Shows
Reflective Teaching In A Digital AgeComputational Practices in STEM Education with Dr. Alejandra MaganaAs technology continues to advance, professionals in engineering, science, and other disciplines must develop computational skills to address complex problems, analyze data, and create innovative solutions. In this episode, Dr. Alejandra Magana emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to integrating computational methods into engineering and STEM education with a focus on student-centered, supportive teaching. She also introduces her new book, Learning through Computation, Modeling, and Simulation Practices in STEM. Additionally, Dr. Magana provides actionable strategies for practitioners to incorporate into their educational practices. Bio: Dr. Alejandra J. Magana is the W.C. Furnas Professor in E...2025-05-0645 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeExploring the Full Option Science System (FOSS) curriculum with Jessica PenchosActive participation in scientific practice through engagement in meaningful learning experiences provides opportunities for students to develop a conceptual understanding of complex topics. To make learning effective, teachers need to have a roadmap for ways to support their students in the learning process. The Full Option Science System (FOSS) curriculum is a research-based and classroom tested methodology that provides guidance and materials for engaging students in scientific and engineering practices. In this episode, Jessica Penchos will talk to us about the core principles of the FOSS curriculum, how it addresses students’ engagement, motivation, and learning, and ways that teachers ca...2024-11-1847 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeSupporting Meaningful Collaboration in Education and the Workplace with Elizabeth PorterHelping teams learn how to collaborate effectively is a challenging task in educational and workplace settings. Meaningful collaboration requires sustained support, trust building, and continuous reflection by team members on their problem-solving progress. In this episode, Elizabeth Porter shares with us her extensive knowledge of ways to support collaboration that include time-tested pedagogical approaches and cutting-edge technologies, such as the Riff Analytics platform, to create an inclusive learning environment to support effective collaborative knowledge building.Bio:Elizabeth Porter is a highly accomplished technology professional with experience in multiple verticals, as well as an industry leading expert...2024-11-1055 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeExploring AI in Education with Leslie BondarykUse of AI in education is rapidly growing along with concerns about ways it might impact learning. There is a lot of responsibility on educators to help students understand how AI technology works, how it generates information, and the ways users can analyze results for correctness and bias. In this episode, Leslie talks to us about the potential uses for AI in STEM education, approaches educators can take when discussing AI use in their disciplines, and how they can help students learn empowerment and become interested in thinking about creative ways to use this technology.Bio:...2024-07-2945 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeSupporting Creative Problem Solving with Dr. Natalie RuskEducational technology can provide opportunities for creative problem solving where users can build projects that are meaningful to them. Using technology as a tool for expressing one’s ideas is a powerful approach for helping learners become digital creators rather than just consumers. In this conversation, Dr. Natalie Rusk shares reflections about her work on the Scratch programming language, the Computer Clubhouse, and most recently the OctoStudio mobile program.Bio:Natalie Rusk, PhD, is a Research Scientist at the MIT Media Lab and is one of the lead creators of the Scratch programming language and the Co...2024-01-011h 03Reflective Teaching In A Digital AgeTrail Blazing in STEAM Education with Bill ChurchMaking a positive impact on the community through project-based work provides students with valuable experience in developing conceptual knowledge in science and engineering as well as building important experience in teamwork competencies. In this conversation, Bill shares his extensive knowledge in building engaging STEAM learning environments and ways of helping students learn to identify problems and solutions relevant to their community through the engineering design process.Bio:Bill Church works at the intersection of creativity, education, and the STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). He is a lifelong maker and former...2023-12-3142 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeTeaching Complex STEM Topics to K-12 Students with Dr. Regina RaganEarly exposure to science and engineering is really important for engaging in and following a career in STEM fields. Students need to see from a younger age what influence science and engineering have on society and have various opportunities to participate in STEM activities. In this conversation, Dr. Regina Ragan discusses ways of explaining complex topics from the material science discipline to K-12 students through her outreach research efforts.Bio:Professor Regina Ragan’s interdisciplinary research activities involve self-assembly of nanomaterials with control on molecular length scales and integration of nanomaterials in compact devices. She has pro...2023-12-3139 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeEffective Design for Team-Based Engineering Experiences with Drs. Robin Fowler and Trevion HendersonEngineering design is a technical as well as a social process. Developing an awareness of factors affecting groups’ dynamics during the decision-making process can help improve team-based engineering experiences. In this conversation, Drs. Robin Fowler and Trevion Henderson share their research and practical knowledge about ways of supporting equitable collaboration among students who identify with historically marginalized groups.Bios:Dr. Robin Fowler is a Teaching Professor in Technical Communication and an Engineering Education researcher at the University of Michigan. Her teaching is primarily in team-based engineering courses, and her research focuses on eq...2023-12-3158 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeSupporting Students’ Belonging and Retention in Engineering Programs with Dr. Aidsa I. Santiago RomanReflecting on ways to support underrepresented engineering undergraduate students participating in the NSF S-STEM grant highlights the value of human connection and appropriate mentorship. In this episode, Dr. Aidsa Santiago talks to us about the importance of designing effective educational experiences that directly relate to students needs, making learning more meaningful, and helping students increase their identity with engineering profession.Bio:Dr. Aidsa I. Santiago Roman currently holds a Full Professor position and is the Chair at the Department of Engineering Sciences and Materials, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. Her research interests are in O...2023-07-3146 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeSTEM Learning in PreK-12 Education with Dr. Jacob FosterSupporting active engagement in STEM disciplines is a challenging task that relies on thoughtful educational programming to build environments where students can become leaders of their learning. In this episode, Jake Foster shares with us his knowledge and expertise in the areas of project-based, collaborative, and technology-supported learning, and discusses ways that his company, STEM Learning Design, LLC, is helping educators and school administrators to develop a comprehensive approach to facilitate active learning.Reference(s) mentioned in this episode:STEM Learning Design resources https://stemlearningdesign.com/resources/ NGSS Phenomena: https://www.ngssphenomena.com/2023-04-2558 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeHidden Curriculum in Engineering with Dr. Idalis Villanueva AlarcónHelping engineering instructors become aware of the Hidden Curriculum is an important pedagogical step toward building learning environments that support diversity and belonging. Dr. Idalis Villanueva Alarcón talks to us about practical ways of increasing awareness and recognition of hidden messages in the classroom and help mentor and professionally develop students in engineering.Reference(s) mentioned in this episode:1. I. Villanueva, T. Carothers, M. Di Stefano, & M.T.H. Khan. (2018). “There is never a break”: The hidden curriculum of professionalization for engineering faculty. Education Sciences, 8 (4), 157: doi.org/10.3390/educsci8040157. p.1-21.2. I. Villanueva, M. Di Stefano, L...2022-12-3138 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeExploring Inclusion in Education and the Workplace with Dr. Meagan PollockUnderstanding ways of integrating equity and inclusion into learning and working environments is important for successful collaboration where participants feel valued for their contributions. In this episode Dr. talks about inclusive teamwork, an Inclusive Leadership Development Model, and building climates where every person feels like they belong.Reference(s) mentioned in this episode:https://engineerinclusion.com/meagan-pollock/https://engineerinclusion.com/inclusive-leadership-development/Bio:Dr. Meagan Pollock began her career playing with light projection on tiny microscopic mirrors as an engineer for Texas Instruments. Through her company, Engineer Inclusion, she now utilizes metaphorical projectors...2022-12-3140 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeTeaching Ethics in Engineering with Dr. Qin ZhuHelping engineering students develop an ethical mindset as part of their professional preparation is a complex endeavor that requires thoughtful approaches to curriculum development and teaching. In this episode Dr. Qin Zhu talks to us about practical ways of teaching about ethics in engineering classes and developing relevant assessments of student learning as part of engineering education.Reference(s) mentioned in this episode:Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Science: https://onlineethics.org/Bio:Dr. Zhu is Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Education and Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Science...2022-12-081h 00Reflective Teaching In A Digital AgeUsing the System Architecture-Function-Outcome (SAFO) Framework to Teach Systems Thinking in Engineering with Dr. Rea LaviIntroducing engineering students to systems thinking early in their education is critical for their development and learning success. In this episode Dr. Rea Lavi talks to us about the System Architecture-Function-Outcome (SAFO) framework he developed to help foster systems thinking in undergraduate students. He explains how this framework can be integrated in engineering teaching and used to assess systems thinking in first year engineering students.Reference(s) mentioned in this episode:Articles in peer-reviewed journals: Aubrecht, K. B., Dori, Y. J., Holme, T. A., Lavi, R., Matlin, S., Orgill, M., & Skaza-Acosta, H. (2019). Graphical tools for c...2022-09-291h 01Reflective Teaching In A Digital AgeExploring Diversity Concepts in Engineering Education with Dr. Natascha Trellinger BuswellTeaching about diversity in engineering can present challenges to instructors as many do not have sufficient training on the subject and materials to include in classroom assignments. In this conversation, Dr. Natascha Trellinger Buswell shares her insights about ways of talking about diversity and inclusion with engineering students and provides practical examples of relevant classroom activities.Bio:Dr. Natascha Trellinger Buswell is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. She earned her B.S. in aerospace engineering at Syracuse University and her Ph.D...2022-08-1651 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeThe HyFlex Learning Model with Dr. Brian BeattyEffective design for multi-modal learning experiences is a complex process that requires a variety of considerations including content and resource accessibility, equivalent learning outcomes, and instructional workload management.In this conversation, Dr. Brian Beatty discusses the core principles of the Hybrid-Flexible or HyFlex Learning Model. He shares his knowledge about ways to successfully design a HyFlex classroom where students can choose what mode of learning works better for them and engage in building a learning community through in person, remote synchronous or asynchronous modes of participation.Reference(s) mentioned in this episode:Hyflex Learning...2022-05-0356 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeReflection Byte - HyFlex Learning ModelA quick reflection on impressions of the Hyflex learning model in anticipation of an upcoming interview with Dr. Brian Beatty. Join us in brainstorming questions and themes to discuss with Dr. Beatty for the next podcast episode. Share your thoughts by emailing us at: info@reflectiveteachinginadigitalage.com2022-02-0910 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeProject Based Learning in Elementary and Middle School STEM Classrooms with Barbara BratzelAn educational approach that is based on the idea that kids are competent and can be in charge of their own learning opens opportunities for creative activities that support exploration, problem-solving, and teamwork. In this conversation, Barbara Bratzel, shares her reflections and practical advice about supporting students’ learning and progress through a project-based learning model and development of positive mindset thinking. Bio:Barbara Bratzel is a K-8 STEM teacher who teaches at the Shady Hill School in Cambridge Massachusetts. She also consults at the Center for Engineering and Education Outreach at Tufts University. She is the aut...2022-01-3153 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeBlended Learning with Dr. Norm VaughnWhen designing a blended learning class instructors are faced with many decisions about teaching modalities, use of technology, relevant learning activities, and assessment methods. In this episode Dr. Norm Vaughn talks to us about the history and core principles of blended learning, ways to design synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences as well as integration of meaningful feedback to support student engagement and learning.Bio:An educator and researcher with interests in blended learning, faculty development and K to 12 schooling, Dr. Norm Vaughan is a Professor in the Department of Education, Faculty of Health, Community, Education at...2021-12-2435 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeSupporting Student Learning through the Contextualized Evaluation Framework with Dr. Kerrie DouglasUsing a contextualized approach for assessment and evaluation of engineering classes is integral for supporting student progress. In this episode Dr. Kerrie Douglas talks to us about the evaluation criteria necessary for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on student engagement, as well as the importance of rethinking ways to design effective learning experiences for in person and online learning.Bio:Dr. Kerrie Douglas, Assistant Professor of Engineering Education at Purdue, studies how to improve the quality of classroom assessments and evaluation of online learning in a variety of engineering education contexts. She holds a PhD...2021-12-2238 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeMeaningful Learning in Software Engineering Classes with Dr. EllisEngaging STEM students early in solving complex problems that better their communities not only helps to prepare them for the future professional environment, but also positively impacts their motivation by making their work meaningful and impactful. Dr. Ellis shares her reflections about student engagement in the learning process from years of experience teaching online software engineering classes, as well as her research that explores student learning via participation in a humanitarian, open-source project.Reference(s) mentioned in this episode:Web site that supports the research effort: foss2serve.orgSupporting student involvement in open source...2021-12-2247 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeCooperative Learning in Engineering Classrooms with Dr. Karl SmithLearning how to work together to accomplish shared goals is at the center of the engineering design process. The cooperative learning model, adapted to engineering education by Dr. Karl Smith, offers a powerful interactive educational approach that emphasizes interdependence and accountability. Dr. Smith shares with us the theoretical background of the cooperative learning model, unpacks its core elements, and discusses practical applications of this model in large engineering classrooms.Bio:Dr. Karl A. Smith is Cooperative Learning Professor of Engineering Education, School of Engineering Education, at Purdue University. He is also Morse-Alumni Distinguished University Teaching Professor...2021-12-1548 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeUsing the Content, Assessment, and Pedagogy (CAP) framework to redesign learning experiences with Drs. Ruth Streveler and Karl SmithFor many instructors making decisions about what content must be emphasized, what needs to be assessed, and how to design activities that maximize learning is a challenging task, regardless of the mode of teaching. In this episode, Drs. Ruth Streveler and Karl Smith who collaborated on writing an opinion piece on their CAP framework share with us a way of thinking about redesigning off and online learning environments using the CAP framework as a guiding model of instructional approach. Bios:Dr. Ruth A. Streveler is a Professor in the School of Engineering Education at Purdue University...2021-12-1539 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeSupporting Teamwork in Engineering Classes with Dr. Larry NiesTeamwork facilitation in engineering classes, where students must collaboratively develop a solution to complex, open-ended problems, is uniquely challenging. The role of the instructor extends from supporting students in the development of necessary technical knowledge and skills to helping teams figure out their collaborative workflow processes. Dr. Nies talks to us about his extensive teaching experience facilitating teamwork in large engineering classes – in person and online, provides reflections about the value of social bonding and trust building among team members, as well as practical advice on team formation, conflict resolution and student engagement in the learning process.Bi...2021-10-3039 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeSupporting Student Learning In the “New Normal” of Teaching with Dr. Brent JesiekOpportunities and limitations presented by leveraging multiple modalities of teaching provide a point of reflection for how to build an effective learning environment that addresses diverse needs of learners. In this conversation, Dr. Brent Jesiek shares his insights about approaches to assessment (online and offline), accessibility issues, finding ways to better connect school learning to workplace learning, and building trust with students.Bio:Dr. Brent Jesiek is a professor at Purdue university with appointments in Engineering education and electrical and computer engineering. Prof. Jesiek draws on expertise from engineering, computing, and the social sciences to investigate g...2021-08-3152 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeOnline Laboratories in Engineering Education with Dr. Dominik MayUse of Online laboratories in science and engineering classes during the pandemic became widespread by necessity. Many STEM instructors had to experiment with and transition to different types of online laboratories, such as remote, augmented reality or virtual. In this conversation, Dr. Dominik May talks to us about the background of online laboratory development, their use in engineering classes during a shift to online teaching, and shares insights about the future of flexible learning where online experimentation can offer opportunities for greater engagement in the learning process.Reference(s) mentioned in this episode:May, D., Terkowsky...2021-07-0154 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeThe Art Of Teaching Engineering with Dr. John MorelockMaking sense of engineering faculty’s needs for the transition to the “new normal” of instruction is a challenging endeavor. Teaching online, face-to-face or in hybrid modes present different advantages as well as complexities. Dr. John Morelock talks to us about his experiences supporting engineering faculty during their shift to online teaching and later helping to transition to the hybrid method of instruction.Reference(s) mentioned in this episode:NSF EEC-RAPID: Using SenseMaker® to Investigate Complex Dynamics in Social Systems to Inform Agile, Real-Time Policy-Responses in Times of CrisisBio:Dr. Morelock is an Assi...2021-05-2543 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeTeaching Through the Lens of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Framework with Dr. Norm VaughanContinuing our conversation about the Community of Inquiry Framework and its application to online learning, we focus this episode on the role of Teaching Presence in facilitating the meaningful design of educational experiences. Dr. Vaughan talks to us about the theoretical foundations of Teaching Presence, its implications for practice, and ways to empower learners to become successful problem solvers.For more information about the CoI Framework, please visit: https://coi.athabascau.ca/Bio:An educator and researcher with interests in blended learning, faculty development and K to 12 schooling, Dr. Norm Vaughan...2021-04-0741 min
Reflective Teaching In A Digital AgeTechnology in STEM Learning with Chad DorseyTechnology in education has gained a tremendous role during the time of the pandemic. From kindergarten through college, technology is being used to connect us, provide access to a variety of resources, and most importantly to empower students by engaging them in active learning experiences. The latter requires rethinking more transactional ways of teaching and recognizing the potential of technology to put students into the center of learning. Reference(s) mentioned in this episode: Dorsey, C. (2020). Perspective: Is Remote Learning a Panacea for the Pandemic? The Concord Consortium. https://concord.org/newsletter/2020-fall/remote-learning-panacea-pandemic/...2021-03-0343 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeTeaching Engineering Design Online: Challenges and Opportunities with Dr. Robin AdamsThe interplay between learning goals, instructional support, and affordances of online technology can create a new learning environment for experimenting with what matters most and rethinking habits we have gotten into. Dr. Robin Adams talks to us about her personal experience of teaching engineering design online for the first time. She thoughtfully reflects on instructional decisions she had to make to help students navigate virtual teamwork workflows and successfully complete design challenges.Bio:Dr. Robin S. Adams is a Professor in the School of Engineering Education at Purdue University. The recipient of a 2008 NSF Career Award, a...2021-02-0551 min
Engineering Education Research Briefs 2.0: Scholars and ScholarshipThought Leaders in Online Learning: Drs. Natasha Perova-Mello and Nicole PittersonLearn about a new podcast featuring thought leaders in online learning. Dr. Ruth Streveler interviews Dr. Natasha Perova-Mello, STEM Learning Consulting, LLC, and Dr. Nicole Pitterson, Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech about their new podcast, Reflective Teaching in a Digital Age.
This episode was produced by the School of Engineering Education at Purdue, and features music composed by Patrick Vogt.
2021-02-0132 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeLearning goals, Assessment, and Technology in Engineering Education with Dr. Chris RogersFor many educators online teaching is a relatively new experience that presents opportunities for rethinking traditional instruction and beliefs about student learning. Dr. Rogers talks to us about the importance of setting clear learning goals, using appropriate assessment metrics, and developing ways of thinking about the role of technology to support meaningful learning.References mentioned in this episode:Rogers, C. (2020). A Time to Experiment. ASEE Prism, 29(4), 21-21Bio:Chris Rogers earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Stanford University, where he worked with Professor John Eaton on...2020-12-2338 min
Reflective Teaching In A Digital AgeTeaching Engineering Online with Dr. Ruth WertzTeaching engineering online is a uniquely challenging task. Conceptually difficult knowledge, hands-on experience, problem-solving and teamwork are at the core of many engineering courses and when taught remotely, require careful planning. Dr. Wertz talks to us about her practical and theoretical experience in online engineering education. She discusses topics of social bonding, team’s cohesion, assessment approaches, and generally, what is important to remember when designing (or redesigning) an engineering course for online instruction.Bio:Dr. Wertz is an Assistant Professor of General Engineering at Valparaiso University, located in Valparaiso Indiana. She has earned a B.S...2020-11-1932 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeDr. Randy Garrison - Community of Inquiry (CoI) Framework and Online TeachingOnline teaching is a complex process that requires rethinking the role of the instructor, student interactions, and meaningful ways of learning. The CoI framework gets at the heart of establishing and sustaining online educational experiences through the development of interdependent elements: social, cognitive, and teaching presence. Dr. Randy Garrison will talk to us about the history of the CoI framework, its role in the thoughtful design of online education, and practical ways of helping students learn through active participation and shared meaning making.For more information about the CoI Framework, please visit: https://coi.athabascau.ca/2020-10-1838 minReflective Teaching In A Digital AgeEducational Technology Tools Integration through the Technology, Content, Assessment, and Pedagogy (TCAP) Framework with Dr. Rohit KandakatlaWhether we have experienced teaching face-to-face, blended, or online classes, educational technology tools for learning have been part of the teaching resources repertoire for quite some time now. Integration of simulations, virtual labs, collaborative platforms, and assessment tools as part of the teaching process is familiar to many, yet a more deliberate approach to thinking of how a particular educational tool will help to achieve learning outcomes is frequently not part of the decision-making process. Dr. Kandakatla talks to us about a thoughtful and holistic approach to thinking about educational technology tools integration in STEM classes using a variation...2020-09-2924 min
Reflective Teaching In A Digital AgeAdaptability of the Content, Assessment, and Pedagogy (CAP) Framework in a Digital Age with Dr. Ruth StrevelerThe CAP Framework is widely known in the engineering education community. It is focused on alignment of content, assessment, and pedagogy to progress towards learning objectives and is frequently used as an approach to curriculum development in engineering courses. Dr. Streveler talks to us about her personal experience with online teaching, ways the CAP framework can be used to rethink course design in an online environment, and the importance of social-emotional support in online instruction.References mentioned in this episode:Streveler, R. A., Smith, K. A., & Pilotte, M. (2012). Aligning course content, assessment, and delivery: Creating a...2020-09-2930 min