Shows
Speaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning36. Teaching, Learning, and OER in the Age of AI with Dr. David WileyIn this episode, Dr. David Wiley joins us to explore how generative AI is reshaping open education. We look at the foundations of open educational resources (OER), what OER-enabled pedagogy makes possible, and why open licensing alone doesn’t drive better outcomes without thoughtful instructional design. Dr. Wiley also discusses how generative AI may shift the future of OER toward conversational and adaptive learning experiences, how it can help us get closer to solving Benjamin Bloom’s two sigma problem, and where higher education should show both optimism and caution as AI continues to evolve. Arthur Takaha...
2025-12-171h 07Speaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning35. Accessibility in Action: Practical Steps for Every Faculty Member with Peter BerrymanAccessible design isn’t just about meeting requirements; it’s about creating learning experiences that work for everyone. In this episode, Peter Berryman, Director of Digital Instruction at the University System of Georgia Office of Teaching and Learning Excellence, explores what accessibility really looks like in higher education. He shares clear and practical ways faculty can make their materials more inclusive, including structuring documents effectively, using captions thoughtfully, and checking accessibility in Word, PowerPoint, and D2L Brightspace.Whether you are new to accessibility or ready to take your next step, this conversation offers realistic strategies that make...
2025-11-1946 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning34. Teaching Collaboration Through Interprofessional Education with Drs. Joann Denemark and Megan MobleyHow do we help students step out of silos and see themselves as part of a collaborative team? In this episode, Dr. Joann Denemark, program director for Speech-Language Pathology, and Dr. Megan Mobley, assistant professor of Physical Therapy, share how interprofessional education (IPE) is reshaping the student experience at Augusta University. You’ll hear how IPE builds confidence, strengthens professional identity, and prepares students for patient-centered care. They also discuss a large-scale escape room simulation that gave over 160 graduate students the chance to practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving across disciplines. Whether you teach in the health sciences or a...
2025-10-1537 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning33. Designing Asynchronous Learning: A Faculty–Designer Partnership with Mary Peabody and Dr. Peter DemerjianCreating an asynchronous course can feel overwhelming—but the right partnership makes all the difference. In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, Georgia State University’s Mary Peabody, Learning Experience Designer, and Dr. Peter Demerjian, Associate Professor and Director of the School of Accountancy, share how they teamed up to design an Online MBA course. They discuss design thinking, faculty–designer collaboration, and the challenges of moving a traditional classroom course into an engaging online format. Whether you’re teaching online for the first time or considering a redesign, this conversation offers practical insights for creati...
2025-09-1738 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning32. Dr. Jason Orlosky – Teaching, Learning, and Thinking with AIWill AI change the role of faculty in higher education? In this episode, Dr. Jason Orlosky, associate professor with the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta University, joins Arthur Takahashi to reflect on how AI is reshaping academic work—and why human connection remains central to teaching and learning. From navigating new tools to rethinking what only people can do, he offers a clear, encouraging take: AI won’t replace faculty, but it may just help us do our jobs better. The conversation also explores Dr. Orlosky’s journey from coding an eye-tracking system by hand in...
2025-08-2051 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning31. Summer Shorts: Emotion, Integrity, and Engagement in Higher EdIn this summer short, Speaking of Higher Ed brings together powerful insights from past guests on what drives authentic learning in today’s classrooms. Dr. James Lang (episode 28) shares a thoughtful approach to handling suspected AI use—not through punishment, but through dialogue and design. Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang (episode 23) explains how emotion isn’t separate from learning—it fuels it. And Dr. Gary T. Green (episode 21) shows how small, human gestures can create powerful connections that motivate students to learn. Whether you're rethinking assessment strategies or looking for ways to foster student connection, this episode is a quick b...
2025-07-1613 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning30. Summer Shorts: AI, Multimedia, and Innovation in Higher EdIn this summer short, we revisit standout insights from three episodes that explore how innovation, multimedia, and generative AI are reshaping higher education. Dr. Richard Mayer (episode 22) explains how simple, well-designed multimedia lessons enhance learning. A.B. Osborne (episode 26) reflects on creativity, storytelling, and the emotional complexity of AI in the arts. And Dr. Cynthia Alby (episode 27) urges institutions to support faculty in teaching for integrity amid massive technological change. Whether you're rethinking course design or navigating AI's role in education, this episode offers timely takeaways in a compact format. Get free access to more of our c...
2025-06-1812 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning29. Spontaneity and Scholarship with Dr. Meredith RauschCan spontaneity and scholarship go together? “Yes and…” In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, we welcome Dr. Meredith Rausch—Associate Professor of Research, Counseling & Curriculum at Augusta University’s College of Education and Human Development. An NBCC Servant Leadership Award recipient and Augusta University Outstanding Faculty Award winner, Dr. Rausch’s award‑winning research on underserved populations informs her inclusive approach to teaching. We trace her journey from the classroom to Chicago’s famed Second City, where immersive improv training sparked her “A‑ha” moment: recognizing that the same principles that make improv so engaging—active listening...
2025-05-2132 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning28. Teaching, Cheating, and Writing for the Public: A Conversation with James LangIn this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, we welcome acclaimed author and teaching expert Dr. James Lang to explore one of the most pressing topics in higher education today: academic integrity in the age of generative AI. Drawing from his influential book Cheating Lessons, Lang shares practical, research-based strategies for designing learning environments that reduce cheating and enhance student motivation. At the heart of the discussion is the argument that academic dishonesty often arises not from “bad” students, but from the pressures and pitfalls of ineffective course design. Lang outlines key environmental factors—such as extrinsic motivat...
2025-04-161h 04Speaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning27. AI in Higher Education with Dr. Cynthia AlbyGenerative AI is rapidly changing the landscape of higher education, offering new possibilities for student engagement, personalized learning, and course design. In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Alby, professor of teacher education at Georgia College and lead instructor in the Governor’s Teaching Fellows Program, shares how faculty across the country are integrating AI into their teaching. She discusses practical applications, from AI-assisted feedback to generative textbooks, as well as the challenges faculty face when incorporating AI into their courses. Dr. Alby also explores the ethical considerations of AI use, student concerns about fairness and job prospects, and str...
2025-03-1935 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning26. Animating the Future: Education, Creativity, and AI w/ A.B. OsborneHow do you prepare students to enter a rapidly changing industry like animation? What impact does AI have on such a competitive industry?On this episode, we’re exploring animation education with our guest, A.B. Osborne. We discuss the development of Augusta University’s animation program, how students balance creativity with technical skills, and the impact of AI on the animation industry—and what it means for animation students. Professor Osborne is an associate professor Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences in the Department of Art and Design and the director of Augusta...
2025-02-1927 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning25. Undergraduate research with Drs. Michael Rifenburg and Kristine JohnsonWhat is the lifelong influence of undergraduate research experiences?
For this month’s topic of undergraduate research, Drs. Michael Rifenburg and Kristine Johnson discuss their book A Long View of Undergraduate Research: Alumni Perspectives on Inquiry, Belonging, and Vocation. They discuss insights into undergraduate research learned by interviewing alumni about the effect that participating in UR played in their lives after graduation.
The authors discuss the balance between intellectual growth and career readiness that UR can provide as well as the importance of the faculty role for students. Finally, they provide practical advice for faculty jus...
2025-01-1538 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning24. Level Up: Gamification and Game Based Learning in Higher Ed“Have you ever wondered if the principles of gaming could transform how your students learn?” In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, we explore gamification and game-based learning in higher education with Jeff Mastromonico and Arthur Takahashi. You’ll hear about the differences between these approaches, how they can boost student engagement, and practical examples like escape rooms and simulations. Discover how you can incorporate gamified elements into your courses, align them with your teaching objectives, and create more engaging learning experiences across any discipline.
Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page fo...
2024-12-1838 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning23. Feel, Think, Learn: Insights from social-affective neuroscience w/ Dr. Immordino-Yang“There is no learning without emotion.” This bold statement, likely familiar to many educators, is at the center of Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang’s research. In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, we speak with Dr. Immordino-Yang, a renowned professor of education, psychology and neuroscience at the University of Southern California. We explore why emotions are essential to learning from a neurobiological perspective, how we can use this knowledge to help our students learn meaningfully, and what this insight means for our approach to education.
Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page f...
2024-11-201h 04Speaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning22. Dr. Richard E. Mayer: Insights on Revised Bloom's Taxonomy and Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning“How can you teach people in ways so that they can take what they’ve learned and use it in new situations?” This question has been the driving force behind Dr. Richard E. Mayer's work for over 40 years. In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, we talk with Dr. Mayer, the world’s most cited educational psychologist, about two of his most significant contributions to education: his involvement in revising Benjamin Bloom's original taxonomy of educational objectives and his lifelong work in multimedia learning.
First, we explore his role in creating the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy. Dr. Mayer exp...
2024-10-1656 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning21. Student Engagement Strategies with Gary T. Green, EdDWhat happens when a professor throws paper balls and playlists into the mix to get students engaged? In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, Gary Green, EdD from the University of Georgia shares how he uses unconventional, yet effective, strategies to capture student attention and keep them involved. Dr. Green explains his approach to fostering a classroom environment that encourages active participation. He shares specific techniques such as using paper ball activities, personalized music playlists, and creative tools like "Learn-dle" to make learning more engaging.
Dr. Green also emphasizes the importance of getting to know students o...
2024-09-1841 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning20. Innovating experiential learning and community partnerships w/ Lynsey SteinbergDiscover how real-world experiences shape student success in our conversation with Lynsey Steinberg, Director of Innovation at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center. She offers practical tips for faculty on creating impactful community partnerships and interdisciplinary projects, while also sharing the growth journey of the Innovate Competition from 20 students to over 300 participants.
Get free access to more of our content, visit augusta.edu/innovation for full episodes and additional resources.
2024-08-2126 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning19. Summer Shorts: AI, Ungrading, and Starting the Semester StrongIn this special summer shorts episode, we revisit conversations from the past year to help you gear up for the upcoming semester. Join us as we explore practical strategies and innovative approaches shared by our expert guests.
From episode 13, JoAnn Edmond and Jenn Rose kick things off by emphasizing the importance of a learner-centered syllabus. "Creating tools like a syllabus, which can serve as a blueprint for your course, is crucial," they explain. By utilizing templates and resources from the Center for Instructional Innovation, faculty can design syllabi that not only guide course structure but also foster a...
2024-07-1710 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning18. Summer Shorts: Hip-Hop, Grades and Good TeachingOn this Summer Shorts episode, we highlight transformative approaches in teaching and learning, including hip-hop pedagogy, documenting effective teaching, and innovative grading practices.
In episode nine, Dr. Lauren Barbeau from Georgia Tech discusses her publication on the Critical Teaching Behaviors framework, which provides a comprehensive system to identify and discuss good teaching, offering a common language across disciplines. In episode eleven, we talk with Dr. Dan Kaminstein of the Medical College of Georgia, who challenges traditional grading systems and advocates for alternative assessment strategies that promote continuous learning and student engagement. Finally, in episode sixteen, we explore t...
2024-06-1908 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning17. Ungrading with Drs. Candis Bond and Trent KaysHave you ever felt that traditional grading methods fail to accurately measure student learning?
In this episode, we explore an innovative approach called "ungrading" that challenges the traditional grading system. Drs. Bond and Kays discuss how ungrading does not mean no grades. It means a shift in focus from grades to student autonomy and learning.
Ungrading can also help you highlight how mistakes, continuous feedback and revisions are crucial to your students’ learning process. We also explore how this approach can promote equity, increase student motivation and ultimately impact learning.
On this episode, Candi...
2024-05-1555 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning16. Hip-Hop Pedagogy with Kelly Allen, PhDWhat is Hip-Hop pedagogy? How can the use of Hip-Hop culture in curriculum engage students and create relevant connections to course content?
Kelly R. Allen, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Curriculum Studies in the College of Education and Human Development Department of Research, Counseling, and Curriculum at Augusta University and advocate for the implementation of Hip-Hop based education.
During Allen’s early years as a high school social studies teacher, she discovered the power of using Hip-Hop culture in her teaching. Seeing that it was “more than a hook”, but instead something to be infuse...
2024-04-1744 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning15. AI in Higher Ed with David Joyner, PhDShould I discuss AI with my students? How can I benefit from using AI?
In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, David Joyner, PhD, joins us to explore these questions and how AI is transforming education, for students and educators. ChatGPT generated significant discussion when it launched in November 2022. Now, with more than a year of growing in understanding about generative AI, we are discovering what changes are necessary in the classroom.
Joyner provides valuable insights from his research and classroom experiences, addressing educators seeking basic knowledge about ChatGPT and those aiming to deepen the...
2024-03-2047 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning14. Connecting Community Engagement with the ClassroomAre you a faculty member looking to collaborate with community organizations? By working together, universities and community organizations can create mutually beneficial relationships that enrich the educational experience, address community needs, and contribute to positive societal outcomes.
Achieving the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is one of the aspirational imperatives included in the Augusta University strategic plan. Pursuing this elective classification involves extensive work documenting how the university is partnering with the Augusta community.
On this episode, Tina Baggott, Associate Vice President for Volunteer Services & Community Engagement at Augusta University, discusses the pursuit for this classification. Sh...
2024-02-2116 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning13. Jenn and JoAnn’s 5 tips for starting the semester strongEvery semester presents a mix of challenges and opportunities for both students and faculty. In this episode, Jenn Rose and JoAnn Edmond share five practical tips to help kickstart the semester on a strong note.
We discuss the importance of crafting a learner-centered syllabus and getting a jumpstart on integrating tools within the Learning Management System (LMS). Our conversation also touches on strategies for giving timely and meaningful feedback, with a focus on utilizing LMS tools for scheduled course communications.
Jenn and JoAnn highlight the usefulness of tools such as replace strings in personalizing messages fo...
2024-01-1723 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning12. MomentumU and You with Peter BerrymanSeeking a short course on course design or an active learning toolkit? Explore MomentumU, a virtual professional development platform tailored for University System of Georgia (USG) faculty and staff. Directed by Peter Berryman, the Director of Digital Instruction at the Office of Teaching and Learning Excellence for USG, this platform hosts a growing array of short courses and other resources.
Full-time USG faculty members have access to self-enroll in courses, while part-time faculty and staff can request access. The self-paced short courses on MomentumU are regularly updated with content utilizing evidence-based pedagogies aimed at increasing engagement and en...
2023-12-2034 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning11. Grades, Growth, and Engagement with Dan Kaminstein, MD, MSEDHow might a blend of Montessori and traditional grade school education influence a college professor? Dan Kaminstein, MD, MSED, serves as the Assistant Dean for Ultrasound Education and Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia. Kaminstein's exposure to both Montessori and traditional education shapes his teaching approach, leading him to reflect on how students learn. Higher education presents challenges for both students and faculty. Kaminstein employs an active learning approach in teaching, believing that students and faculty mutually benefit, creating a dynamic environment.
Kaminstein shares insights on the growth mindset, encouraging students to perceive f...
2023-11-1546 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning10. Navigating OER: Jeff Gallant and Affordable Learning GeorgiaAre you exploring the possibility of incorporating low or no-cost educational materials into your course? Whether you're just curious about these resources or ready to integrate them into your teaching, this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed helps you get started.
In this month's episode, we're joined by Jeff Gallant, the program director of Affordable Learning Georgia (ALG). ALG is on a mission to support student success and promote equitable access to education by advocating for the use of affordable and open educational resources.
Jeff delves into the world of Open Educational Resources (OER) and pro...
2023-10-1836 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning9. Critical Teaching Behaviors: Defining, Documenting and Discussing Good TeachingHow do we know good teaching when we see it? Whether you're a new faculty member, a seasoned educator, or an administrator, this episode offers a look at how we can better understand and promote effective teaching practices. Lauren Barbeau, PhD, Assistant Director for Learning and Technology Initiatives at Georgia Tech, joins us to discuss the Critical Teaching Behaviors framework (CTB). The CTB framework was developed by Barbeau and Claudia Cornejo Happel, PhD, to provide a comprehensive system for instructors and administrators to identify and document good teaching.
The CTB categorizes effective teaching behaviors into six main a...
2023-09-2026 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning8. Provost’s Insights: A Conversation with Neil MacKinnon, PhDOn this episode we sit down with Neil MacKinnon, PhD, Augusta University provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. MacKinnon places a strong emphasis on building connections with faculty, staff, and students. He discusses the profound impact such relationships have on the college experience for students.
On the topic of mentorship, he shares personal anecdotes of how mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping his own academic journey. MacKinnon believes a good mentor can help faculty take their career to a new level and aims to facilitate meaningful mentorship opportunities for faculty members at Augusta University. ...
2023-08-1624 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning7. Elevate Your Teaching: High-Impact Practices and 'Reacting to the Past'Uncover the elements of high-impact practices and immerse yourself in the captivating world of 'Reacting to the Past' in this special episode of Speaking of Higher Ed...Summer Shorts.
Looking to keep students engaged and motivated in higher education? Quentin Davis, PhD and Hannah Bennett, PhD from Augusta University share insights on high-impact practices that go beyond traditional teaching methods. Discover how interactive learning experiences can make a real-world impact on students and faculty alike.
We also step into history with 'Reacting to the Past,' an innovative teaching method that uses immersive role-playing games to...
2023-07-1906 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning6. From PowerPoint to AI: Innovations in Teaching and LearningOn this special episode of Speaking of Higher Ed...Summer Shorts we revisit innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Rhia Moreno, PhD shares how she employs multimodal pedagogy to cultivate a dynamic learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles. Discover the transformative power of creative reflection in both online and face-to-face courses.
Arthur Takahashi sheds light on the use of multimedia learning principles in course design. Drawing from Mayer’s research, he shares strategies to create immersive learning experiences using high embodiment and other key principles. From PowerPoint presentations to instructional videos, discover principles for crafting imp...
2023-06-2108 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning5. Step into History: How 'Reacting to the Past' Can Transform Your Teaching with Drs. Goss and McClelland-NugentIn this episode we explore an innovative teaching method that has been gaining popularity in recent years: 'Reacting to the Past', also known as ‘Reacting’. This pedagogy uses immersive role-playing games to teach complex historical and contemporary issues in a highly engaging and effective way.
Our guests, Andrew Goss, PhD, and Ruth McClelland-Nugent, PhD, both experienced history educators, share their insights into the world of 'Reacting to the Past'. They discuss their experiences using this teaching method in their own courses, the benefits it provides, and the resources available to faculty interested in incorporating it into their curri...
2023-05-1740 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning4. Improve Learning Success with Drs. Quentin Davis and Hannah BennettAre you looking to improve student engagement and motivation? Dr. Quentin Davis and Dr. Hannah Bennett from Augusta University discuss high-impact practices that go beyond test memorization and create lifelong learners. By incorporating elements such as appropriately high expectations and frequent feedback, these practices can help you keep your students engaged and motivated throughout their academic journey. Learn practical strategies and tips for incorporating high-impact practices into your teaching, including fully online courses.
Speaking of Higher Ed is produced by the Center for Instructional Innovation at Augusta University. Find us online at augusta.edu/innovation/sohe, on F...
2023-04-1940 min
Speaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning3. Chatting about AI in Higher Ed with Drs. Bond and GarnerAI has created a conundrum for higher education. AI text generators, computer programs capable of efficiently producing quality written content, have raised questions about the possibilities, ethics and limits of the use of programs such as ChatGPT in higher education. While artificial intelligence (AI) has been a part of our lives for a while — hello Siri, chatbots, and real-time autocorrect and predictive texts — increasingly sophisticated AI text generators have educators worried about how students might use or misuse these programs to write papers.
In this episode, Dr. Candis Bond, director of the Center for Writing Excellence at Augu...
2023-03-1548 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning2. Using Multimedia Learning Principles with Arthur Takahashi, MPA, MAHow are the words and pictures you use in your course content helping to improve learning for your students? Arthur Takahashi, adjunct faculty member and instructional designer at Augusta University, discusses how he uses multimedia learning principles in his course design and delivery to do just that. Mayer and Moreno’s (1999) study of the cognitive principles of multimedia learning continues to inform the creation of learning materials. Before discussing how he uses Mayer’s principles, Arthur touches on the three goals of multimedia instructional design which each of the principles will help support. Arthur shares how he uses Mayer’s prin...
2023-02-1533 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning1. Creating Engaging and Interactive Courses with Rhia Moreno, PhDDr. Rhia Moreno from the College of Education and Human Development discusses how she applies multimodal pedagogy to create a more varied learning environment that supports different learning styles and skillsets. Her approach includes incorporating AU approved tech such as Flip, Padlet and VoiceThread as well as encouraging creative reflection in face-to-face and online courses. In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, Dr. Moreno highlights what multimodal pedagogy looks like and shares strategies on how to incorporate inventive approaches across disciplines.
Dr. Moreno will lead a webinar about diversifying your online instruction on February 22. For more...
2023-01-1840 minSpeaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and LearningSpeaking of Higher Ed...TrailerSpeaking of Higher Ed is a new podcast from Augusta University that exists to create a resource that will inspire and assist faculty in creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences. We hope to provide higher ed faculty with a platform for sharing research related to the scholarship of teaching and learning, spark new instructional ideas and promote interdisciplinary instructional methods.
New episodes release on the third Wednesday of each month during spring and fall semesters.
Speaking of Higher Ed is produced by the Center for Instructional Innovation at Augusta University. Find us online at augusta.e...
2023-01-0600 min