
THE OFFICIAL
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Joe Way, PhD, CTS
In the realm of education, few figures stand as prominently as Joe Way, PhD, CTS. As a leading visionary in the field, Joe has spent over three decades transforming educational landscapes through his expertise in technology, technical production, the arts, organizational leadership, and management. His impact is profound, positioning him as an inspiration for those striving to identify how education is perceived and delivered.
Joe's journey began in the vibrant world of arts and technical production, where his passion for technology and education first took root. Over the years, he has seamlessly blended these interests with project management, business development, and higher education leadership, culminating in a career that is as diverse as it is influential. Today, Joe serves as the executive director of digital spaces at UCLA, where he oversees audiovisual and event teams, ensuring the seamless integration of technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
A true thought leader, Joe also co-founded the Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance (HETMA), where he served as inaugural chair. This nonprofit advocacy organization champions the interests of the audiovisual industry within higher education, ensuring that institutions remain at the cutting edge of technology and innovation. Through keynote speaking, event management, podcasting, and writing, Joe represents the higher education vertical with unparalleled expertise and passion.
Joe's contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized as the 2019 AV Professional of the Year and named an AV Living Legend. His influence extends beyond the AV industry, as evidenced by his inclusion in the Top 50 UC Professionals and Top 30 Higher Ed IT Influencers List. These accolades are a testament to his dedication to pushing boundaries and redefining the possibilities of education.
One of Joe's greatest professional accomplishments is his work in promoting equity and accessibility within education. His current research focuses on integrating augmented reality, blockchain, and the metaverse into learning space design, fostering environments that are inclusive and sustainable. Joe's commitment to diversity is further exemplified by his founding of a scholarship program for women and underrepresented demographics in the industry, paving the way for future leaders in the field.
As the editor-in-chief of Higher Ed AV Media and the author of the bestselling book, Producing Worship, Joe’s influence reaches far and wide. His insights have become a cornerstone for professionals seeking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education and technology. He serves on various advisory boards, lending his expertise to shape the future of audiovisual technology and higher education.
Joe's passion for evolution in higher education is unwavering. He firmly believes that institutions must adapt to remain relevant and accessible to all. By infusing business principles into college campus operations, Joe has been instrumental in transforming educational institutions into dynamic, forward-thinking entities.
In this Q&A, Joe gives us a glimpse into how he is revolutionizing the way we think about and experience education.
Joe, you’re known as a visionary in the EdTech industry—and with good reason. Before we dive in, can you share a bit about your career and background?
I’ve been a leader and director in various organizations for about 25 years. My career began in the entertainment industry, focusing on audio-visual work in TV, film, and music. However, I always had a keen interest in higher education. After earning my PhD, I transitioned to higher ed in 2016, bringing together my passions for education and technology. I noticed a lack of advocacy for ed tech and AV professionals, so I co-founded HETMA and started an AV podcast to address this gap.
Around the same time, I was asked to evaluate campuses from an enterprise perspective, a novel approach within AV. At USC, I designed hybrid learning environments, such as the Zoom Room, long before the pandemic. While initially met with skepticism, these innovations earned awards and proved crucial during COVID. Now, I’m doing similar work on a larger scale at UCLA as part of our enterprise Digital Campus Roadmap initiative, mentoring others in higher education and ed tech, and helping them succeed in their careers.
You have a unique background that blends tech, project management, brand development, higher ed, and entertainment. How is this reflected in your work to help universities and students thrive?
My diverse background helps me view education from the student experience perspective, allowing me to create solutions that align university missions with today's generation. With the looming "enrollment cliff" caused by later family planning and doubts about the value of college education, universities must adapt to survive. To thrive, schools must embrace innovative technology and AI to create virtual, immersive campus experiences.
Students grew up with iPads, and platforms like TikTok and Instagram are popular because they are relatable. Universities should no longer be mere sellers of information. Most undergrads believe they can learn more from YouTube than traditional classes. We must give them a reason to attend college by offering interactive, tech-savvy learning experiences that connect with their identities. They don't want to sit in large auditoriums; they want to learn from anywhere, collaborate with peers, and engage with campus life. The work I'm doing may seem extreme, but it could very well represent the future of education, helping higher education remain relevant in a changing society.
One exciting project you’re working on is creating a “virtual digital twin” learning experience for students, integrating augmented reality, blockchain, and the metaverse into learning space design. Can you share some of this and how universities and students can thrive together?
The "virtual digital twin" project aims to give remote students the same college experience as those on campus. Through VR goggles or online events, students can attend games, classes, and interact with peers. This approach could reduce the need for multiple course sections, improving sustainability and managing tuition growth. Many students thrive in virtual environments, whether at home or in a café.
Universities currently have limited capacity, capping revenue. By leveraging hybrid learning and virtual classrooms, they can significantly increase student numbers and revenue. Museums are already creating immersive virtual experiences; higher education can do the same. Imagine a history class with LED walls that place students in the Battle of Gettysburg, making them feel and hear the event. Dorm rooms could also be transformed to allow remote students to experience dorm life through video or VR.
These innovations could revolutionize learning and enhance the appeal of college campuses, and they are exactly what I’m working on to shape the future of education.
Joe Way, PhD, CTS
Co-Founder of HETMA
Executive Director of Digital Spaces at UCLA
Website: https://josiahway.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/josiahway
Facebook: www.facebook.com/josiahway
Instagram: www.instagram.com/josiahway