📅 Welcome to the February edition of the EdTech Connect newsletter! This month, we’re exploring the impact of China’s tech on colleges, the power of AI in higher ed, and how our partnership with Mackey Strategies is reshaping institutional advancement.

Plus, don’t miss:

• One-Question Survey: Share how you’re using AI in your work (60 seconds!).
• Podcast Highlights: Insights on micro-credentials, cybersecurity, and more.
• Trending Companies: Innovators transforming student engagement and learning.
• Everything You Need to Know: Trending higher ed news you need to know.
• ETC by the Numbers: How we're growing since last month!

🖊️ Become a member of EdTech Connect—Membership is always free! Streamline your EdTech decisions with insights from 4,000+ colleges worldwide.👉Join or Log in

TikTok to DeepSeek: What China’s Tech Means for Colleges

by Jeff Dillon

TikTok continues to be at the center of the ongoing geopolitical and technological rivalry between the United States and China.

Following President Trump’s recent decision to delay a potential ban on the app, the platform’s immense popularity, especially among younger generations, remains a focal point of debate.

Concerns over data privacy, algorithmic influence, and TikTok’s broader role in shaping public opinion persist, highlighting its significance in the larger battle over global tech dominance.

Webinar: TCU's Blueprint for Success with Advanced Site Search

February 25 @ 11am PT | 2 pm ET

In today's competitive higher education landscape, every touchpoint with prospective students matters. Join us as Texas Christian University unveils their groundbreaking strategy for enhancing student recruitment through optimized site search capabilities. This exclusive webinar pulls back the curtain on TCU's innovative approach to digital transformation, revealing how they've turned their website into a powerful enrollment tool.

You'll discover how TCU has reimagined the prospective student journey by making program information and resources more accessible than ever before. Their data-driven insights will help you understand which website metrics truly impact enrollment and how to leverage them effectively at your institution.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn:

• How enhanced site search directly influences student recruitment and retention
• Key website metrics that drive enrollment success
• Practical strategies you can implement immediately at your institution

Register now to transform your institution's digital presence and stay ahead in the evolving higher education landscape. Your future students are searching – make sure they find you.

A New Era of Strategic Support for Communications, Fundraising, and Technology

At EdTech Connect, we believe the future of higher education lies in the powerful alignment of technology, communication, and institutional advancement. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Mackey Strategies, a team whose expertise and vision mirror our own.

Mackey Strategies, led by Pete Mackey and featuring a team of highly experienced executives, brings clients decades of knowledge having led strategic communications, marketing, and fundraising for some of the nation’s most respected nonprofit institutions. 

Their deep understanding of higher education’s challenges and opportunities, combined with EdTech Connect’s technological expertise, creates a partnership uniquely positioned to drive success in admissions, advancement, and alumni engagement.

Together, we’re focused on a shared belief: Technology’s transformative potential is best realized through strategic communication and outreach. It’s not just about having the right tools—it’s about using them to connect with communities in meaningful ways.

We invite you to explore how this partnership can benefit your institution at their new website with new branding at mackeystrategies.com. 

How Are YOU Using AI in Your Work?

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it’s transforming the way we work, create, and connect. But how is it shaping YOUR role?

We’re curious to know:

👉 Are you using AI to streamline tasks, spark creativity, or engage students?

👉 Are you exploring its potential but not sure where to start?

👉 Or are you still on the sidelines, waiting to dive in?

Take 60 seconds to share your experience in our quick, one-question survey:

🔊 Catch Latest Episodes:



#18 Micro Credentials: Navigating the Future of Work with Teri Abbo-Sutherland

#19 Tech Wisdom Beyond University Walls with Jeff Saville

#20 AI, Technology and the Human Connection with Jenae Cohn

#21 Bridging Cybersecurity & Digital Innovation in Higher Education with Eric Smith

#22 Mastering Strategic Communications in Higher Education with Pete Mackey

Subscribe to EdTech Connect podcast on your favorite platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.

Everything You Need to Know

🏫 2024 Fall Enrollment Report: The Higher Education Shake-Up Continues: The 2024 Fall Enrollment Report reveals a dramatic decline in traditional college attendance, with students flocking to alternative credentials and workforce-aligned programs. Higher education is at a crossroads as institutions grapple with shifting priorities and a redefined value proposition.

⏰ IT Priorities for HigherEd Institutions 2025: Higher education IT leaders are zeroing in on cybersecurity, cloud migration, and AI-driven analytics in 2025 as institutions race to modernize infrastructure. The push reflects a broader shift toward tech-enabled agility and resilience in an increasingly digital academic landscape.

🏛️ How Higher Ed Institutions Are Using Built-In Generative AI Tools: Generative AI is transforming higher ed, with institutions leveraging tools for personalized learning, administrative efficiency, and even AI-powered research assistants. However, ethical concerns and academic integrity challenges loom large as adoption accelerates.

📍 SXSW EDU 2025 on Higher Education and Ever-Changing Technology: At SXSW EDU 2025, higher ed leaders explored the future of tech in academia, from AI-driven adaptive learning to immersive VR classrooms. The consensus? Institutions must embrace innovation to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving educational ecosystem.

📲 The Role of AI, Digital Learning, and Academic Innovation in Shaping the Future of Higher Education: AI and digital learning are reshaping higher education, enabling hyper-personalized curricula, predictive analytics for student success, and innovative teaching models. These advancements are challenging traditional paradigms and redefining what it means to deliver quality education.

☀️ Fostering Responsible Use of Technology in Higher Education: As tech adoption surges, higher education faces a critical balancing act: leveraging AI, data analytics, and digital tools to enhance learning while ensuring ethical use, equity, and student privacy remain priorities. Responsible innovation is now a non-negotiable.



Trending Companies to Watch

Here's a list top companies catching a lot of attention on EdTech Connect this month:

Element 451: Revolutionizes student engagement with an AI-powered platform that personalizes communication, streamlines recruitment, and boosts retention, helping institutions build stronger connections with students at every stage of their journey.

TimelyGrader: Transforms the grading process by automating feedback and ensuring consistency, saving educators valuable time while delivering timely, actionable insights to students.

WaitWell: Enhances student support services by optimizing appointment scheduling and slashing wait times, ensuring smoother, more efficient interactions between students and advisors.

Magai: Harnesses AI to deliver personalized learning experiences and streamline content delivery, driving higher student engagement and improving academic outcomes through tailored educational pathways.

The EdTech Connect newsletter is the go-to resource for higher ed professionals seeking to discover and evaluate education technology solutions and news.

Acquire new customers and drive revenue by partnering with us ... we leverage insights from 4,000 universities and colleges worldwide with 30,000+ higher ed professional readers each month.

Reach out to us to start the conversation.

Thanks for reading!

Until next month --

Jeff Dillon

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