The Element451 team got the chance to attend EDUCAUSE 2023 in Chicago from October 9-12. Our team spent their days connecting with institutions and learning about top IT trends and challenges.

The Element451 booth was buzzing with excitement over the latest AI offerings that promise to tackle some of these important higher ed challenges.

Together with attendees, we dug deep into the new, exciting ways tech and AI are changing how we approach issues like talent shortages, disparate data, and changing student expectations.

Participants got to see our latest AI innovations, like our 24/7 conversational chatbot, BoltBot, in action. They also witnessed our campaign wizard, Bolt Copilot, create a segmented multi-email and SMS sequence in minutes.

At EDUCAUSE 2023, the primary focus was on enhancing the student journey by harnessing the potential of technology, underscored by the importance of utilizing data to refine the decision-making and functioning of institutions.

These discussions highlighted the need for a seamless and personalized student experience driven by technological advancements and the critical role of data analytics in optimizing how colleges operate.

Other dominant topics were information security and keeping campus and student data secure. We were lucky to be able to connect with institutions from across the country and share insights into different trends we're noticing across educational technology.

And, of course, how to think about AI and what it's adoption means for higher ed was certainly on the forefront of everyone's minds.

Top IT Issues of 2023

In coordination with the conference's main session, EDUCAUSE releases a list of the top IT issues based on the responses of presidents, chancellors, provosts, CBOs, and other senior-most institutional leaders. The 2023 EDUCAUSE Top IT Issues list forms the basis for three building blocks institutions can stand on as they move into 2024:

• Leadership
• Data
• Work and Learning

Issues like cost management, financial health, online learning, affordability, and information security were among the most challenging for institutions that struggled this past year.

As institutions strive to continue their good work, they will need wise leadership and decision-making around retaining talent, fostering healthy work environments, and fostering a true partnership with IT leadership in strategic planning.

Institutions will also need to quickly adapt to a data-first model for all departments. Privacy and cybersecurity will continue to remain critical issues, and creating a smoother tech experience for today's digital-savvy students will be key to creating a frictionless student experience.

At the center of these challenges will be converting data analytics into strategic operational and institutional plans guided by facts and figures, not mere opinion or "what we've always done."

Finally, schools must take another look at what it means to work and learn in the age of online and hybrid classrooms and offices, coupled with new IT support structures.

Our partners at Wake Technical Community College were highlighted in the Top Ten session due to their innovative cross-functional care teams. These teams provide comprehensive advising, a clear path to graduation or transfer, workforce development programs, success coaching, direct access to campus resources, career services, and robust veteran support.

How schools position themselves around these issues will be the deciding factor as to whether they are successful or continue to struggle.

Solving the Top Issues with AI

One main questioned repeated at the Top Ten issues session was, "How do we make the best use of AI to benefit higher education?"

We believe AI can play a significant role in addressing the most pressing challenges.

1. Leadership: AI can assist institutional leaders by providing data-driven insights for decision-making.
   
   It can analyze trends, student behaviors, and resource allocation, helping leaders make informed choices to retain talent and foster a healthy work environment.
   
2. Data: AI excels in data processing and analysis. It can help institutions adapt to a data-first model by organizing and interpreting vast amounts of data, especially if integrated into systems like an AI-powered CRM.
   This is crucial for privacy and cybersecurity, ensuring that sensitive information is safeguarded.
   
3. Work and Learning: AI-powered systems can enhance the student experience in online and hybrid classrooms.
   
   Around-the-clock chatbots can provide quick and personalized responses to student inquiries, replicating the kind of support they expect from digital-savvy brands.
   
   Additionally, AI can optimize IT support structures, making tech-related issues smoother for both staff and students.

AI is already helping institutions leverage data to make better decisions, improve the student experience, and streamline operations. Whether an institution merely survives or actually thrives will hinge on its readiness to embrace this era of technology and innovation.

Thank you to EDUCAUSE for another wonderful year of innovation and inspiration. The Element451 team had a great time in Chicago and we hope to see everyone again next year!

To see how Element451's AI-powered CRM can help your institution thrive, schedule a demo with us and see how it works.