The Great Higher Ed Technology Race

About the Episode: In this episode of the EduData Podcast, Jamie and Tim break down the ongoing and ever changing “carrot” used by institutions of higher education. Once a race to have the nicest residence halls and dining facilities, has the arms race now shifted to a technology driven agenda? 

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The Shift from Amenities to Technology

Historically, universities competed by offering extravagant amenities to attract students—think air-conditioned dorms and state-of-the-art student centers. However, the conversation has shifted towards how technology can play a crucial role in enhancing the educational journey.

Timothy and Jamie argue that today's students prioritize academic programs and outcomes over campus luxuries, pushing institutions to innovate technologically to meet these expectations.

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Key Insights on Leveraging Technology

1. Data on Demand: The ability to swiftly provide students with necessary information via digital platforms is essential. It's not just about convenience but about transforming the student experience from enrollment through graduation.

Jamie emphasizes the importance of immediacy and accuracy in information delivery, suggesting that AI and automated responses could be game-changers in student recruitment and support.

2. Empowering Staff and Faculty with Tech: Both hosts agree on the importance of fostering a culture where staff and faculty are encouraged to learn about and integrate technology into their work.

By understanding and utilizing technology, they can contribute more effectively to campus culture and student engagement.

3. Encoding Processes in Software: Automating and documenting institutional processes can lead to more efficient operations. This not only helps in retaining institutional knowledge but also enables quick adaptation to new challenges and opportunities.

The conversation highlights the potential of software to streamline administrative tasks and enhance decision-making.

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The Urgency of Technological Adoption

As the technology arms race accelerates, Timothy and Jamie caution against complacency. Institutions that hesitate to embrace technological advancements risk falling behind.

The episode concludes with a call to action for higher education professionals to stay informed about best practices and emerging technologies through resources like the Enrollify podcast network.

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Key Takeaways:

• The shift from amenities to technology underscores changing student expectations.
• Quick and accurate information delivery, through technologies like AI, is becoming a critical competitive advantage.
• Professional development in technology is essential for staff and faculty to enhance the student experience.
• Automating institutional processes can improve efficiency and knowledge retention.

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About the Show: The EduData podcast is your no-fluff guide to the data driving higher education. Forget about data silos and disconnected stats—we bring you straight into the heart of the numbers that matter. With sharp commentary and rigorous research, our hosts break down complex data points into actionable insights you can use. Whether you're an administrator, educator, or just a higher ed enthusiast, EduData is your key to unlocking the data behind the academia.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:

Jamie Boggs
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiewboggs/

Timothy Davis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davis-timothy/

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The EduData Podcast 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 The Higher Ed Geek.

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. 

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Connect with Us at the Engage Summit: Exciting news — Jamie and Timothy 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 $99! This early bird pricing lasts until March 31. 

Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!