Shows
D2L's Teach & LearnRelational Intelligence: The New Superpower in Education, with Isabelle C. HauIn this powerful season finale of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford speaks with Isabelle C. Hau—Executive Director at Stanford and author of Love to Learn—about the urgent need to prioritize relational intelligence (RQ) in education. They discuss:☑️ How academic readiness is incomplete without relational flourishing.☑️ Neuroscience and social science research showing that human connection is essential for learning and lifelong success.☑️ The importance of early childhood development and how relationships shape brain growth.☑️ Societal shifts—like smaller families, increased screen time, and age segregation—that are shrinking children's circles of connection.☑️ The role educators...2025-05-2937 minD2L's Teach & LearnHow AI and Metacognition Can Improve Student Outcomes, with Dr. Sean McMinnIn this episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford sits down with Dr. Sean McMinn, Director of the Center of Education Innovation at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Dr. McMinn shares his insights on the importance of metacognitive awareness in an AI-driven society and provides practical strategies for educators to teach these concepts effectively. Viewers will learn about the role of AI as a copilot in the learning process and discover innovative approaches to integrating AI in education. They discuss:☑️ Why metacognitive awareness is crucial in an AI-driven educational environment.☑️ How Dr. McMinn teaches met...2025-04-1735 minD2L's Teach & LearnEducation and Workforce Development: Nathifa Forde's Vision for NYC Her FutureIn today’s episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford sits down with Nathifa Forde, executive director of NYC Her Future, to learn about the various initiatives she’s working on that are aimed at advancing education, workforce development and safety for young women in New York City.They discuss:Nathifa’s journey and the mission of NYC Her Future NYC Her Future’s partnership and collaboration with NYC Public Schools Disparities that young women face when it comes to education, employment, justice and healthThe role of AI and technology in shaping future careers and the importance...2025-04-0332 minD2L's Teach & LearnExploring AI Literacies, with Dr. Angela GunderAs AI continues to transform the educational landscape, understanding its impact is crucial for educators.In today's episode, Dr. Cristi Ford welcomes Dr. Angela Gunder, founder and CEO of Opened Culture (OEC), to discuss the multifaceted concept of AI literacies. Dr. Gunder explains the importance of understanding AI beyond its technical aspects, emphasizing the need for educators to grasp how AI influences collaboration, innovation and learner engagement.They discuss the eight key dimensions of AI literacies, highlighting the skills and mindsets necessary for effective AI integration in educational contexts. Dr. Gunder shares insights from her...2025-03-2038 min
Wellbeing Ignites WelldoingHuman-Centric Learning Innovation with Cristi FordIn this special episode of the Wellbeing Ignites Welldoing, Adwoa Buahene sits down with Cristi Ford a visionary leader in education and learning innovation. As Chief Learning Officer at D2L, she is shaping the future of education by leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic leadership to create impactful, inclusive, and engaging learning experiences.With a career spanning academic affairs, workforce development, and online education, Cristi has consistently delivered measurable outcomes, from leading innovative programs at NeighborWorks America to developing academic strategies at Davis College and UMGC. Her expertise in creating collaborative, data-driven solutions has empowered learners and...2025-03-1637 minD2L's Teach & LearnThe Power of Competency-Based Education With Dr. Amber Garrison DuncanIn this episode, Dr. Cristi Ford and special guest Dr. Amber Garrison Duncan, executive vice president and COO at the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) dive into the skills-forward world of competency-based education (CBE). Together, they explore how this modern approach to learning is revolutionizing education by focusing on skills and competencies delivered at a flexible pace. Dr. Garrison Duncan shares insights on the collaboration between educational institutions, employers and organizations, like C-BEN to highlight the value of CBE. After all, “No one is going to pay you to sit around and just know things,” jokes Dr. Amber Garriso...2025-02-2037 minD2L's Teach & LearnSUNY's AI Integration: A System-Wide Approach Across 64 Campuses With Kim ScalzoFiguring out how to use generative AI responsibly at one university campus is challenging enough – what happens when you’re tasked with doing it across 64 of them? In today’s podcast episode, Dr. Cristi Ford chats with Kim Scalzo, Interim Senior Associate Provost for Digital Innovation and Academic Services at the State University of New York (SUNY). SUNY is in the process of integrating generative AI across all 64 of its campus locations. Dr. Ford and Scalzo discuss the challenges and strategies that come with rolling out AI at scale. Scalzo highlights various initiatives, including the formatio...2025-02-0633 minD2L's Teach & LearnImproving Awareness and Access to Student Support Services in Higher Ed With Dr. Amelia ParnellAccording to a U.S. News + Generation Lab report, 70% of college students have struggled with mental health since starting college. Despite expressing a need for care, only 37% of survey respondents searched for mental health resources. These findings align with a recent D2L-sponsored Tyton Partners report, which found that only 50% of students are aware of key on-campus services like academic and career advising, financial aid, and mental health counseling.It's clear we’re edging closer and closer towards a student mental health crisis in the higher education world. To discuss why this is happening and offer solutions, Dr...2025-01-2333 minD2L's Teach & LearnPathways to Higher Ed Reimagined With Stanford's Matthew RascoffWhen the goal is a university degree or diploma from a private institution, learners can bank on a long road ahead. In some cases, the path traveled is straightforward; in other cases, it’s winding with more than a few detours, U-turns and full stops. While different, what these pathways have in common, is the destination. But, what about low-income learners or those from under-served communities who are less likely to consider pursuing higher education from a private university? What can institutions do to create pathways that reduce undermatching? Should private universities have a responsibility to the pub...2024-12-1935 min