Latest / Higher Ed Marketing Insider / Holiday Videos & Higher Ed Trends 2024: Personalization, Tech, and Innovation - Blog Roundup 20241219

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Holiday Videos & Higher Ed Trends 2024: Personalization, Tech, and Innovation - Blog Roundup 20241219 · Higher Ed Marketing Insider

• 0:00
  Jack: Welcome back, everybody.
• 0:00
  Jack: We're diving into a blog roundup today, all about school holiday videos in 2024.
• 0:06
  Jack: Oh, this will be fun.
• 0:07
  Jack: It looks like a lot of schools are getting really creative.
• 0:10
  Jill: Yeah, definitely more than just simple greetings these days.
• 0:13
  Jack: Right.
• 0:13
  Jack: Like we saw in the Celebrate the Season blog, highlighting college videos.
• 0:17
  Jill: The one from the University of Louisville was great.
• 0:20
  Jill: Using their mascot, Louis the Cardinal, to spread some cheer.
• 0:24
  Jack: It's a good way to get students excited.
• 0:25
  Jill: And show off that school spirit, for sure.
• 0:27
  Jack: Definitely.
• 0:27
  Jack: And then you have schools like Georgia State University's College of the Arts taking a different approach.
• 0:32
  Jill: Oh, right.
• 0:33
  Jill: With that animation made by their students.
• 0:35
  Jack: Yeah.
• 0:35
  Jack: Showcasing their talent in a unique way.
• 0:38
  Jill: A nice way to celebrate the season.
• 0:39
  Jack: For sure.
• 0:40
  Jack: And speaking of unique, the University of Michigan's video stood out to me.
• 0:45
  Jill: What was special about that one?
• 0:47
  Jack: They focused on their tree lighting ceremony and their partnership with a children's hospital.
• 0:53
  Jill: Oh, that's sweet.
• 0:54
  Jill: Highlighting their community impact.
• 0:56
  Jack: Exactly.
• 0:57
  Jack: And then some schools are thinking even further outside the box.
• 1:00
  Jill: Like who?
• 1:01
  Jack: The University of Toronto used TikTok to talk about exam stress.
• 1:04
  Jill: Oh, wow.
• 1:06
  Jill: During the holidays.
• 1:07
  Jack: Yeah.
• 1:07
  Jack: And they offered support to students, too.
• 1:09
  Jill: That's actually really smart.
• 1:10
  Jill: Shows they get what students are going through.
• 1:12
  Jack: For sure.
• 1:14
  Jack: Then there's McTavish High School using video to promote their Winter Wonderland dance.
• 1:18
  Jill: And classic.
• 1:19
  Jack: But a good way to get everyone pumped for the event.
• 1:21
  Jill: Definitely.
• 1:22
  Jill: And beyond the content itself, it's cool to see the tech being used.
• 1:27
  Jack: The Roundup mentions some schools experimenting with virtual reality.
• 1:30
  Jill: Oh wow.
• 1:31
  Jill: Like which ones?
• 1:32
  Jack: Schooled and schooled.
• 1:33
  Jack: I think they were pushing the limits a bit.
• 1:35
  Jill: Makes sense.
• 1:36
  Jill: And of course, can't forget about TikTok and
• 1:39
  Jack: YouTube.
• 1:39
  Jack: Huge platforms for reaching wider audiences.
• 1:41
  Jill: For sure.
• 1:42
  Jill: Glenbard North High School used TikTok for their holiday spirit week.
• 1:45
  Jack: Nice.
• 1:46
  Jack: And the University of West England Bristol showed off their campus decorations on YouTube.
• 1:51
  Jill: It's interesting, though, how not all students engage with tech the same way.
• 1:55
  Jack: Oh, right.
• 1:56
  Jack: You're thinking of that blog post on generational differences in online learning.
• 2:01
  Jill: Yeah, exactly.
• 2:03
  Jill: Like Gen Z, they're super comfortable online.
• 2:05
  Jill: Well, the post mentioned they can be less satisfied with things like how quickly schools give them feedback.
• 2:11
  Jack: Huh.
• 2:12
  Jack: That's an interesting point for schools to keep in mind.
• 2:14
  Jill: Absolutely.
• 2:15
  Jill: Gotta make sure everyone feels included and supported, no matter how they learn best.
• 2:21
  Jack: Now, on a different note, the blog roundup also brought up some controversy around these holiday videos.
• 2:26
  Jill: Oh, yeah.
• 2:27
  Jill: Like what?
• 2:28
  Jack: Well, some people are worried about the cost.
• 2:30
  Jill: Yeah.
• 2:31
  Jack: Especially for schools with smaller budgets.
• 2:34
  Jill: Makes sense.
• 2:35
  Jill: Not everyone can afford those big productions.
• 2:37
  Jack: Right.
• 2:37
  Jack: And it could create a divide between the haves and have nots.
• 2:40
  Jill: That's a good point.
• 2:41
  Jill: Something to think about.
• 2:42
  Jack: And then there's the whole question of authenticity.
• 2:44
  Jill: Oh, yeah.
• 2:45
  Jill: Sometimes those super polished videos can feel a bit impersonal.
• 2:49
  Jack: Like they're more about marketing than actual celebration.
• 2:51
  Jill: Exactly.
• 2:52
  Jill: It's a tricky balance for schools.
• 2:53
  Jack: Definitely.
• 2:54
  Jack: And that leads to another question that some people are asking.
• 2:57
  Jill: What's that?
• 2:58
  Jack: What's the real purpose of these videos?
• 2:59
  Jill: You mean like, are they truly about the holidays or more about branding and publicity?
• 3:04
  Jack: Exactly.
• 3:05
  Jack: It's a valid debate.
• 3:06
  Jill: Definitely schools need to be upfront about their intentions.
• 3:09
  Jack: And make sure their actions match their words.
• 3:12
  Jill: For sure.
• 3:13
  Jill: So we see the good, the creative, and the controversial.
• 3:15
  Jack: Quite a mix.
• 3:16
  Jack: What stands out to you as the most important takeaway so far?
• 3:19
  Jill: I think schools need to be really mindful.
• 3:22
  Jill: These videos have potential, but they have to be made with a clear purpose.
• 3:27
  Jack: And sensitivity to their communities.
• 3:29
  Jill: Absolutely.
• 3:30
  Jill: Can't forget about that.
• 3:31
  Jack: Couldn't agree more.
• 3:33
  Jack: We'll be back in a moment to continue our deep dive into the world of higher education in 2024.
• 3:38
  Jill: It's kind of funny how these holiday videos tie into a bigger thing about communication in higher ed.
• 3:44
  Jack: How so?
• 3:45
  Jill: Well, schools are using all these different ways to reach students, right?
• 3:49
  Jack: Like we were talking about texting earlier.
• 3:50
  Jill: Right, and the Roundup actually included a post about best practices for texting in higher ed.
• 3:56
  Jack: Oh yeah, I remember that one.
• 3:58
  Jack: It seems like a simple thing, but apparently there's a right and wrong way to do it.
• 4:01
  Jill: Definitely.
• 4:02
  Jill: The post really stressed that texting should be treated like any other official communication from the school.
• 4:08
  Jill: Like it needs to be clear and concise and all that.
• 4:11
  Jill: You know, respecting students time.
• 4:13
  Jack: Right.
• 4:14
  Jack: And getting consent before sending anything.
• 4:16
  Jill: Exactly.
• 4:16
  Jill: And making sure students can opt out if they want.
• 4:19
  Jack: Basically just being mindful of their preferences.
• 4:21
  Jill: Yeah, for sure.
• 4:22
  Jill: Nobody wants to be bombarded with texts.
• 4:24
  Jack: So it's about finding that balance between keeping students informed and not overwhelming them.
• 4:30
  Jill: Absolutely.
• 4:31
  Jill: Now switching gears a bit, let's talk about guided pathways.
• 4:34
  Jack: Oh yeah.
• 4:35
  Jack: That was another big topic in the roundup.
• 4:37
  Jill: Yeah, they even had a post about how this whole approach needs to evolve for the future.
• 4:42
  Jack: Right, and I remember they talked about some of the challenges community colleges are facing.
• 4:45
  Jill: Especially with things like staffing declines and the need for more remote services.
• 4:50
  Jack: Yeah, it seems like they're having trouble keeping up with everything.
• 4:53
  Jill: Well that's where technology can help.
• 4:54
  Jack: How so?
• 4:55
  Jill: The post highlighted tools like EAB's Navigate 360 platform.
• 5:00
  Jack: What does that do?
• 5:00
  Jack: It
• 5:00
  Jill: helps colleges streamline things and provide more personalized support to students even remotely.
• 5:06
  Jack: So basically using tech to overcome those staffing and distance barriers?
• 5:10
  Jill: Exactly.
• 5:11
  Jill: It can give students 2047 access to resources and help colleges track their progress better.
• 5:17
  Jack: Sounds pretty useful.
• 5:19
  Jack: But even with the best tech, some programs still face unique challenges.
• 5:24
  Jill: Like what?
• 5:25
  Jack: Well, the Roundup had a post specifically about late generation for healthcare and nursing programs.
• 5:31
  Jill: Oh, yeah.
• 5:33
  Jill: Those are tough right now.
• 5:34
  Jack: Definitely.
• 5:35
  Jack: The pandemic really shook things up in the healthcare industry.
• 5:38
  Jill: Plus, you've got all that competition from for profit and online providers.
• 5:42
  Jill: It's
• 5:42
  Jack: a crowded market for sure.
• 5:44
  Jack: And the post mentioned that students are being more cautious too.
• 5:47
  Jill: What do you mean?
• 5:47
  Jack: They're doing more research before committing to a program.
• 5:49
  Jack: They're
• 5:50
  Jill: becoming like little detectives.
• 5:51
  Jack: Right.
• 5:52
  Jack: The Post even called them stealth shoppers.
• 5:54
  Jill: Because they're gathering intel, but not giving up their contact info.
• 5:57
  Jack: Exactly.
• 5:58
  Jack: So healthcare programs have to adapt to attract these stealthy students.
• 6:02
  Jill: Oh.
• 6:03
  Jack: Well, the Post suggested things like diversifying their approaches and leveraging dynamic led sources.
• 6:08
  Jill: Okay.
• 6:08
  Jill: And
• 6:09
  Jack: creating those personalized journeys for prospective students.
• 6:12
  Jill: It's all about making them feel seen and heard.
• 6:14
  Jill: Right.
• 6:14
  Jill: Exactly.
• 6:15
  Jack: Right, like they're not just another face in the crowd.
• 6:17
  Jill: Exactly.
• 6:18
  Jill: You gotta make it personal.
• 6:20
  Jack: Seems like higher ed in general is becoming more focused on that individual student experience.
• 6:25
  Jill: I think you're right.
• 6:25
  Jill: It's not just about throwing information at them anymore.
• 6:29
  Jack: It's about meeting them where they are and understanding their unique needs.
• 6:32
  Jill: Absolutely.
• 6:33
  Jack: Yeah.
• 6:34
  Jill: And tech is playing a big role in making that happen.
• 6:36
  Jack: Totally enabling those personalized approaches and support systems.
• 6:40
  Jill: It's definitely an exciting time to be in higher education.
• 6:43
  Jack: Lots of innovation.
• 6:44
  Jack: And a real commitment to student success.
• 6:46
  Jill: Couldn't agree more.
• 6:48
  Jill: So, as we wrap up part two, what's the one big takeaway you'd like our listeners to think about?
• 6:52
  Jack: Hmm, good question.
• 6:55
  Jack: I think it's the interconnectedness of all these topics.
• 6:58
  Jill: Like how holiday videos and guided pathways and even SEO all relate to student success.
• 7:04
  Jack: Exactly.
• 7:05
  Jack: It shows how schools are pulling out all the stops to help students reach their goals.
• 7:09
  Jill: And how tech is weaving its way into every aspect of that effort.
• 7:13
  Jack: Absolutely.
• 7:13
  Jack: It's a fascinating landscape that's constantly evolving.
• 7:16
  Jill: Couldn't have said it better myself.
• 7:18
  Jill: We'll be back in a moment to finish up our deep dive and leave our listeners with some final thoughts.
• 7:23
  Jack: Wow, we covered a lot of ground in this deep dive into higher education trends for 2024.
• 7:28
  Jill: It's been quite a journey, from holiday videos, to texting strategies, to student success initiatives, and even search engine optimization.
• 7:37
  Jack: And while we explored a bunch of different areas, it feels like there's a common thread running through it all.
• 7:42
  Jill: I agree.
• 7:43
  Jill: It seems like higher education is becoming more and more focused on the individual student experience.
• 7:48
  Jack: Absolutely.
• 7:49
  Jack: Schools are finally recognizing that students have different needs and preferences.
• 7:53
  Jill: And they're adapting their approaches to match.
• 7:55
  Jack: Exactly.
• 7:56
  Jack: Like we saw with those holiday videos, some schools are using them to connect with students in a more personal way.
• 8:01
  Jill: And then you have the emphasis on personalized learning in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
• 8:06
  Jill: Right.
• 8:06
  Jack: It's not just about lectures and textbooks anymore.
• 8:09
  Jill: And even those best practices for texting and the strategies for guided pathways, they all emphasize understanding individual student needs.
• 8:17
  Jack: It's clear.
• 8:18
  Jack: That higher ed is moving away from that one size fits all approach.
• 8:22
  Jill: Tour is a more student centered model.
• 8:24
  Jack: And technology is a big part of that shift.
• 8:27
  Jill: Definitely.
• 8:27
  Jill: It's helping schools personalize the learning experience and provide support that's tailored to each student.
• 8:33
  Jack: It's really exciting to see these positive changes happening in higher ed.
• 8:36
  Jill: For sure.
• 8:37
  Jill: There's so much innovation.
• 8:38
  Jill: And a real commitment to student success.
• 8:42
  Jack: So as we wrap up this deep dive, what's the one big takeaway you want our listeners to ponder?
• 8:47
  Jill: I think it's this.
• 8:49
  Jill: The future of higher education is about more than just delivering knowledge.
• 8:53
  Jack: It's about empowering students to become lifelong learners.
• 8:56
  Jill: Exactly.
• 8:57
  Jill: To help them become critical thinkers and engaged citizens who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.
• 9:02
  Jack: That's a powerful thought and a perfect note to end on.
• 9:05
  Jill: I agree.
• 9:05
  Jill: It's been great exploring all this with you.
• 9:07
  Jack: The pleasure was all mine.
• 9:09
  Jack: And to our listeners, thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the world of higher education.
• 9:14
  Jack: We encourage you to share your own thoughts and experiences with us on social media.
• 9:18
  Jack: What resonated with you most?
• 9:19
  Jack: What questions do you still have?
• 9:21
  Jack: Let's keep the conversation going.