The Signal

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 76 - Fiona Hayes: Why Perspective Is the Most Underrated Skill in Higher Education Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

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:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionamhayes/

Viewpoint Simulations

https://viewpointsims.com/

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

Ep. 75 - Tawnya Means: Human Plus AI and the Future of Teaching Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

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:

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/

Ep. 74 - Charity Stutzman: Future Proofing Student Wellbeing with Data Driven Prevention Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

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:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charity-stutzman-9a4a1121/

Vector Solutions

https://www.vectorsolutions.com/

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

Ep. 73 - Ben Tasker: Living in the AI Between Times Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

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:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentaskerai/

National Grid

https://www.nationalgrid.com/

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

Ep. 72 - Michelle Craig: What Colleges Need to Know Before Gen Alpha Arrives Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

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:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-craig-4a186312/

AppsAnywhere

https://www.appsanywhere.com/

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

Ep. 71 - Jen Jenkins: What Online Universities Can Teach Campus Leaders About Digital Experience Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

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:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenjenkins/

Western Governors University

https://www.wgu.edu/

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

Ep. 70 - Sharon Harrison: How AI Support is Becoming the New Front Door of Higher Education Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Sharon Harrison, CMO at Gravyty, to explore the dramatic evolution of AI in higher education. Sharon, who played a key role in unifying the leading platforms Ivy.ai and Ocelot under the Gravyty brand, traces the journey from the early days of simple "chat boxes" to today's sophisticated conversational AI agents.

They discuss how this technology has shifted from a novelty to mission-critical infrastructure, helping schools tackle urgent challenges like summer melt, the enrollment cliff, and 24/7 multilingual support. Sharon shares surprising use cases, from addressing student food insecurity with empathy to uncovering actionable recruitment insights from chatbot data. The conversation dives deep into practical questions: How do you measure true ROI beyond simple deflection counts? What does "hybrid AI" really mean for seamless student support? And, crucially, what guardrails must institutions have for data privacy, accessibility, and bias? For any campus leader wondering where to start with AI, this episode is a masterclass in strategy, integration, and impact.

Key Takeaways

AI Has Evolved from "Chat Box" to Core Infrastructure: Conversational AI in higher ed has rapidly progressed from a simple FAQ tool ("chat box") to a virtual assistant, and is now moving toward autonomous AI agents. This shift, accelerated by COVID and the enrollment cliff, makes AI a strategic necessity, not a novelty.
The "Why" is Democratizing Access & Solving Urgent Pain Points: The most powerful AI use cases solve critical institutional pain points while democratizing access. Examples include providing 24/7 support for time-pressed families completing FAFSA, offering shame-free access to basic needs resources, and proactively engaging at-risk students before they fall through the cracks.
True ROI is Measured in Impact, Not Just Volume: Success metrics must go beyond "questions answered." Institutions should focus on deflected calls translated into staff hours and salary savings, increased application submission rates, shortened student worker onboarding, and uncovering demographic insights for targeted recruitment.
"Hybrid AI" is the Key to Safe, Effective Conversations: Modern chatbots use a hybrid algorithm that blends retrieval-based AI (for accurate, curated answers from the institution's knowledge base) with generative AI (for a natural, conversational flow). This approach provides guardrails, ensures brand-aligned tone, and prevents hallucinations.
Integration Over Replacement: Successful AI doesn't replace existing systems (CRM, SIS, LMS); it sits on top of them. The goal is to unify fragmented data, make legacy investments more valuable, and provide a seamless, single point of contact for the student across all campus silos.
Critical Guardrails: Ask "How," Not Just "If": When vetting AI vendors, leaders must ask how the AI works. Key safeguards include ensuring the AI is grounded only in the institution's content (not the open web), verifying current VPAT/accessibility compliance and SOC 2 certification, and thoroughly understanding data privacy and FERPA adherence.
Drive Adoption to Realize Value: Simply deploying a chatbot isn't enough. Institutions must proactively drive student adoption through social media campaigns, commercials, and integration into student workflows to achieve the deflection and engagement metrics that deliver ROI.
Start with an Internal Audit: For smaller institutions or those just beginning, the best first step is an internal audit. Discover what tools and systems already exist across campus departments. Leveraging existing, vetted contracts can speed up procurement and ensure smoother integration and security reviews.

Find Sharon Harrison:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-harrison-06bb4612/

Gravyty

https://gravyty.com/

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

Ep. 69 - Gerry White: From Shakespeare to Cyborgs Teaching the Human Side of Humanity Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Gerry White, an award-winning educator and Dean of Academic Technology at ECPI University whose career defies easy categorization. Gerry’s journey spans from English literature and music to AI development and robotics, and he brings this interdisciplinary passion to every project.

They discuss his AI-powered tutoring platform, MyTutorPlus, which creates a personalized "Iron Man"-style knowledge map for learners. Gerry also shares the surprising origins of Project Virgil—a school safety initiative using quadrupedal robots—and his work with local police. The conversation dives deep into why the fusion of code and quill (technology and humanities) is more critical than ever, how to teach students not just to use AI but to ask the right questions, and why maintaining human agency and ethics is non-negotiable in our tech-driven future. For any educator wondering how to keep humanity at the center of innovation, this conversation is a guide to creative, ethical, and interdisciplinary thinking.

Key Takeaways

The Most Valuable Skill is the Ability to Pivot: In an AI-driven future, the single most important skill educators can instill in students is adaptability. The workforce will change rapidly, and the ability to learn new tools and shift directions will be more valuable than any specific technical knowledge.
AI Enhances Subject Matter Experts: Like a photographer using precise camera terminology in Midjourney, subject matter experts (musicians, writers, etc.) can use AI as a superpower. Their deep knowledge allows them to craft highly effective prompts and prototypes, elevating their work rather than replacing it.
Teach the Art of the Question: In the age of AI, learning to ask the right, specific questions is a foundational skill. This ancient art of inquiry is now a critical technical competency, as the quality of the output is directly tied to the quality and precision of the input prompt.
Human Agency is a Choice We Must Actively Make: There's a danger in "ceding our agency" to technology. Gerry argues that we must consciously decide what we want AI to be and build that world. This requires ongoing discussion, ethical design, and involvement from everyone, especially those building the tools.
"Hybrid" Models Keep Humanity Central: The goal of technology should be to automate tasks and leave "the human things to the humans." Whether in education via AI tutors that free up teachers for personal connection, or in safety projects like robots that are human-controlled, the ideal model leverages tech to enhance, not replace, human interaction.
Interdisciplinary Thinking Solves Real Problems: Gerry's projects—from an AI tutor born from a music idea to a safety robot developed with criminal justice students—show that the most innovative solutions happen at the intersection of disciplines (arts, humanities, tech, government). Breaking down silos is essential.
The Path to Adoption is Hands-On Modeling: For school leaders, the best way to integrate AI is to model its use and provide hands-on experimentation. Administrators and teachers should try the tools themselves, demonstrate live in meetings and classrooms, and empower early adopters to share their discoveries.
Technology Should Bridge Gaps, Not Widen Them: A core mission is to use AI and emerging tech like AR to democratize access and preserve human connection. This means building tools that serve underrepresented communities and creating experiences (like AR grave markers) that deepen our understanding of history and each other.

Find Gerry White:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrywhitetech/

ECPI University

http://ecpi.edu/

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

Ep. 68 - France Hoang: Designing AI Ready Systems that put People Before Platforms Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

France Hoang, a former White House Counsel, Army Special Forces veteran, and now the co-founder and CEO of Boodlebox, brings a unique perspective forged by a lifetime of service and leadership, now focused on one of education's most urgent questions: How do we get the human-AI relationship right?

They dive into why the traditional educational model—information, struggle, assessment—is fundamentally disrupted by AI, and the dangers of students outsourcing their critical thinking. France outlines the three pillars of being "AI ready" and explains why educators are more important than ever, not less. He shares powerful stories from campuses using Boodlebox to create transparent, ethical AI collaborations, resulting in zero academic integrity cases and dramatically improved student comfort with AI. For any leader wondering how to move from simply providing AI access to truly transforming teaching and learning, this conversation is a masterclass in strategy, ethics, and human-centric innovation.

Key Takeaways

The Goal is a Partnership, Not Just a Tool: AI in education should aim to create a human-AI partnership that extends and amplifies human potential, allowing students and professionals to spend 80% of their time on high-value creative and critical work, not administrative drudgery.
Educators Are More Important Than Ever: In the age of AI, the educator's role is not diminished but elevated. They are the essential source for building domain expertise (being better than the AI), teaching responsible AI enablement, and fostering the durable human skills (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration) that AI cannot replicate.
AI Readiness is a People Problem, Not a Platform Problem: True institutional AI readiness is not about buying software or providing access (students already have that). It's a cultural and pedagogical transformation that requires partnership, piloting, peer-to-peer learning, and a multi-year rollout focused on integrating AI thoughtfully into teaching and learning.
Reintroduce "Productive Struggle": Since AI tools are designed for ease and productivity, educators must intentionally design learning environments that reintroduce challenge. Platforms like Boodlebox allow for guardrails and transparency, letting teachers see the process of how students use AI as a thought partner, not just the final product.
Start with Pilots and Use Cases, Not Campus-Wide Rollouts: The most successful AI adoption starts small. Identify a high-impact use case, partner with a group of pioneering faculty, and let success grow organically through peer influence. Avoid the "solution in search of a problem" approach of broad, untargeted rollouts.
Measure Human Impact, Not Just Usage: While metrics like logins are important, true success should be measured by qualitative human outcomes aligned with the institution's mission. This includes changes in student confidence, job interview success stories, ethical AI use, and the quality of collaborative problem-solving.
Equitable Access is a Foundational Concern: There is a real risk of a "digital divide" where students who can pay for premium AI tools get better outcomes. Institutions have a responsibility to provide equitable, high-quality AI access to all students to ensure opportunity is based on merit and work, not on financial resources.
The Future is Personalized, Differentiated, and Portable: AI enables a future where learning is personalized at scale (like a TA for every student), differentiated by discipline (e.g., AI simulations for history, data analysis for chemistry), and portable—allowing students to take a curated toolkit of their AI-augmented academic work with them into their careers as a lifelong learning resource.

Find France Hoang:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceqhoang/

BoodleBox

https://boodlebox.ai/

And find EdTech Connect here:

Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

Ep. 67 - NYU's Erin Callihan: Real AI Strategy for Higher Ed Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

This week on EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with Erin Callihan, AVP of Strategic Marketing at NYU and a powerhouse who blends law, design, and deep tech strategy. They dive into the ever-expanding AI toolbox that's reshaping how higher ed professionals work.

Erin shares her latest favorite tools—from Google Gemini's surprising slide design capabilities and Napkin AI for instant data viz to Notebook LM's powerful research features. She gets practical about how AI is saving her team significant time on everything from analyzing survey data to identifying fonts from a screenshot. The conversation tackles the big questions: How do we maintain an authentic, human voice while scaling content with AI? What's the right pace for developing university-wide AI policy? And how can professionals in "high-risk" areas like advancement and fundraising get started safely? Tune in for a masterclass in practical AI adoption from one of higher ed's most creative and strategic minds.

Key Takeaways

AI is Built into the Tools You Already Use: The most powerful and accessible AI is often integrated into existing platforms. Leverage the AI functions in Google Sheets, Gemini, and Notebook LM for data analysis, research, and content creation before seeking out standalone apps.
Start with Low-Risk, High-Impact Tasks: To build comfort and demonstrate value, begin with AI on "low-risk" tasks. Examples include analyzing anonymized survey data, brainstorming campaign ideas, troubleshooting tech issues, or automating mundane formatting tasks in spreadsheets.
The "Human 20%" is Non-Negotiable: For authentic communication—especially in areas like donor relations—AI should handle the middle 80% of a task. Humans must provide the crucial front-end context (brand voice, mission, audience personas) and the final 20% review to ensure quality, accuracy, and heart.
AI Policy is About Guidance, Not Just Prohibition: Effective university AI strategy involves moving beyond simple "don't share data" policies. It requires providing practical guidance, showcasing good and bad use cases, and, where possible, standardizing on a few trusted, vetted tools to simplify training and security.
Clean Your Data to Mitigate Risk: For teams in sensitive areas (e.g., advancement), a critical first step is ensuring data is clean and exportable. This allows you to replace private information (like donor names) with unique identifiers before using LLMs for analysis, protecting privacy while unlocking insights.
Curiosity is the Ultimate Superpower: Erin’s unique background in law (distilling authoritative sources) and design (asking exhaustive questions) makes her a natural at prompt engineering. The key to using AI effectively is innate curiosity and the ability to ask comprehensive, context-rich questions.
AI is Not a Fad—Ignoring It is the Risk: The biggest misconception is that AI is a passing trend. It is already integrated into everyday technology and is reshaping the economy and workforce. The real risk for higher ed professionals is not engaging with it to understand its capabilities and limitations.
The Real Need is a "Pause Button": With the breakneck pace of new tool releases, the greatest challenge—and desired superpower—is time. Professionals need dedicated space to explore, experiment, and thoughtfully integrate new technologies into their workflows without being overwhelmed.