Featured | Jun 10, 2025
Democratizing Continuing Education: Insights from Tagoras | CE App
Explore how Tagoras co-founders Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele are democratizing continuing education and addressing its biggest challenges.
In this comprehensive article, we delve into the insights shared by Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras, during an interview with Kyle Kahveci, founder of ACEA.
The discussion covers Tagoras' journey from its inception, the significant challenges in continuing education, such as reach, revenue, and impact, and identifying deeper issues within organizations' educational offerings.
We explore industry trends like artificial intelligence, the focus on learning beyond content, and strategies for holistically engaging learners. Additionally, the article examines the integration of certifications with learning initiatives, the importance of creating learning pathways, and the benefits of establishing successful partnerships and collaborations within the industry.
Watch the full interview with Jeff and Celisa on YouTube here.
Executive Summary
- Introduction to Continuous Learning: Importance of continuous learning in today's dynamic world, featuring insights from Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele of Tagoras, interviewed by Kyle Kahveci, founder of ACEA.
- ACEA and CE App Overview: CE App supports continuing education (CE) tracking, engagement, and compliance for associations and educators.
- Meet the Experts: Background of Jeff and Celisa, co-founders of Tagoras, and their mission to democratize education.
- Journey to Tagoras: Their transition from graduate school to the education technology space and founding Tagoras.
- Significant Challenges in Continuing Education Programs: Addressing reach, revenue, and impact in continuing education programs.
- Identifying Deeper Issues: Diagnostic approach to uncovering and solving underlying issues in educational offerings.
- Industry Trends: Enhancing learning through AI and creating comprehensive learning pathways.
- Engaging Learners Holistically: Importance of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural engagement in learning experiences.
- Certifications and Learning Initiatives: Integrating certifications with continuing education through cohesive programs.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Strategies for establishing successful and mutually beneficial industry partnerships.
Introduction
The Critical Role of Continuous Learning
In today's dynamic world, continuous learning and professional development are more crucial than ever. Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras, share their extensive journey and insights into how organizations can create impactful learning experiences. This in-depth interview, conducted by Kyle Kahveci, founder of ACEA, delves into their background, the challenges faced by educational organizations, emerging trends, and the innovative solutions that are shaping the future of education for associations and professional bodies.
ACEA offers the CE App, a software solution for continuing education (CE) tracking, engagement, and compliance for associations and educators. The CE App also helps professionals manage their required continuing education efficiently.
Meet the Experts
Introducing Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele
Jeff and Celisa are the co-founders of Tagoras, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations enhance their educational offerings.
Tagoras' Mission to Democratize Continuing Education
With nearly two decades of experience, they have a wealth of knowledge about lifelong learning, continuing education, and the effective use of learning technology. Their mission is to democratize education, ensuring access and impact for all learners.
The Journey to Tagoras
From Graduate School to Education Technology
Jeff and Celisa's journey began in graduate school, where they studied comparative literature. During the dot-com bubble, they ventured into education technology to make top-tier university lectures accessible to a broader audience.
Despite technological limitations at the time, their passion for making quality education widely available never wavered. This passion led them to focus on helping nonprofits and associations with learning management systems and, eventually, founding Tagoras.
"Our commitment has always been to support learning and democratize it as much as possible, ensuring no one is left behind." – Celisa
Overcoming Early Technological Challenges
Their initial company aimed to record and distribute lectures from top-tier university professors. Still, the technology was not yet ready for streaming large lectures online, so they sent out DVDs instead.
Despite the initial setbacks, their vision for democratizing education persisted, leading them to create solutions tailored to the unique needs of associations and nonprofit organizations.
"The idea was to capture that content and make it accessible beyond just the students at Chapel Hill. However, the technology wasn't quite there yet for streaming large lectures online, so DVDs were sent out instead." – Celisa
Jeff and Celisa's venture into the education technology space faced challenges due to the technological limitations of the time. As highlighted above, they initially sent DVDs to community colleges to make quality content accessible. This experience shaped their understanding of the educational needs of organizations and the importance of technology in learning.
"We left that company as it slowly imploded. It got a lot of venture capital but was too early for its business model. Jeff and I started a company together focused on helping nonprofits develop courses." – Celisa
Significant Challenges in Continuing Education
Kyle Kahveci: What significant challenges do professional associations and education providers face in maintaining effective learning programs, and what does that mean to you?
Major Hurdles in Professional Education Programs
Jeff explains that professional associations and education providers face three significant challenges: reach, revenue, and impact.
- Reach: Many organizations struggle to understand their learners' needs and communicate effectively. Often, they lack the right technology or strategies to reach their intended audience.
- Revenue: Ensuring programs remain financially viable requires optimal pricing and relevant learning experiences. Balancing cost with value is a persistent challenge.
- Impact: Measuring the true impact of learning programs goes beyond traditional methods and focuses on actual application and outcomes. This involves developing robust methods to assess whether learners are truly benefiting and applying what they have learned.
Jeff emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to evaluating learning programs, where the actual effect is measured by applying knowledge rather than just immediate reactions.
"If you can demonstrate that your learning experiences are making a difference, you will connect with new learners, retain old ones, and meet revenue goals. It's a virtuous cycle of reach, revenue, and impact." – Jeff
Identifying The Deeper Issues Faced By Associations and Organizations
Kyle Kahveci: Often, when organizations come to you with one challenge, you find underlying issues. Can you share a story about when an organization asked for something, but you found deeper issues and provided innovative solutions?
Uncovering Hidden Challenges in Continuing Education
When organizations come to Tagoras with specific requests, Jeff and Celisa often uncover underlying issues. In some scenarios, an organization might request a particular solution when they would instead benefit more from improving the awareness and positioning of their existing offerings.
"We often have organizations come to us with one pain point, like needing a micro-learning library. We find that they might actually need to reposition their existing offerings." – Jeff
Diagnostic Approach to Educational Solutions
Jeff highlights the importance of understanding actual market behaviors rather than relying solely on preferences expressed by learners. This approach allows for more strategic and practical solutions.
"We always emphasize looking at actual behaviors in the market rather than just asking people what they prefer." – Jeff
Celisa added that their initial work with organizations is often diagnostic, understanding their situation fully before suggesting alternatives.
"Often, our initial work with organizations is diagnostic. Understanding their situation fully before suggesting alternatives is crucial. They might be down one path, but a different approach might provide better results." – Celisa
Analysing Industry Trends and the Future of Learning
Kyle Kahveci: What are some of the most significant shifts and trends in continuing education and professional development that you think will have a lasting impact?
Celisa highlights two significant trends in continuing education: artificial intelligence (AI) and the focus on learning beyond content.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Continuing Education
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can potentially enhance both the efficiency and quality of learning. While there is much speculation, strategic implementation of AI can lead to just-in-time learning and personalized experiences.
Celisa points out that AI can be used quantitatively and qualitatively to improve efficiency and enhance the learning experience.
Beyond Content: Creating Holistic Learning Pathways
Learning is more than just delivering content. It involves creating pathways, offering credentials, and providing nudges to ensure learners apply their learning.
Celisa elaborates on the importance of guiding learners through pathways that include stackable credentials and continuous support.
Approaches to Engage Learners Holistically
Kyle Kahveci: Engagement in learning goes beyond content consumption. It's an entire lifecycle. Successful organizations view it holistically, considering engagement before, during, and after content consumption. Can you define successful engagement in the learning context and talk through some strategies and maybe stories of how associations and educators can boost learner engagement?
Defining Successful Learner Engagement
Successful engagement in learning extends beyond content consumption. Jeff and Celisa emphasize the importance of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement before, during, and after learning experiences. They share examples of how logistical support, like providing family rooms at conferences, can significantly enhance learning outcomes.
"The full learning experience is critical. Observing places like Disney World can teach organizations about creating engaging experiences." – Kyle
Celisa highlights the multifaceted nature of learner engagement, drawing from definitions and strategies to enhance it.
"Defining learner engagement is crucial. Taking inspiration from The Glossary of Education Reform, we can define learner engagement as: 'The degree of attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion learners show when learning, which extends to the level of motivation they have to learn and progress.'" – Celisa
She breaks down engagement into cognitive (thinking), emotional (feeling), and behavioral (doing) components, emphasizing the need for comprehensive engagement strategies.
Real-World Examples of Effective Engagement in Continuing Education
Jeff shares an example of how Tagoras works closely with subject matter experts and presenters to ensure meaningful connections with learners.
"We spend time with our presenters before events, having initial content calls followed by dry runs. This helps them connect with the audience meaningfully. We tweak their presentations to emphasize key content and incorporate stories. This approach is crucial for effective learning and engagement." – Jeff
The Role of Certifications and Learning Initiatives
Kyle Kahveci: We work with many certification programs, some requiring continuing education for recertification. How can certifications integrate learning initiatives effectively?
Integrating Certifications with Continuing Education
Certifications are increasingly integrated with continuing education. Jeff explains that straightforward, cohesive certification programs aligned with market needs are essential. He shares an example of how mapping out competencies and learning experiences supported a certification program at NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement.
"We mapped out a matrix of all the different competencies, knowledge areas, and learning experiences and how they mapped to the certification." – Jeff
Jeff emphasizes that education should not purely serve the test but provide real value to learners.
Creating Value Through Learning Pathways
He also highlights the importance of creating learning pathways that support certification and provide value to learners.
"One of the things that grew out of that was the notion of pathways. We mentioned pathways earlier, but these learning pathways support certification. We mapped out a matrix of all the different competencies, knowledge areas, and learning experiences and how they mapped to the certification." – Jeff
Advice on Successful Partnerships and Collaborations
Kyle Kahveci: Partnerships can be a game-changer. What advice would you give to organizations seeking successful and mutually beneficial collaborations within their industry?
Strategies for Effective Industry Partnerships
Effective partnerships can significantly enhance educational offerings. Celisa advises organizations to have clear objectives, assess fit, and ensure mutually beneficial outcomes when entering alliances.
"Consider partnerships as one alternative among many. Enter them with eyes wide open to the risks and benefits." – Celisa
Examples of Win-Win-Win Partnerships
She provides examples of successful partnerships, like those between SHRM or PMI and academic institutions, which benefit all parties involved.
"For example, SHRM or PMI partnering with academic institutions makes sense because it benefits both parties and the learners. Certification helps with degrees and employability, creating a win-win-win situation." – Celisa
Jeff adds that successful partnerships often require clear communication and alignment of goals to ensure mutual benefits.
"Partnerships can be a game-changer. Be clear about your objectives when considering a partnership. Assess fit up front to ensure a win-win-win scenario (for both partners and learners) and weigh alternatives." – Jeff
Closing Remarks
The Vital Role of Continuing Education
Jeff emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and the role of continuing education in personal and professional growth.
"Continuing education is vital to our success as individuals and communities. It's important to raise its visibility and invest in it." – Jeff
Importance of the Third Sector of Education
Jeff and Celisa also emphasized the importance of the third sector of education, which includes lifelong learning beyond K-12 and higher education.
"One thing we didn't cover is the third sector of education, which includes lifelong learning beyond K-12 and higher education. This sector is crucial and serves more people than any other. The organizations listening to this are part of that sector, and we need to acknowledge and invest in it appropriately." – Jeff
Resources and Connecting with Tagoras
Kyle Kahveci: Do you suggest any tools, books, or resources? How can folks connect with you?
Tagoras offers numerous free resources to support learning businesses. From their weekly podcast to free webinars and tools like the Learning Business Maturity Model, Jeff and Celisa are committed to sharing their knowledge.
Free Tools and Resources for Learning Businesses:
- Leading Learning Podcast
- Learning Business Maturity Model
- Free webinars and courses on their website
How to Connect with Tagoras for Further Insights
Celisa highlights the various free tools on their website, designed to help organizations assess and improve their educational offerings.
"We have many free tools on our site, including models and frameworks like the Learning Business Maturity Model market assessment tools and portfolio assessment tools. These are all free and easily accessible." – Celisa
Conclusion
Summarizing the Importance of Addressing Educational Challenges
Continuing education is vital for personal and professional growth. Organizations can create more effective learning programs by addressing the challenges identified by Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, such as reach, revenue, and impact. Their diagnostic approach helps uncover deeper issues, ensuring that educational offerings are well-positioned and impactful. This comprehensive understanding of the market and learner needs sets the foundation for creating meaningful and lasting educational experiences.
Leveraging Trends to Enhance Learning Experiences
The future of learning is shaped by emerging trends such as artificial intelligence and the focus on learning beyond content. Jeff and Celisa highlight the potential of AI to improve both the efficiency and quality of learning, offering personalized and just-in-time learning experiences. By creating holistic learning pathways and integrating certifications, organizations can provide value beyond the mere delivery of content. These strategies foster deeper engagement and ensure learning is a continuous, impactful process.
For more insights and resources, visit ACEA and CE App.
Disclaimer: This post contains a modified transcript and is not a verbatim representation of the speakers' words. It is intended to capture the essence of the ideas discussed. For the complete context, please refer to the original interview linked herein. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect our organization's official policy or position.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
What Is Continuing Education And Why Is It Important?
Continuing education refers to learning pursued after formal schooling to stay current in one’s field, meet professional licensing requirements, or gain new skills. It supports career advancement, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
How Is Artificial Intelligence Transforming Continuing Education?
Artificial intelligence is making education more personalized and efficient. It enables just-in-time learning, adaptive content delivery, automated assessments, and tailored learning experiences based on user behavior.
What Are The Biggest Challenges In Continuing Education Programs Today?
Common challenges include reaching the right learners, generating sustainable revenue, and measuring real-world impact. Many organizations also struggle with outdated technology and lack of strategic alignment.
What Is A CEU Tracker And How Does It Help Professionals?
A CEU tracker helps professionals log, manage, and submit their continuing education units (CEUs) for license renewal or certification maintenance. CE App offers tools to simplify this process for both individuals and organizations.
How Can Learning Pathways Improve Continuing Education Outcomes?
Learning pathways provide structured progress toward specific skills or certifications. They help learners understand what to do next, stay motivated, and achieve outcomes more effectively through guided sequencing.
What Role Do Certifications Play In Continuing Education?
Certifications validate knowledge and skills while encouraging ongoing professional development. When integrated with learning initiatives, they add structure and provide clear goals for learners.
How Can Associations Increase Learner Engagement In Their CE Programs?
Engagement goes beyond content and includes emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components. Tactics like storytelling, learner feedback loops, and community interaction can boost participation and outcomes.
What Strategies Help Organizations Build Better Education Partnerships?
Effective partnerships start with shared goals, aligned expectations, and clear communication. Collaborating with institutions, subject matter experts, or technology providers can extend reach and improve program quality.
What Models Or Frameworks Can Help Improve Learning Businesses?
Frameworks like the Learning Business Maturity Model (developed by Tagoras) help organizations assess their strengths, identify gaps, and guide strategic improvements in learning delivery and impact.
