About the Episode
About the Episode: In this engaging episode recorded live at the ASU+GSV AIR Show, Jared shares insights into the transformative potential and current challenges of artificial intelligence in education. With a rich background in launching successful online education programs, founding and leading Rarebird Ed Tech, and a deep understanding of the higher ed landscape, Jared shares his unique insights on how institutions can effectively leverage technology to address critical issues like enrollment and retention.
Key Takeaways
- AI is Not the Revolution—Yet
- While there’s excitement about AI, most institutions are still exploring its practical applications. The current “AI revolution” is more potential than reality.
- Institutions should focus on identifying their most critical challenges and evaluate whether AI is truly the right solution, rather than chasing hype.
- The Importance of Institutional Self-Assessment
- Higher education leaders must understand their unique challenges—whether it’s enrollment, retention, or financial strain—and craft solutions tailored to their needs.
- Strategy must begin with clear-eyed assessments of what has (and hasn’t) worked before, and where internal change is needed.
- Scaling Human Interaction with Technology
- Human-centered aspects of education, such as academic advising, are difficult to scale. Technology, including AI, can augment these efforts but shouldn’t replace the human connection entirely.
- The goal should be to use technology to free up humans to focus on higher-order work—like meaningful interactions with students.
- EdTech Companies Must Evolve Their Partnerships
- Many edtech vendors see themselves as product providers rather than true partners. Companies need to offer more comprehensive services, including change management support, to help institutions implement and sustain new solutions.
Episode Summary: FAQs Answered
What are the biggest challenges facing higher education right now?
Higher education is grappling with a perfect storm of challenges: declining enrollments, shifting public perceptions of higher ed’s value, financial constraints, and rising expectations for student outcomes. Institutions must address these headwinds by focusing on mission-critical areas like retention, graduation rates, and budget management.
Is AI the solution to higher ed’s problems?
Not always. While AI offers exciting possibilities, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Institutions should start by identifying their unique problems—such as resource limitations or low student engagement—and then determine whether AI or other technologies can help address them. AI can be a powerful tool to augment human efforts but shouldn’t replace them outright.
How should higher ed leaders approach AI adoption?
- Focus on Strategy First: Clearly identify institutional challenges before investing in AI solutions.
- Experiment Safely: Start with low-risk use cases, such as using AI to improve internal workflows or create more readable web content.
- Balance Human and Tech: Use AI to scale routine tasks so humans can focus on more meaningful student interactions.
Why is it important to align institutional and vendor goals?
Many edtech companies promise to “partner” with institutions but often don’t have the resources or expertise to support implementation and change management. True collaboration requires shared goals, open communication, and a commitment from vendors to walk alongside institutions during the entire process of deploying new solutions.
What’s happening with venture capital in edtech?
After a pandemic-era spike, venture capital funding for edtech has returned to more sustainable levels. Investors have become savvier about the complexities of the education market, leading to more realistic expectations for returns. While funding is down from pandemic highs, opportunities still exist for edtech companies that address real problems and demonstrate strong value propositions.
Why the Future of EdTech Requires Collaboration
Institutional Leaders Must Lead with Clarity
Institutions can’t afford to chase shiny new tools without a clear understanding of their own challenges. Leaders must prioritize self-assessment, build cross-functional teams, and engage in thoughtful experimentation to drive meaningful change.
EdTech Vendors Need to Do More Than Sell Products
For edtech companies, the days of simply selling software are over. Vendors that succeed will be those that act as true partners, offering professional services, change management expertise, and hands-on support to ensure successful adoption of their solutions.
AI’s Role in Higher Ed is About Augmentation, Not Replacement
Education is deeply human. AI’s potential lies in its ability to enhance—not replace—the personal interactions that are central to teaching, learning, and student support. Institutions should use AI to empower faculty and staff to focus on high-impact work while automating routine tasks.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/
https://twitter.com/HigherEd_Geek
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and I Wanna Work There.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Dustin will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
.png)
.svg)
.svg)
