In 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 wrap-up episode surfaces the big themes shaping the future of learning:

• Democratization of learning
• Accessibility and inclusion
• Community building in digital spaces
• The power of storytelling and podcasting in education

If you work in education, training, L&D, or edtech, this conversation will give you practical inspiration and big-picture perspective for 2026 and beyond.

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If 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.

In 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/corthb

Cortney Hanna-Benson, PhD is the Associate Director, Digital Learning with the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at Western University. Her work is situated at the intersection of digital pedagogy and educational technology. At the CTL, Cortney leads the digital learning portfolio, advancing pedagogical innovation through emerging technologies such as generative AI. She has contributed to the scholarship of teaching and learning, with research on student transitions to university, the impact of game-based technologies on performance-related outcomes, and students-as-partners initiatives.

In 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/

Join 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/

In 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/

In 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/

Robert 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 their teaching practices. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reeddickson/

Rob 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 Child Left Behind Act and the Right to Read report have created momentum for evidence-based literacy approaches like theirs. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eryn-steele-514a3465/

Robert 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 potential of podcasting as an educational tool. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhyswaters/

In 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/