax 08:02 Staying Ahead in Search Technology 14:58 The Role of AI in Search Technology 20:01 Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Ed Search   Links Sameer Maggon on LinkedIn SearchStax on EdTech Connect

In this episode of the EdTech Connect podcast, Jeff Dillon interviews Dallin Palmer, co-founder of Halda Inc., an AI-powered platform designed to enhance engagement for enrollment marketers in higher education.   Dallin discusses the challenges faced by universities in digital marketing, the transformative role of AI in personalizing user experiences, and the importance of data privacy. He shares insights on measuring success and ROI in enrollment marketing, emphasizing the need for a luxury experience in higher education. The conversation concludes with advice for enrollment marketers on leveraging AI effectively.   Takeaways Halda aims to revolutionize engagement for enrollment marketers in higher education. AI can significantly enhance the effectiveness of enrollment marketing strategies. Personalization is key to improving user experience and conversion rates. Understanding user behavior on websites is crucial for effective marketing. Data privacy is a major concern, and only first-party data should be used for personalization. Measuring success in enrollment marketing requires a focus on real ROI and student feedback. The future of higher education will rely heavily on technology and AI integration. Institutions must adapt to changing market dynamics and student expectations. Effective content management is essential for successful enrollment marketing. Enrollment marketers should embrace AI and experiment with its applications. Sound Bites "Your website is a prioritization problem." "93% of students say this was helpful." "If the student wins, everyone wins." "You need a luxury experience in higher ed." "We only use data that has been given to us." "Don't be afraid of AI; embrace it." Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Halda and Its Mission 02:51 The Role of AI in Enrollment Marketing 05:50 Transforming User Experience with Personalization 08:56 Challenges in Higher Ed Marketing 11:55 Data Privacy and Ethical Considerations 14:53 Measuring Success and ROI in Enrollment 18:08 The Future of AI in Higher Education 20:57 Final Thoughts and Advice for Enrollment Marketers   BIO Dallin Palmer is the Co-Founder of HALDA, Inc., an AI-powered platform revolutionizing engagement for enrollment marketers in higher education. With a background in sales and service design at companies like Podium and Chegg, Dallin specializes in innovative, data-driven solutions that drive personalization and automation in marketing. LINKSHalda.AI

In this episode of EdTech Connect, Jeff Dillon interviews William Culpepper, a seasoned design educator, about his experiences and insights in graphic design education.    They discuss Culpepper's innovative Grafik Intervention project aimed at revitalizing urban spaces through visual communication, the challenges and opportunities in online learning, and the integration of AI in graphic design.   Culpepper emphasizes the importance of balancing online and in-person learning, the emergence of new educational technologies, and the need for equity and accessibility in education.   Takeaways William Culpepper has a diverse background in design education and practice. The Graphic Intervention project aims to revitalize urban spaces through community engagement. Online learning has gained traction, especially post-pandemic, but challenges remain. AI tools are being integrated into graphic design education to enhance creativity. Balancing online and in-person learning is crucial for effective education. Emerging technologies like VR and AR can transform learning experiences. Accessibility and universal design principles are essential in education. Cultural sensitivity in design education broadens students' perspectives. Training for educators is vital for effective technology integration. Student engagement is enhanced through a blend of online and face-to-face learning.   Sound Bites "It's like open source community revitalization." "AI can provide personalized learning tools." "The ethics involved with AI will impact you." Chapters   00:00 Introduction to William Culpepper 01:05 The Grafik Intervention Project 05:59 Technology in the Classroom 07:11 Challenges and Opportunities in Online Learning 10:06 The Role of AI in Graphic Design 15:51 Balancing Online and In-Person Learning 22:05 Emerging Tools and Technologies in Education 25:36 Equity and Accessibility in Educational Technology   Links Grafik Intervention

In this episode of EdTech Connect, Jeff Dillon engages with Tracy Halverson, the dynamic CEO of adeo, to unravel the unique blend of art and leadership. Tracy dives deep into how artistic creativity can redefine leadership approaches, transforming the culture and strategies within organizations. She sheds light on the formidable challenges facing higher education, offering innovative solutions and emphasizing the role of strategic thinking in overcoming these obstacles. Tracy shares her vision of technology as a catalyst for collaboration, breaking down barriers between departmental silos, and fostering an environment where experimentation and innovation can flourish. By understanding audience needs, she explains how institutions can enhance external engagement, ensuring meaningful connections and effective organizational change. Join Jeff and Tracy for an insightful discussion filled with practical advice and visionary ideas, perfect for educators, leaders, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of education and leadership. Takeaways Creativity and curiosity are essential from the start. Higher education struggles with siloed environments. Technology enables departmental experimentation. Agility supports organizational change. Rebranding should focus on the audience, not just internal needs. External collaboration relieves internal pressure. Sound Bites "Creativity and curiosity must be there from the beginning." "The worst thing you can do is try to be all things to all people." "Clarity is not bragging." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tracy Halverson and adeo02:32 The Interplay of Art and Leadership04:30 Challenges in Higher Education06:45 The Role of Technology in Collaboration10:07 Improving External Engagement13:20 Insights from Different Sectors19:21 The Process of Rebranding and UI Development22:57 Agility in Organizational Change25:00 Final Thoughts and Advice LinksTracey Halvorsen on LinkedIn

In this podcast episode, Jeff Dillon interviews Michelle Caers, co-founder and CEO of Crowdmark, discussing the innovative grading and assessment solution for higher education. Michelle shares her journey in education and technology, the role of Crowdmark in enhancing grading efficiency, and how AI is leveraged to support educators. The conversation also touches on the challenges of adopting new educational technologies, the integration with learning management systems, the nuances of subjective grading, and the ethical implications of AI in education. Michelle provides insights into the onboarding process for Crowdmark and shares unexpected success stories from institutions using the platform. She concludes with advice for entrepreneurs looking to innovate in the education technology space. Takeaways Crowdmark automates tedious grading tasks to free up educators' time. The platform supports collaboration among grading teams for consistent feedback. AI is used to enhance grading processes, not replace human interaction. Overcoming the status quo is a significant challenge in educational tech adoption. Crowdmark integrates with major learning management systems for ease of use. The platform excels in grading handwritten work, particularly in STEM fields. Ethical considerations in AI include data privacy and academic integrity. Sound Bites "Grading is an essential part of the education system." "Crowdmark assists in managing that grading team." "AI is the flavor of the day." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Crowdmark and Michelle Caers 04:07 The Role of Crowdmark in Grading Efficiency 07:16 Leveraging AI in Education 09:18 Overcoming Challenges in Educational Technology Adoption 11:28 Integration with Learning Management Systems 14:45 Ethical Implications of AI in Education 18:13 Onboarding Process for Crowdmark 22:28 Advice for EdTech Entrepreneurs

In this conversation, Jeff Dillon interviews Dustin Stout, the founder of Magai, an all-in-one AI platform designed to enhance teaching and learning in higher education.   Dustin shares his journey of creating Magai, the challenges faced in adapting the platform for educational use, and the ethical implications of AI in the classroom.   He emphasizes the importance of educators in guiding students on how to use AI responsibly and offers practical tips for faculty looking to integrate AI into their teaching. The discussion highlights the transformative potential of AI in education and the need for institutions to embrace this technology.   Takeaways Dustin Stout's journey led to the creation of Magai. Magai integrates multiple AI tools into one platform. Higher education can benefit from AI in lesson planning. Ethical use of AI requires user responsibility. AI can serve as a creative partner for educators. Faculty should explore AI to enhance their teaching. Universities are beginning to teach AI usage to students. AI's rapid evolution presents both challenges and opportunities. Engagement with AI is essential for future readiness. Sound Bites "This new wave of AI is magical." "You only have to subscribe to one tool." "There's no better tool than Magi." Chapters 00:00 The Genesis of Magai: A Founder’s Journey 05:43 Transforming Higher Education with AI 10:10 Navigating Ethical Implications of AI 13:02 Practical Tips for Faculty Using AI 19:30 Challenges in Adapting Magai for Higher Ed 23:19 Preparing Higher Ed for the AI Revolution

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

Chris Du, the founder of Insightful and TimelyGrader, is revolutionizing group project management and grading in higher education.   TimelyGrader, launched in 2024, uses AI to provide quick and accurate feedback to students, streamlining the grading process for instructors. The platform integrates with popular learning management systems like Canvas and D2L.   Chris emphasizes the importance of trust and the human element in education, and TimelyGrader is designed to work as a tool alongside instructors, not replace them. The future of EdTech and AI in education lies in self-hosted AI models within institutions.   Takeaways TimelyGrader uses AI to provide quick and accurate feedback to students, streamlining the grading process for instructors. The platform integrates with popular learning management systems like Canvas and D2L. Trust and the human element are important in education, and TimelyGrader is designed to work alongside instructors, not replace them. The future of EdTech and AI in education lies in self-hosted AI models within institutions.   Sound Bites "That's the best intro I've heard in my five years." "If you could solve scalability with feedback, it's going to be huge." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chris Dew and Insightful 01:25 The Journey from Insightful to TimelyGrader 04:59 The Benefits of TimelyGrader in Large Classes 07:50 Addressing Concerns about AI Grading in Education 10:04 The Role of Instructors in the Feedback Process 13:02 Integration with Learning Management Systems 14:55 Customizing Criteria for Feedback 16:32 Unexpected Outcomes and Success Stories 18:22 The Onboarding Process for Institutions 20:27 Emerging Trends in EdTech and AI 22:29 Advice for Entrepreneurs in AI and Education 23:41 Where to Find More Information about TimelyGrader

In this episode, we sit down with Vikram Chalana, the co-founder and driving force behind Pictory.AI - an innovative software company leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence to empower users to transform their messages into captivating video content. Vikram shares the inspiration behind starting Pictory.AI, which stemmed from his own experience struggling to create professional-quality videos as a business leader.  He recognized the challenges that many professionals, especially in education, face when it comes to video production, and set out to build a user-friendly platform that democratizes the video creation process through the power of AI. We explore how Pictory.AI is helping to enable micro-learning and engage students through short, impactful video content.  Vikram discusses the company's evolution, the integration of technologies like GPT-3 and AI voice synthesis, and the strategies they are employing to drive adoption within the higher education sector. Additionally, Vikram shares insights from his personal entrepreneurial journey, including the lessons he learned while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his son, and the influential leaders and companies that have inspired his vision for Pictory.AI. This conversation offers a fascinating look at the transformative potential of AI-driven content creation tools and their impact on the future of education and learning. Takeaways Pictory uses AI to make video creation easy for business people The ideal video length for effective learning is around four to five minutes Pictory has evolved over the years, incorporating AI models and adding features like AI voiceovers Engagement is key in creating and consuming learning content Pictory offers individual user pricing as well as enterprise solutions for universities Vikram finds inspiration in the founders of Canva and business leaders like Bill Gates and Satya Nadella   Sound Bites "Just like building a business, climbing Kilimanjaro was tough" "The inspiration for Pictory was to make videos easy using AI" "Pictory is like a Canva for video"   Chapters 00:00: Introduction to Vikram Chalana and Pictory 02:08: The Inspiration for Pictory: Making Video Creation Easy with AI 05:34: Enabling Micro Learning with Short Videos 07:33: Building Analytics Capabilities and Challenges 09:44: Challenges Faced by Pictory 12:00: Ethical Concerns and Adoption of AI in Higher Ed 13:53: Pictory's Model: Individual User Pricing and Enterprise Solutions   Links Website: https://pictory.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikramchalana