Using Ed Tech to Boost Enrollments

Over the past two years, we have become more adaptable, as universities, educational institutions, learners, students and teachers continue to utilize some of the changes as a result of social distancing and lockdowns. 

Everything from virtual conferencing platforms to LMS systems and other EdTech tools are used in schools across the globe to make education accessible, providing students with the resources they need to attend classes, collaborate, and engage with their learning.

According to Grand View Research, educational technology as an industry is growing exponentially, valued at almost 107 billion USD in 2020, and projected to climb at a rate of 20% year over year through to 2028. Everything from AI and VR-integrated tech to game-based learning contributes to this booming industry.

How can EdTech help promote your programs?

If tech can succeed in the classroom, expanding it for recruitment can lead to opportunities.

Here are three ways to use EdTech to market your programs:

• Micro-credentialing

Micro-credentialing allows students to complete short skills-based programs in less time than traditional programs, often known as “accelerators.”

Some can be completed in as little as six months and are 100% online. The skills gained can be used immediately in their current roles or leveraged to stand out to future employers.

They are designed for students who want to advance their careers or transition into a new field — and for those wanting to pursue a complete degree.

Target student audiences overlap for micro-credentials and full degree programs, such as a master’s degree. Micro-credentials can be stand-alone credentials or serve as a stepping stone to a full degree.

When marketing these programs, stressing the online convenience, a shorter path to gain marketable skills, and the fact that they can be a catalyst for a complete degree is crucial to tapping into the “want now” culture we live in.

These courses will appeal to 'mid-careerers', who have decided to return to education after working for a few years. The convenience and flexibility allowed by ed tech means they can carry on almost as normal, while studying. 

With the onset of the pandemic, the need for these types of educational credentials could increase enrollment. Now, more than ever before is the time for students to pursue a new education and solidify their futures.

• Webinars

Webinars are a great way to market your programs and make connections. Typically held over Zoom or other video conferencing platforms, prospective students can be part of a real-time presentation of your school or programs.

“We Mean Business: Explore Our MBA,” “How a Nursing Degree Opens Doors,” and “Our Campus Community and You” are all examples of webinars that can leverage your recruitment efforts.

WATCH: Catch up with our State of Student Recruitment webinars, which unveils data from a survey of 20,000 prospective students

Usually, the facilitator opens a Q&A session, and it’s an opportunity to encourage people to apply or fill out a request for information. It’s a connection-builder with program directors and faculty, admissions, and current students.

These web-based presentations do something more: they generate qualified leads.

When prospective students register for a webinar, they provide valuable contact information for your CRM. After the webinar, you can develop an email drip campaign with follow-ups with links to blogs, in-person events, and give them their admission counselor's contact information.

Also, make sure to record the session and post it on social media and your website.

• Podcasts

Podcasting has been around for nearly 20 years, but with social media, influencers, and evolving technology, it is predicted that 135 million people will listen to at least one podcast a month in 2023.

This is not a secret to higher education institutions, but what kinds of podcasts can you promote?

Interview faculty with expertise on specific subject matters to create a credible podcast, such as “The Future of Remote Work." What is your school known for? If your school of education is regionally prominent, create a podcast about teacher burnout in your state. Known for sports? Create a podcast about how student-athletes juggle homework and games.

Creating a podcast takes time and resources. Recruit current students to help and ask academic departments with tech-savviness to help with your project.

Hybrid-learning will define the American schooling system in the coming years so you have to be prepared to smoothly integrate it into your courses and look at what ed-tech measures you have in place to ensure all students learn to their full potential. 

Being able to offer students who may not be able to integrate fully into full campus learning by bettering your ed-tech offerings will put you in favor with this new untouched market.