About the Episode
About the Episode:
Mallory and Seth dive into the growing influence of AI in non-student facing roles within higher education. They explore practical applications, such as AI-powered website searches, content management tools, and the rise of AI assistants. Highlighting real-world examples, including the use of AI in web management and data analytics, they discuss how these technologies are streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and reshaping the workforce. Whether you’re an enrollment marketer or a higher ed professional looking to leverage AI, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay ahead of the curve.
This episode is more than just a conversation—it's a roadmap for institutions looking to integrate AI into their operations. From innovative website search functions to AI-assisted data analysis, Mallory and Seth explore a variety of use cases that are revolutionizing the way higher ed professionals work behind the scenes.
The Power of AI in Website Search and User Experience
One of the most exciting applications of AI in higher ed is in enhancing the user experience on institutional websites. As Mallory explains, traditional site search functions often leave users frustrated, especially when navigating the jargon-filled landscapes of university websites. Enter AI-powered tools like Element451’s Bolt Discovery, which transforms site search into an intuitive, conversational experience.
Instead of forcing users to wade through pages of complex information, AI can predict user intent and deliver relevant content in a human-like manner. This not only improves the user experience but also aligns with the needs of prospective students who may not be familiar with higher ed terminology. By simplifying access to information, institutions can ensure that potential students find what they need quickly and easily, enhancing the overall effectiveness of their digital presence.
AI: The New Assistant in Enrollment and Customer Service
AI’s role in higher ed isn't limited to website improvements. Seth shares insights on how AI is being used to support enrollment teams, a critical area where personalized communication is key. The traditional approach of training staff to handle nuanced questions about academic programs is time-consuming and resource-intensive. However, AI is stepping in as a valuable assistant, not to replace human reps but to augment their capabilities.
Seth highlights how some organizations, even outside of higher ed, are already integrating AI-powered customer service reps, which can handle a significant portion of inquiries. This trend is likely to grow in higher ed, where AI can assist in managing the workload of enrollment reps, allowing them to focus on more complex and personalized interactions. The potential for AI to handle routine inquiries efficiently can free up valuable time for staff, making the entire enrollment process smoother and more responsive.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency with AI Tools
The discussion also touches on how AI is enhancing operational efficiency in more granular, tactical ways. For instance, Canahoma's use of ClassifAI, an AI-powered WordPress plugin, is streamlining tasks like content tagging and image description. These seemingly small tasks, when scaled across large websites, can consume significant time and resources. AI tools like ClassifAI automate these processes, allowing teams to focus on higher-level strategic work while ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Moreover, AI’s ability to work with data is a game-changer for higher ed institutions. Mallory points out that many professionals struggle with data analysis due to its complexity. AI tools that offer natural language processing and centralized data insights can democratize access to data-driven decision-making. By allowing staff to query data as easily as they would have a conversation, AI empowers teams to uncover insights that might otherwise remain hidden in spreadsheets, driving more informed and impactful decisions.
AI and the Future Workforce in Higher Ed
The episode also touches on a thought-provoking trend: the potential for AI to shift the structure of the workforce in higher ed. As Seth notes, some organizations are hiring senior-level editors to oversee AI-generated content, a move that reflects a broader shift toward more strategic, high-level thinking in roles traditionally focused on execution. This trend suggests that as AI takes over routine tasks, the demand for strategic oversight and expertise will only grow, potentially leading to new types of roles within higher ed institutions.
Key Takeaways:
- AI-Enhanced Websites: Tools like Element451's Bolt Discovery are revolutionizing how website visitors interact with higher ed websites, making navigation more intuitive and user-friendly.
- AI in Enrollment: AI's ability to support enrollment reps is expanding, with some organizations already integrating AI chatbots and assistants to handle nuanced inquiries.
- Operational Efficiency: AI-powered tools like ClassifAI are being used to automate content tagging and image descriptions, significantly speeding up web management tasks.
- Data-Driven Decisions: AI can help non-data experts uncover insights and make informed decisions by simplifying complex data analysis.
- AI in Content Creation: The strategic use of AI in content production can lead to higher-quality outputs by allowing senior editors to focus on prompt engineering and content refinement.
- AI as a Team Member: The future workforce might see more senior roles managing AI tools, effectively treating AI like human team members to boost productivity.
Listen to AI For U on Enrollify – the network’s newest podcast!
Learn more about Bolt Discovery from Element451
Connect With Our Hosts:
Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea
Seth Odell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethodell/
https://twitter.com/sethodell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Higher Ed Pulse 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 Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.
Enrollify is produced 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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