In this episode Lorilyn Owens, director of Innovation Programs and Member Services, talks about the new Oracle Academy Community, a dedicated online space for Oracle Academy members and ambassadors. This vibrant community will empower participants to connect, share best practices, and access resources tailored to their academic and professional journeys. Tune in as we provide a comprehensive overview of the community's features, opportunities for engagement, and how you can make the most of this collaborative environment designed to support your success within the Oracle Academy network.
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Episode Transcript:
00;00;09;02 - 00;00;28;18
Speaker 1
Welcome to the Oracle Academy Tech Chat. This podcast provides educators and students in-depth discussions with thought leaders around computer science, cloud technologies, and software design to help students on their journey to becoming industry ready technology leaders of the future. Let's get started.
00;00;28;21 - 00;00;57;26
Speaker 2
Welcome to Oracle Academy Textured, where we discuss how Oracle Academy prepares this next generation's workforce. I'm your host. Sajeel Shahzad In this episode, I'm joined by Lorilyn Owens, director, innovation Programs and Member Services. We speak about the new Oracle Academy community platform, what it is, and how Oracle Academy members, faculty and ambassadors can use it.
00;00;57;28 - 00;01;00;13
Speaker 2
Welcome, Lorilyn.
00;01;00;16 - 00;01;02;05
Speaker 3
It's nice to see you.
00;01;02;07 - 00;01;15;00
Speaker 2
It's fantastic to have you here as we kick off this exciting chapter of Oracle Academy. Can you give me a bit about your background and your role at Oracle?
00;01;15;02 - 00;01;45;23
Speaker 3
Sure. Thank you for having me, Sajeel. So in my role as director of Oracle Academy Innovation Programs and Member Services, I oversee many of the programs and services that help our faculty members innovate in their teaching and get the most out of their membership. Our team is responsible for curating Oracle Academy program benefits, promoting member success, deepening member engagement, and supporting members throughout their membership lifecycle.
00;01;45;25 - 00;02;18;10
Speaker 3
One of the favorite things that we get to do is to share our member success stories. I'm passionate about empowering educators and students to thrive in this ever evolving tech landscape. I love seeing how innovative teaching and collaboration can truly transform learning experiences and help students gain real world skills. Gosh, I spent over the last 25 years working at the intersection of technology and education.
00;02;18;12 - 00;02;54;08
Speaker 3
Whether that's developing and rolling out new learning initiatives or supporting faculty communities globally. But before joining Oracle Academy, I worked in human resources. I've worked in Oracle Consulting and also in Oracle support. All of that taught me the value of collaboration, connection, community building and helping the next generation of learners be ready. One of my treasured memories is from a few years ago, when we published a video celebrating the 25th anniversary of Oracle Academy.
00;02;54;10 - 00;03;31;09
Speaker 3
We've been around for almost 30 years now, but when we celebrated the 25th, I just loved seeing faculty members from different countries share their Oracle Academy stories in their own words. That was special. It really brought home the global impact we could have when we work together. I am just constantly inspired by the dedication and creativity I see in our Oracle Academy members, and I'm always eager to learn from their experiences and support their work in any way that I can.
00;03;31;11 - 00;03;41;25
Speaker 2
Starting to start? What is the Oracle Academy community and what makes it distinct from other forms of communications?
00;03;41;27 - 00;04;13;04
Speaker 3
The Oracle Academy community is really special because it's not just another online forum or email list. It's a dedicated space where Oracle Academy faculty and ambassadors can connect, collaborate, and share ideas. It's tailored specifically for those who teach with Oracle Technologies. So the conversations are relevant and everyone understands the unique challenges and opportunities our educators face in the classroom.
00;04;13;07 - 00;04;42;27
Speaker 3
So, unlike more general platforms, everything here is focused on helping educators grow and support each other with resources and advice they can use. It's a curated, secure environment where participants can discuss best practices, get support, and collaborate on projects with peers who share a passion for helping to advance student technology, education and skills.
00;04;43;00 - 00;04;56;09
Speaker 2
Interesting up. Could you describe the unique value of bringing together Oracle Academy Ambassadors and Oracle Academy faculty members in a dedicated online community?
00;04;56;12 - 00;05;31;03
Speaker 3
Sure. Bringing ambassadors and faculty together in one place is incredibly valuable. Faculty members who are out there teaching every day and tap directly into the expertise of ambassadors who are well versed in Oracle technologies. It creates this dynamic exchange. Ambassadors, along with the Oracle Academy team, can share the latest resources and opportunities and faculty can voice what they need or share what's working in their classroom.
00;05;31;06 - 00;05;50;16
Speaker 3
This kind of back and forth isn't something you get with traditional emails or newsletters, or just one way communications. It really accelerates learning and innovation for everyone involved and empowers us to enhance student outcomes.
00;05;50;18 - 00;05;57;09
Speaker 2
Tell us, how do community members engage and support each other?
00;05;57;11 - 00;06;30;22
Speaker 3
Community members engage and support each other in several meaningful ways. For starters, there's always an open dialog happening. People ask questions about everything from teaching best practices to specific Oracle technologies, and others are quick to jump in with answers, tips, or resources. Members can also share lesson plans, project ideas, and real life classroom experiences, which can be incredibly helpful if you're looking for inspiration or solutions to a challenge.
00;06;30;24 - 00;07;04;22
Speaker 3
There are regular opportunities to participate in group discussions, so it's easy to stay up to date and hear different perspectives from around the world. And when someone achieves something like completing a new certification or launching an innovative student project, the community is right there to celebrate and share the successes. So overall, it's just a very supportive environment where everyone is genuinely interested in helping each other grow and succeed.
00;07;04;25 - 00;07;14;19
Speaker 2
Interesting. How is the Oracle Academy community structured, and what are some of the key features for community members?
00;07;14;21 - 00;07;50;14
Speaker 3
In addition to just the dynamic features of the platform itself, like tagging, gamification, reputation rich content support and the mobile friendly design. We've also added knowledge base and FAQ use. We have categories in the Oracle Academy community to help organize discussions and resources into focused topics. That makes it easy for members to find relevant information, connect with peers, and participate in conversations that really just match their interests.
00;07;50;16 - 00;08;22;21
Speaker 3
Our topic based categories include AI, cloud, apex, and Next week, and also industries like construction, Nearing and Hospitality. We also have an events calendar where you can find information about upcoming webinars, workshops, conferences and community activities. You can explore this page to stay informed about important dates, register for events and connect with fellow members through shared learning and networking opportunities.
00;08;22;24 - 00;08;53;22
Speaker 3
We also have the Oracle Academy Community Learning Blog, and that's where members can share thought leadership ideas, classroom experiences, and real world applications of Oracle technologies for content. I'm really excited because we have Share Your Success Mondays where we will feature our member success stories. We have Test Your Students Wednesdays, where we'll provide short quizzes to share with students covering different technologies.
00;08;53;24 - 00;09;17;02
Speaker 3
And then I think maybe my favorite feedback Fridays. And that's when we'll ask for your feedback on the Oracle Academy program and popular trends. And it really does just enhance the opportunity for two way dialog. We have a lot going on in the community school, so we really want people to come back often and just set up your profile to receive updates.
00;09;17;03 - 00;09;30;15
Speaker 3
We're excited because the community is a place where Oracle Academy members and ambassadors can come together and collaborate and share knowledge.
00;09;30;18 - 00;09;44;21
Speaker 2
I'm curious that how can active participation in the Oracle Academy online community and harness professional growth and amplify the impact on the broader Oracle Academy community.
00;09;44;24 - 00;10;17;16
Speaker 3
While still getting involved in the community is a fantastic way to boost your own professional development? You can contribute to blogs, take part in discussions, and connect with other educators from around the world. It's a network that fosters personal growth and keeps you up to date on new trends and tools. Plus, by sharing your own successes and ideas, you contribute to the wider Oracle Academy community so your experiences can help influence and inspire others.
00;10;17;18 - 00;10;56;13
Speaker 3
Together, we can make a bigger impact on students everywhere and specifically for ambassadors. Oracle Academy Ambassadors should also join the community and actively participate, because it offers a dedicated space to connect and collaborate with faculty and fellow ambassadors worldwide, making it easy to share expertise, coordinate guest lectures, and work together on educational initiatives. The community enables ambassadors to answer faculty questions, provide guidance and share best practices and research this in a centralized forum.
00;10;56;15 - 00;11;22;06
Speaker 3
Additionally, it offers access to essential tool materials and updates tailored specifically to support ambassadors in their role. So by participating ambassadors can also stay informed about the latest Oracle technology. Oracle Academy News, upcoming events, resources and exciting opportunities to get involved.
00;11;22;09 - 00;11;32;01
Speaker 2
Last question. Lorilyn, please. If you could give me one piece of advice to faculty and students, what would it be?
00;11;32;04 - 00;12;07;23
Speaker 3
I'm well for faculty. I would say stay curious and open to innovation. The world of technology is constantly evolving, and your willingness to learn and adapt sets a powerful example for your students. Don't hesitate to reach out. Collaborate and share your experiences within the Oracle Academy community. Together, we can amplifier impact and continue to inspire the next generation of tech leaders.
00;12;07;25 - 00;12;40;09
Speaker 3
And for students, Embrace every opportunity to learn and experiment. Ask questions. Take advice from your instructors and peers. And don't be afraid to dive into new technologies. Let me remember the skills you develop now. Problem solving and creativity persistence are just as important. Actually, maybe more important than the tools you're going to be using. Your journey in technology can take you anywhere.
00;12;40;11 - 00;13;10;24
Speaker 3
Keep exploring and never stop challenging yourself. And finally, I guess for both Sajeel, I would say education is a journey you don't have to take alone by supporting each other, sharing knowledge, and staying engaged in our community. We can all accomplish so much more. So let's keep pushing boundaries. Celebrating successes and helping each other grow.
00;13;10;26 - 00;13;44;01
Speaker 2
Wonderful. Thank you to Laureline for telling us about the new Oracle Academy community, and for joining me on this episode of the Oracle Academy Tech Chat podcast. We invite faculty to explore the many benefits of joining Oracle Academy. We invite Oracle Academy members and ambassadors to become part of our vibrant new Oracle Academy Community platform where you can connect, collaborate and grow alongside peers and Oracle experts.
00;13;44;04 - 00;14;01;05
Speaker 2
Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more updates, expert insights and stories from the world of Oracle Academy. Thanks for listening and we look forward to welcoming you to the community soon. Thank you.
00;14;01;07 - 00;14;08;06
Speaker 3
Thank you for having me, Sajeel, and I look forward to seeing everybody in the new Oracle Academy community.
00;14;08;08 - 00;14;14;28
Speaker 1
That wraps up this episode. Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next Oracle Academy Tech Chat podcast.
