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/

Happy 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 experiences and passion for helping all learners gain access and understanding to the written word. Colleen is a strong advocate of UDL, equity and personal growth; always striving to make a meaningful impact on partners, higher ed institutions, districts and learners at large. LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-sandquist

Year 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 Bio

Gary Cox is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt at Barrington Consulting, with over 20 years of experience in leading continuous improvement initiatives across sectors like manufacturing, retail, and office environments. He has trained and certified thousands in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, empowering teams to enhance efficiency and quality.

Gary advises organizational leaders on continuous improvement and operational excellence, helping them align process management systems with corporate goals. 

Gary’s expertise has earned him a reputation as a trusted mentor and coach for senior leaders. His book, Cultivating Champions of CI, being released in Jan 2025, is described by industry leaders as “essential reading for those looking to drive organizational excellence”.

Connect with Gary

LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/garypcox/

Webcast Series on YouTube : 

Cultivating Champions of Continuous Improvement - YouTube

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 Bio

Barry 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 and a Master's in Accounting from Arizona State University. He spent 17 years as an accounting faculty member, with appointments at ASU, Florida Atlantic University, the University of Minnesota Duluth, and Lake Superior College (LSC) in Duluth, MN.

Currently, Barry serves as a Teaching and Learning Advocate with D2L. Outside of work, you can find Barry playing tennis in Florida during the winter and fishing on Lake Superior during the summer.

Connect with Barry:

https://barrydahl.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrydahl 

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 of running the company.

Guest Bio

Jordi Morgan is an award-winning Canadian journalist, producer, and television and radio anchor. Over his remarkable 40-year career, he has mastered the art and science of communicating with confidence and conviction.

Jordi’s diverse professional career includes almost a decade as Vice President with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business where he advocated for a strong and vibrant small business community.

Jordi is currently the lead of Jordi Morgan Communications, which provides quality media relations, government relations, and media awareness development for enterprises with interests in Atlantic Canada.

Connect with Jordi:

https://jordimorgancommunications.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordimorgan/

Episode 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

Guest Bio

Stephanie has been instrumental in creating a culture of pedagogical sharing and community in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University through the FCS Education group. Since joining the Faculty in 2019 as an Educational Developer, Stephanie has developed and established techniques and processes that have significantly impacted the educational experience of our students and supported the work of faculty members. This impact has helped establish the Faculty as a leader in CS Education innovation on and off campus. Stephanie manages the FCS Instructional Support Team (CSEd). She also sits on several university-wide Communities of Practice, academic teams and is the Chair of the Wellness Committee at the Faculty.

Stephanie was a former Director of Digital Learning and ICT and Head of the Arts, Design and Technology Faculty in K-12 private schools in the United Arab Emirates for over 20 years. She has also held instructor roles at Acadia University in the English for Academic Purposes Program. She has a wealth of experience training, coaching and mentoring educators, and has had the pleasure of presenting at national and international conferences on educational topics to advance teaching and learning in K-12 and higher education.

Stephanie has been a recipient of the Dalhousie University Professional Management Group (DPMG) Award for Outstanding Achievement Early Career Award and the Faculty of Computer Science Dean’s Service Award.

She holds a PGCE from the University of Sunderland and an MA Ed. in Technology & Learning Design from the University of Roehampton.

LinkedIn Profile

In 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!

Ann de Ste Croix is a dedicated advocate and strategic leader, currently serving as the Provincial Coordinator for the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia. With a Master’s in International Development Studies from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Acadia University, Ann excels in leading impactful projects, conducting in-depth policy research, and driving public education campaigns.

Her background in litigation and academic research enhances their role, where she focuses on advocacy for women and children, and fostering partnerships. Based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Ann is committed to advancing social justice and improving community outcomes."

THANS Podcast - Somebody Must Say These Things

In 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 progressive international experience in higher education and not-for-profit teaching & learning, development and operations.

At CPA Canada he is a Senior Manager within their Education department (formerly Pre-Certification Education) and has been involved in a range of innovative learning and assessment projects and the onboarding and management of vendors such as D2L, Wiley, UWorld and ProctorU where his special focus is on legal, IT security and privacy aspects. Most recently he served as the Education Technology workstream lead for the New Certification Program project.

Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophcramer/