Shows
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauDesire to Indigenize – A Learning Odyssey Part 1In this episode of Neon Train, Rob Belliveau is joined by Dr. Christopher Grenard and Blackfoot elder Joe Eagle Tail Feathers to explore what it truly means to indigenize digital learning spaces. Together, they discuss the long-term relationship and deep trust that underpins their collaboration on the Blackfoot Odyssey course, built within the Desire2Learn (D2L) / Brightspace platform. Chris shares how he reimagines the online classroom as an Indigenous literary lodge, grounded in ceremony, authenticity, and respect for Indigenous knowledge. Joe reflects on his life, teachings, and the sacred teepee design that has become central to the course...
2026-01-2824 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauSeason 3 TrailerSeason 3 is coming soon! Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes?Email the show: allaboard@neontrain.comIf this episode helped you think differently about online learning, edtech, or accessibility, share it with a colleague or friend in education, L&D, or training.
2026-01-2200 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauYear In ReviewIn this special year-in-review episode of All Aboard with Rob Belliveau, host Rob Belliveau looks back on a powerful season exploring online learning, educational technology, and the human stories behind innovation in education.Rob revisits conversations with guests from higher education, literacy organizations, assistive technology companies, and public safety, highlighting how AI, Brightspace (D2L), and other edtech tools are transforming teaching and learning—without losing the essential human-centered focus.From AI as a learning companion to universal design for learning, from ending illiteracy in Nova Scotia to life-or-death training in the fire service, this wr...
2025-12-1022 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauNavigating Digital Learning and AIIn this engaging episode, Rob Belliveau welcomes Courtney Hanna-Benson, Associate Director for Digital Learning at Western University’s Center for Teaching and Learning. Courtney shares her unique journey at the intersection of education and technology, diving into Western’s transition to the Brightspace LMS and the evolving landscape of digital learning. Together, they explore the potential and pitfalls of integrating AI in higher education, discuss how intentional technology use can empower both faculty and students, and highlight the significance of maintaining human-centered approaches as the digital classroom continues to evolve.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/corthbCort...
2025-11-1425 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauTransforming Online Learning Through AccessibilityIn this inspiring episode, Rob Belliveau sits down with Dr. Sambhavi Chandrashekar to explore the critical topic of accessibility in online learning. Dr. Sam shares her personal journey from discovering the meaning of dyslexia to becoming a global leader in inclusive education and accessibility. Together, they discuss why accessibility matters now more than ever, the importance of designing for all learners, and how technology can both empower and exclude.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sambhavichandrashekar/
2025-10-1526 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauThe Art of Storytelling in Business and EducationJoin host Rob Belliveau as he welcomes Afton Brazzoni, founder of Scribe National, for an inspiring conversation about the power of storytelling in business, education, and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Rob and Afton reflect on their professional journeys, the importance of building and maintaining relationships, and how storytelling can transform even the driest content into engaging, impactful material.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aftonaikens/
2025-09-2428 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauInnovating Online EducationIn this episode of the All Aboard podcast, your host Rob Belliveau welcomes Dr. Emma Zone, Senior Director of Academic Affairs at D2L, for a dynamic conversation about the future of online learning and the power of community in education. Dr. Zone shares her journey from K-12 and higher education to her current role at D2L, where she leads thought leadership and research at the intersection of technology and teaching.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmajzone/
2025-08-1325 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauE-Learning for Emergency RespondersIn this compelling episode, host Rob Belliveau sits down with his former supervisor and mentor, John Maclean, to explore the transformative journey of implementing e-learning in the Halifax Fire Department. The two chat about John Maclean's 40+ year career in firefighting and emergency services and the evolution from traditional PowerPoint training to digital learning platforms. They discuss how e-learning revolutionized recruit training and departmental assessments with blended learning approaches in firefighter training, the importance of visionary leadership in technological change, and the benefits of online learning for time management and skill development. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-maclean-05413750/
2025-07-1625 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauAI as a Learning CompanionRobert Belliveau and Reed Dickson discuss the integration of AI in education. Reed, who directs online faculty experience and innovation at Pima Community College, emphasizes AI's role as a learning companion, sharing personal experiences of using AI for health and learning. They explore AI's potential in creating inclusive learning environments, enhancing student-centered learning, and improving course design and assessment. Reed advises educators to experiment with AI tools, ensure ethical use, and foster student expertise. They highlight the importance of adapting AI to support cognitive processes and maintain academic integrity, suggesting practical steps for educators to incorporate AI effectively in...
2025-06-1831 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauIncreasing Literacy with Blended ApproachesRob Belliveau sits down with Eryn Steele from Halifax Learning to explore their bold mission: ending illiteracy across Nova Scotia and Canada.Led by a dedicated team of female educators, Halifax Learning implements the Spell Read program—developed by Dr. Kay McPhee and grounded in structured literacy and reading science. Since launching in 1996, they've transformed countless reading journeys.When in-person training became challenging, Halifax Learning partnered with NeonTrain's Brightspace platform to bring their methods online. This digital shift has dramatically improved reach, learning outcomes, and teacher training capabilities.Eryn also discusses how policy initiatives like the No...
2025-05-1425 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauStorytelling and Multimodal LearningRobert Belliveau invites Rhys Waters to discuss the evolution and impact of podcasting on education and learning. Rhys highlights the shift from traditional lectures to podcasts, emphasizing the benefits of storytelling and verbal communication for information retention. They explore the use of podcasts in various settings, including internal corporate training and accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Rhys shares insights on the technological advancements in podcast production, such as AI-driven audio cleanup and voice replacement. They also discuss the importance of defining podcast purpose, audience engagement, and distribution strategies. Rhys praises Neon Train's innovative approach to online learning and the...
2025-04-1527 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauSupporting Newcomers with Online LearningIn this episode, Rob sits down with Layla Zia, Manager of Operations and Strategic Initiatives from the Toronto Center for Learning and Development. Layla shares how moving the Center’s training online has dramatically improved learner engagement and operational efficiency. For anyone wondering how to ace community-building in the digital age, this episode is for you! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/layla-zia/
2025-03-2021 min2025-02-2601 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauBetter Learning with Assistive TechnologyHappy 2025! Rob kicks off the first episode of All Aboard Season Two with the brilliant Colleen Sandquist, Strategic Partner Manager at ReadSpeaker. Together Rob and Colleen dive into the world of Assistive Technology in online learning. The two unpack the impact of AI-generated voices in online learning and how text-to-speech technology can help improve learner retention. You won't want to miss this incredible conversation!With over 20 years of education and assistive technology experience, Colleen believes in empowering learners to become their very best academic selves as they continue on their learning journey. She shares her ex...
2025-01-2930 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauBetter Learning with Assistive TechnologyHappy 2025! Rob kicks off the first episode of All Aboard Season Two with the brilliant Colleen Sandquist, Strategic Partner Manager at ReadSpeaker.
Together Rob and Colleen dive into the world of Assistive Technology in online learning. The two unpack the impact of AI-generated voices in online learning and how text-to-speech technology can help improve learner retention. You won't want to miss this incredible conversation!
With over 20 years of education and assistive technology experience, Colleen believes in empowering learners to become their very best academic selves as they continue on their learning journey. She shares her e...
2025-01-2730 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauChampions of Continuous ImprovementYear one of All Aboard is a wrap! 🚂In our final episode of the year, we serve up a truly inspirational conversation. Rob chats with long-time client and relentless innovator Gary Cox.The conversation takes a deep dive into the concept of continuous improvement and the many positive outcomes Gary and his team experienced by putting their training online. From increased satisfaction client satisfaction ratings to advanced proficiency with Brightsapce tools, Gary shares all the details of his team's journey with NeonTrain! A conversation not to be missed!Guest BioGa...
2024-12-1823 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauAdventures In eLearning!In episode 11, Rob sits down with lifelong educator and D2L Teaching & Learning Advocate, Barry Dahl.Rob and Barry bond over mid-career moves into the world of eLearning. They also discuss why the edtech space provides so many incredible career and lifelong learning opportunities. Guest BioBarry Dahl is a highly sought-after educational advisor with extensive experience as a postsecondary educator and consultant. He has worked on a variety of e-learning quality improvement projects, and is a captivating conference host and speaker. Barry holds a B.S. degree an...
2024-11-2133 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauTime to Flip the Script!Welcome to episode 10! In a first for All Aboard, the roles are reversed as Rob is interviewed by celebrated journalist and communications expert Jordi Morgan.During their conversation, Rob and Jordi reflect on how they initially connected through their shared interest in e-learning and the significance of high-quality course design.Rob shares details about his journey into the world of eLearning and how those experiences inspired the concept for NeonTrain. Jordi and Rob also discuss the story behind the NeonTrain name and the valuable lessons Rob has learned over the past four years o...
2024-10-1627 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauEmbracing Educational TechnologyEpisode 9 of All Aboard is now live!
This month, Rob sits down with Stephanie Bernier, an Educational Developer from the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University.
Stephanie shares how the COVID-19 pandemic pushed educational technology to the forefront of her faculty’s priorities and how the shift to online learning elevated their teaching methods.
The two also discuss Stephanie's important
work related to diagnostic assessments. Her strategy focuses on identifying learning gaps early, allowing for better adjustments to learning plans and more effective feedback—a valuable appr...
2024-09-1828 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauLeading Change Through Online LearningIn episode 8, Rob welcomes Ann de Ste Croix, the Provincial Coordinator for the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia (THANS).
Rob and Ann explore the journey that led THANS to launch online employee training programs.
They also discuss the reception of the online programs by the THANS team and how the feedback received is shaping their future plans.
Don’t miss this insightful conversation!
Guest Bio
Ann de Ste Croix is a dedicated advocate and strategic leader, currently serving as the Provincial Coordinator for the Transition House Association of No...
2024-08-1423 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauGenerative AI in Online LearningIn the 7th installment of the podcast series, Rob welcomes Chris Cramer, a Senior Manager within the Education department of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada.
Chris shares his insights on AI's unprecedented global impact and how these new tools are influencing learner behaviour online.
The conversation also explores how we can best use generative AI as it becomes normalized in the technical systems we use daily.
This episode is not to be missed!
Guest Bio:
Chris is a highly versatile education professional with over 25 years of...
2024-07-1730 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauOnline Certification & ProctoringEpisode 6 is live! This month’s episode tackles one of the
pressing challenges of our digital age: how can safe and effective certification and proctoring take place online? Rob is joined by the Managing Director & Co-Founder of Integrity Advocate, Rob Day, for this intriguing discussion.
The two unpack why Rob started Integrity Advocate. Also, how learners can ensure their privacy is being respected, and how organizations can offer secure online assessment platforms when offering learners certifications.
Finally, Rob and Rob dive into the many scenarios where Integrity Advocate’s technology is driving positive chang...
2024-06-1229 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauTransformative Online Sales Training!Welcome to episode 5! Rob is joined by Kerri Corturillo, Co-Owner & Managing Partner of Results By Design Consultants (RBD). In this episode, Kerri takes us on a remarkable journey through the transformative evolution of RBD's sales coaching and training courses from in-person to online.
Rob and Kerri delve deep into the strategies and innovations behind RBD's successful transition to eLearning. Discover how they seamlessly replicated the sales process in the digital realm utilizing Brightspace’s incredible suite of easy-to-use course authoring tools.
Kerri also sheds light on how the shift to...
2024-05-1525 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauDiversity, Equity & Inclusion in Online LearningIn this episode, Rob is joined by Dr. Leland Harper, an Associate Professor of Philosophy and an Associate Professor of Race, Justice, and Equity Studies. This episode takes a deep dive into the intersection of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in Online Learning.
Listen in as the two discuss what can be done in the online learning space to welcome varied learning styles, ages, races, genders and ability levels in an effort to give learners the chance to reach their full potential.
Together, they explore best practices for prioritizing DEI approaches in online course development and...
2024-04-1626 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauThe Future of Virtual Assessment with BongoWelcome to episode #3! In this episode, Rob is joined by the CEO of Bongo, Josh Kamrath.
Listen in as the two unpack the countless benefits for learners and course administrators when it comes to using video to demonstrate skill acquisition and competence. The future of learning is here and video assessment is the key!
Josh Kamrath is the CEO of Bongo and a passionate advocate for transforming how people are evaluated in the workplace, the classroom, and beyond. In his role, Josh has seen first-hand how connecting people to technology that provides the opportunity to...
2024-03-1327 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauPutting your course online? Listen Up!Rob is joined by one of NeonTrain’s talented Learning Experience Designers, Alyssa Filippi, to talk about what anyone looking to build an online course should know. Listen in as this power duo shares their best tips and ideas to help you build a course that truly reaches learners.
Alyssa Filippi has designed and consulted on learning programs built in the Brightspace LMS for clients in different industries such as healthcare, cybersecurity, financial technology, K12 and higher education. She teaches an Instructional Design course at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Educ...
2024-02-1427 min
All Aboard with Rob BelliveauPodcasting and eLearning: Together at Last!In this first episode, Rob is joined by Dr. Bob Huish, who is a member of the NeonTrain team, a sought-after commentator on global politics, a university professor and a prolific podcaster in his own right. Together, the two discuss why eLearning and podcasting really have so much in common and how we can all learn more by considering alternate platforms for traditional messages.
Dr. Bob Huish is an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University who is renowned for teaching innovation. Winner of the Dalhousie FASS teaching award, Prof. Huish continues to offer innovative courses...
2024-01-1725 minAll Aboard with Rob BelliveauWelcome to All Aboard!All Aboard with Robert Belliveau, President & Founder of NeonTrain, offers a fast-paced and fun conversation exploring all topics related to online learning excellence. From the latest and greatest course design approaches to the nitty-gritty of course ROI, Rob tackles many issues in hopes that sharing this information will help the listener know there are many great solutions to consider when it comes to developing an online learning program.
2024-01-1600 min
GDP - The Global Development PrimerPraise for the Online Classroom: Talking about the potential of online higher education coming out of the pandemic.Following from our last GDP podcast on the challenges of online learning, we're pleased to welcome the President of Neontrain, Rob Belliveau to the podcast to talk about how profs can work to overcome real challenges and presumed stereotypes of online education. In this episode Rob & Dr. Bob make the case that online learning can, in some ways, be more connected, more personal and more attentive to students needs than the traditional classroom setting. Check it out:
Leading NeonTrain down the track is Founder and NeonTrain President Rob Belliveau. With a background in human resources, Rob has expe...
2022-03-2138 min