How EdTech Connect Is Future-Proofing Higher Ed with AI | Jeff Dillon on AI Academies & Innovation

In this insightful episode of the Future-Proofed Podcast, host Brett Mueller sits down with Jeff Dillon, founder of EdTech Connect, to explore how higher education is evolving in response to the AI revolution. With over two decades of experience in higher ed IT, Jeff reveals the inspiration behind EdTech Connect, a platform designed to simplify software discovery for colleges and universities. He discusses the massive transformation underway—from AI-powered campus search and personalization to launching his upcoming AI Training Academy for educators. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in how technology, data, and strategy are colliding to reshape the future of education.

00:00 - Intro and Jeff Dillon’s background in higher ed and tech
01:30 - The problem that led to founding EdTech Connect
03:00 - From a passion project to a business: platform evolution
05:10 - Why higher ed is slow to change (and how it’s shifting)
06:45 - Schools like ASU and Southern New Hampshire as innovation leaders
08:30 - How AI is reshaping higher ed through site search and personalization
12:10 - The pivot: Launching an AI Academy to train faculty and staff
14:00 - ChatGPT’s impact on students and faculty mindset
16:30 - The rise and fall of chatbots—and what’s next
18:00 - Google vs OpenAI: AI tech trends and browser battles
21:30 - Navigating the AI model landscape: just pick one
22:30 - Crowdsourcing EdTech insights via the .edu community
24:00 - What’s next: AI agents, personalization, and the agentic era
26:00 - NinjaCat demo and replacing expensive data teams
29:00 - The real power of prompting and using AI as a co-pilot
31:00 - How Jeff uses AI as a strategic business advisor
34:30 - Jeff’s “magic wand” for launching AI Academy faster
36:00 - Final thoughts and how EdTech is helping higher ed adapt

🚀 Coming Soon: The AI Training Academy by EdTech Connect—designed specifically for higher ed professionals. Learn everything from AI fundamentals to prompt mastery, custom GPTs, and responsible adoption. Perfect for schools looking to upskill their teams in the age of AI.

📧 Contact: hello@edtechconnect.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edtechconnect/
🎙️ Podcast: The Higher EdTech Podcast

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