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In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider podcast, Rhea Kelly, editor-in-chief of Campus Technology, chats with Rob Coyle, product manager for digital credentials at 1EdTech, about his organization's recent reports on the digital credential ecosystem, including employer data needs and technical transport workflows into hiring systems. Coyle defines digital credentials as standardized, metadata-rich packages that make learning and employment data trusted, verifiable, and interoperable, distinguishing them from micro-credentials. He describes K–12 use cases for staff development and early workforce pipelines, and highlights barriers to adoption such as limited awareness, inconsistent data placement, and challenges moving credential data into HR and applicant tracking systems. The discussion covers AI's dual impact: helping analyze curriculum and define pathways while also increasing résumé noise, making verifiable credentials more valuable. Coyle urges higher education IT leaders to lead cross-stakeholder planning, start small with pilots, credential co-curricular learning, and avoid assumptions about how learners will use credentials over time. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:37 What 1EdTech Does 01:38 Digital Credentials Explained 05:29 K12 Workforce Pipeline 07:03 Inside the New Reports 08:04 Employer Data Needs 11:05 Credential Transport Workflows 12:19 Barriers to Adoption 14:49 Consistency and Standards 17:08 AI Changes Hiring Signals 21:30 AI Skills And Literacy 23:33 IT Leaders Lead Strategy 28:09 Quick Wins for Learners 30:26 Design for Lifelong Use 31:47 Closing and Where to Listen Resource links: 1EdTech's digital credentials reports Who's at Your Table? Building a Campus Coalition for LER Success 1EdTech Digital Credentials Procurement Considerations More on 1EdTech's digital credentials work Music: Mixkit Duration: 32 minutes Transcript

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider podcast, Rhea Kelly, editor-in-chief of Campus Technology, interviews Adam Dowrie, associate director of organization and planning at California State University, Sacramento, about how AI is affecting student housing operations. Dowery describes shifting enrollment patterns and Sacramento State's upcoming live-on requirement starting fall 2026, which is prompting real-time planning for capacity and demand. He explains how Sacramento State is using AI to improve writing quality in e-mails and notes, surface student information quickly, reduce time spent navigating the system, and potentially automate tasks like check-ins, check-outs, packages, and visitor connections. Adoption is optional, success is currently focused on staff comfort and efficiency, and the goal is freeing time for more student-facing work. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:30 Adam's Role at Sac State 01:48 Housing Challenges and Live-On Policy 04:16 AI Tools in Housing Ops 07:40 StarRez and AI Rollout 09:22 Workflow Changes with AI 12:08 AI Analytics and Forecasting 14:06 Change Management and Adoption 16:24 Measuring Success and Student Impact 19:34 Final Advice and Wrap Up Music: Mixkit Duration: 22 minutes Transcript

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, we present the keynote from Jay James, cybersecurity operations manager at Auburn University, delivered at the May 2026 Tech Tactics in Education Conference. James argues that a widening gap in AI literacy is leaving students and workers unprepared as AI adoption accelerates, citing data on low training rates, rapid growth in AI-required roles, and major economic and cybersecurity impacts. He illustrates how Auburn's student-staffed Security Operations Center builds real AI-embedded experience through authentic tools, mentorship, failure tolerance, and consequential outcomes, highlighting a student project that improved phishing visibility and influenced leadership decisions. James outlines institutional readiness levels and calls for starting with practical use cases, building faculty development, and creating sustained industry feedback loops to produce AI-ready graduates. 00:00 Podcast Introduction 01:00 Keynote Roadmap 02:18 George Story Setup 04:22 Why Readiness Matters 06:12 Workforce Data Reality 10:12 AI Fluency Surge 14:55 Opportunity and Equity 17:10 Cybersecurity Skills Gap 20:22 Auburn SOC Model 22:32 George Phishing Dashboard 24:54 Five Ingredients for Success 29:08 Scaling Beyond Cybersecurity 30:58 Policy and National Strategy 33:24 Campus AI Versus Teaching 35:54 Readiness Levels Framework 37:37 Four Move Playbook 41:46 Closing Call to Action 46:00 Podcast Outro Resource links: Tech Tactics in Education Music: Mixkit Duration: 47 minutes Transcript

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider podcast, Rhea Kelly, editor-in-chief of Campus Technology, speaks with Tirumala Rao Chimpiri, senior programmer analyst for enterprise applications & integrations at Stony Brook University, about CAIP-HE, a platform-agnostic reference framework for connecting insight, decision-making, and execution across enterprise environments. Chimpiri explains that organizations often invest in ERP, analytics, automation, integration, personalization, and AI, yet still struggle to turn insights into timely, coordinated action because these capabilities remain siloed and decision ownership and workflows are unclear. CAIP-HE focuses on four interdependent dimensions — cognitive automation, advanced analytics, integration and interoperability, and personalization — and is positioned as a leadership lens rather than a product or methodology. He recommends starting with a few high-impact scenarios, mapping the end-to-end flow from insight to execution, and addressing gaps through clearer governance, ownership, integration, and workflow design, noting that AI alone does not resolve decision flow or accountability. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:30 Tirumala Background and Motivation 02:23 What CAIP-HE Means 05:38 The Insight to Action Gap 07:06 How to Apply CAIP-HE 08:58 Why AI Alone Is Not Enough 10:44 Governance and Decision Rights 12:34 Common Modernization Mistakes 14:22 Key Takeaways for CIOs 15:54 Closing and Where to Listen Resource links: CAIP-HE framework Why ERP and AI Initiatives Stall at the Execution Layer: A CIO Perspective Music: Mixkit Duration: 17 minutes Transcript

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, Campus Technology Editor-in-Chief Rhea Kelly hosts Ed Skoudis, president of the SANS Technology Institute, to discuss how AI is reshaping cybersecurity and what it means for higher education. Skoudis says AI is now driving all five top emerging attack trends highlighted in SANS's RSAC keynote: increased zero-day exploits, expanded supply-chain risk, growing complexity in operational technology attacks, risks of irresponsible AI use in digital forensics and incident response, and the need to use AI defensively to keep pace with attackers' speed. He explains why higher ed is harder to defend due to diverse, open, cutting-edge environments and constrained budgets, and he recommends accelerated patching, AI-assisted incident response, rapid decision-making teams, frequent tabletop exercises, threat intelligence monitoring, and flexible AI workflows that can swap models as tools change. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:29 Ed Skoudis Background 01:00 Steampunk Office Tour 02:24 Antiques Meet IoT 03:25 AI Drives Attack Trends 05:01 Higher Ed Under Fire 05:49 Five AI Shaped Attacks 09:51 Lessons from Finance 12:05 Speeding Up Response 15:32 Training for AI Defense 18:00 AI Toolkit and Model Flexibility 22:01 Budget Priorities Patching First 25:39 Crystal Ball Rough Years Ahead 29:53 Zero Vulnerabilities Vision 31:22 Prepare with AI Strategy 34:16 Closing and Where to Listen Resource links: SANS Technology Institute SANS Institute's Top 5 Most Dangerous New Attack Techniques SANS free cybersecurity resources Internet Storm Center Music: Mixkit Duration: 35 minutes Transcript

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, Campus Technology Editor-in-Chief Rhea Kelly interviews Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, about how generative AI is reshaping student success work and increasing the need for cross-institution collaboration. Burns describes the UIA's role supporting 19 large public research universities as a shared R&D lab for higher ed, emphasizing open, scalable practices that improve student outcomes. She outlines key AI challenges for institutions, including governance gaps, privacy and data risks, intellectual property, contract liability, safety concerns, and limited capacity to evaluate rapidly evolving vendor agreements. Burns highlights ASU's AI initiatives and explains UIA's AI Decision Framework, outlining critical questions to ask before signing enterprise AI agreements. She also discusses institutional readiness, AI literacy, and principles for scaling innovations through adaptation, cross-functional teams, clear targets, and ongoing evaluation. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:32 UIA Mission and Model 01:49 Generative AI Changes 05:07 Promising Campus Use Cases 07:22 Top Risks and Governance 09:23 ASU Early Mover Lessons 11:11 AI Vendor Decision Framework 15:28 Procurement Questions That Matter 18:54 Community Over Perfection 21:42 AI Readiness and Culture 25:53 Scaling with Guardrails 31:56 Closing Thoughts and Wrap Up Resource links: University Innovation Alliance AI Decision Framework EDSAFE AI Alliance Educause report: The Impact of AI on Work in Higher Education University Innovation Alliance Scaling Innovation Toolkit Music: Mixkit  Duration: 34 minutes Transcript

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, Rhea Kelly, Editor-in-Chief of Campus Technology, dives into leadership in higher education IT with Sean McDonald, president of MOR Associates. They discuss defining leadership, the major challenges for leaders today, including complexity and prioritization, and how AI is shaping the future of higher ed. Sean shares his insights on creating a culture of shared governance, fostering diverse perspectives, and the importance of strategic thinking. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:26 Sean McDonald's Background and Work 01:11 Defining Leadership in Higher Education 03:17 Challenges for Leaders in Higher Education 03:54 Complexity and Focus in Higher Ed IT 06:51 Strategic Thinking and Leadership 10:11 Shared Governance and Change Management 13:40 Impact of AI on Leadership 16:53 Overcoming Leadership Challenges 22:26 Practical Leadership Tips and Coaching 25:09 Final Advice for Aspiring Leaders 27:10 Conclusion and Podcast Sign-off Resource links: MOR Associates Five Forces model Music: Mixkit Duration: 28 minutes Transcript

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Rhea Kelly sits down with Sidney Fernandes, CIO, and VP of Digital Experiences at the University of South Florida. They discuss the impact of agentic AI in higher education, focusing on USF's initiatives to make technology and workflows user-friendly. Topics include the formation of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, strategies for integrating AI to improve student and faculty experiences, and the importance of security, compliance, and data governance in AI deployment. In addition, they explore how USF leverages student ambassadors to scale AI literacy and solutions across its campuses. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Sydney Fernandez's Background and Role at USF 01:10 USF's Technology Strategy: Making It Easy 02:44 Digital Experiences at USF 05:33 AI Initiatives and Early Goals 13:32 Scaling AI with Student Ambassadors 23:44 Challenges and Lessons Learned 26:08 Future of AI at USF 29:19 Conclusion and Farewell Resource links: GenAI at USF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing Music: Mixkit Duration: 30 minutes Transcript

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Rhea Kelly sits down with Jenay Robert, Senior Researcher at Educause, to discuss the 2025 Horizon Action Plan focusing on building skills and literacy for using generative AI in higher education. They delve into the process behind Educause's annual Horizon reports, the actionable advice stemming from these reports, and the preferred future that educators and institutions should be aiming for. They also explore the goals for higher education over the next decade, the shift from AI policy to practical training, and the specific actions that different levels within institutions can take to integrate AI effectively. Jenay also teases her upcoming research project on AI's impact on day-to-day work in higher education. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:42 Understanding the Educause Action Plans 02:40 Focus on Generative AI Skills and Literacy 05:51 Preferred Future for Higher Education 10:40 Actionable Steps for Institutions 17:01 Next Steps and Future Research 20:10 Conclusion and Farewell Resource links: Educause 2025 Horizon Action Plan: Building Skills and Literacy for Teaching with GenAI Educause Horizon Reports 2025 Educause AI Landscape Study Institute for the Future Music: Mixkit Duration: 21 minutes Transcript

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, Editor in Chief Rhea Kelly sits down with John Baker, CEO of D2L, to discuss the current state of the ed tech industry and the impact of AI on education. The conversation delves into how AI is being integrated into educational platforms to enhance both teaching and student experiences, the importance of responsible AI usage, and D2L's approach to AI innovation. Key topics also include faculty training, risk mitigation, and the future goals of AI in edtech.  00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:27 Personal Anecdotes and Learning Joy 01:10 AI's Role in Education 02:48 Innovations in Learning Platforms 06:48 Responsible AI Integration 11:55 Future Goals and Industry Trends 18:47 Advice for Higher Education Institutions 23:08 Conclusion and Farewell Music: Mixkit Duration: 24 minutes Transcript

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, host Rhea Kelly presents a keynote talk by Julia Freeland Fisher, the Director of Education Research at the Clayton Christensen Institute. Julia discusses the impacts of AI on social ties and the concept of social capital in education. She explores how AI can both challenge and enhance personal connections among students and educators. The presentation covers trends in AI companions, the rise of chatbots for college and career guidance, and offers recommendations for ensuring technology fosters rather than replaces human interactions in education. 00:00 Introduction to the Campus Technology Insider Podcast 00:20 Keynote Speaker Introduction: Julia Freeland Fisher 01:02 The Importance of Human Connection in the Age of AI 01:46 Defining Social Capital and Its Impact 07:31 The Role of AI in Education and Career Guidance 09:29 AI Companions: Disruption or Opportunity? 17:27 Research Findings on AI and Student Support 28:09 Balancing AI and Human Connection in Education 37:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resource links: Tech Tactics in Education: Overcoming Roadblocks to Innovation Music: Mixkit Duration: 41 minutes Transcript

In this episode of Campus Technology Insider Podcast Shorts, hosted by Rhea Kelly, we explore the latest in higher education technology. Highlights include Tripti Sinha taking over as president and CEO of Internet2, a report from Anthropic on how faculty utilize generative AI, and an MIT Media Lab report revealing the shortcomings of enterprise AI investments. For more in-depth stories and analysis on higher ed tech, visit campustechnology.com. 00:00 Introduction to Campus Technology Insider 00:15 New Leadership at Internet2 00:55 Generative AI in Academia 01:34 Enterprise AI Reality Check 02:05 Conclusion and Further Resources Source links: Internet2 Announces a New President and CEO to Step Up in October Top 3 Faculty Uses of Gen AI MIT Report: Most Organizations See No Business Return on Gen AI Investments   Campus Technology Insider Podcast Shorts are curated by humans and narrated by AI.

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, host Rhea Kelly speaks with Dr. Anthony Lee, president and CEO of Westcliff University, about the transformative role of AI in higher education. Dr. Lee shares insights on integrating AI into the curriculum, the development of in-house tools like Socratic Metric to enhance student engagement and combat plagiarism, and more. Discover the strategies Westcliff University employs to remain at the cutting edge of technology and prepare students for a future influenced by AI innovations. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:35 Dr. Anthony Lee's Background and University Priorities 02:02 Westcliff University's Approach to AI 03:27 AI in Education and Faculty Adoption 04:17 Linking AI to Workforce Readiness 06:05 Socratic Metric: In-House AI Tool 12:52 Challenges and Training for AI Tools 17:10 Broader AI Applications at Westcliff 20:03 Future of AI in Higher Education 22:10 Conclusion and Podcast Outro Music: Mixkit Duration: 23 minutes Transcript

In this edition of Campus Technology Insider Podcast Shorts, host Rhea Kelly covers the latest news in education technology. Highlights include the National Institute of Standards and Technology's new guidelines for securing AI systems, Wiley's introduction of innovative AI tools for the zyBooks platform to enhance STEM education, and Columbia Engineering's HyperQ, which virtualizes quantum computing for simultaneous user access. Tune in for more on these exciting developments. 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:15 NIST's New AI Security Guidelines 00:50 Wiley's AI Tools for STEM Education 01:18 Columbia Engineering's HyperQ Innovation 01:54 Conclusion and Further Resources Source links: NIST Proposes New Cybersecurity Guidelines for AI Systems Wiley Introduces New AI Courseware Tools Columbia Engineering Researchers Develop Cloud-Style Virtualization for Quantum Computing Campus Technology Insider Podcast Shorts are curated by humans and narrated by AI.

In this episode of Campus Technology Insider Podcast Shorts, Rhea Kelly discusses the rising adoption of AI among students and educators, according to a Quizlet survey. Additionally, the 1EdTech Consortium has published a report on effectively implementing learning analytics, and D2L has unveiled new AI features for D2L Lumi to enhance personalized learning. Stay tuned for more tech news in higher education. 00:00 Introduction to Campus Technology Insider 00:15 AI Adoption in Education: Survey Insights 00:47 Implementing Learning Analytics: A Step-by-Step Guide 01:28 D2L Lumi: New AI Features for Personalized Learning 02:02 Conclusion and Further Resources Source links: Student and Teacher AI Use Jumps Nearly 30% in One Year 1EdTech: 6 Keys to Effective Learning Analytics D2L Lumi AI Updates Add Personalized Study Supports Campus Technology Insider Podcast Shorts are curated by humans and narrated by AI.