In this episode of Teach and Learn, Dr. Emma Zone sits down with Dan Fitzpatrick, an international keynote speaker, bestselling author and AI educator, to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Known worldwide as The AI Educator, Fitzpatrick shares his journey from being a high school teacher to becoming a leading voice in AI and education, emphasizing his passion for innovation and technology. 

In the first of this two-part episode, Fitzpatrick shares insights into the practical applications of AI in education, from resource creation to administrative tasks, and the broader implications for teaching and learning.  

 Together they discuss: 

• Integrating AI into the classroom
• Challenges and opportunities 
• How education systems need to focus on skills, not just knowledge 
• The lack of AI training for educators 
• How generative tools can save educators time and enhance their teaching methods 
• The application of Vijay Govindarajan’s "Three-Box Solution" framework to navigate change  

Join us for an engaging conversation that illuminates the future of education and AI's pivotal role in shaping it.

 Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes.

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In 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 metacognition to help students critically understand AI.
☑️  When AI should be used as a copilot rather than a decision-maker in the learning process.
☑️  Practical strategies educators can use to integrate AI responsibly in their teaching.

Dr. Sean McMinn is the Director of the Center for Education Innovation at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). His role includes leading the development of digital education, including AI for education initiatives, at the university. Sean also currently sits on multiple international committees, including the AI and Education International Panel, Digital Education Council, and the Cyber-Physical Learning Alliance. He has won various awards for his work in digital education, including the 2024 Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance (GMA) Award for his work in AI Education, the 2016 School of Humanities and Social Science (SHSS) Teaching Excellence Award and the 2007 Teaching Innovation Award for his work with podcasts and education at HKUST. 

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes.

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In 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 health
• The role of AI and technology in shaping future careers and the importance of STEAM education

Nathifa Forde is the Founding Executive Director of NYC Her Future, where she strategically develops policies, programs, and partnerships to support young women, girls, and gender expansive New Yorkers of color in overcoming disparities. With a decade-long career in the NYC nonprofit sector, Forde has spearheaded a multitude of initiatives such as the Health Career Credentialing Program at CUNY and partnerships with organizations like the Black Women's Blueprint to address maternal-infant mortality rates.

Prior to her current role, Forde was the acting executive director of the NYC Young Men’s Initiative, served as a National Urban Fellow at the Annie E. Casey Foundation and held positions at the NYC Center for Youth Employment. She is an alumna of CUNY holding both a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Medgar Evers College and a Master of Public Administration from Bernard M. Baruch College.

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes.

For more content for educators, by educators, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio where you can listen to more podcast episodes, register for free D2L Master Classes and read articles written by educational leaders. Sign up for our Teaching & Learning Studio newsletter and never miss a thing. 

To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com 
 
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As 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 research, supported by UNESCO IITE and MIT Open Learning, and provides practical examples of how educators can incorporate AI literacies into their teaching practices. The conversation also explores ethical considerations and cultural sensitivities required to ensure AI applications are inclusive and beneficial for all learners.

Dr. Angela Gunder is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Opened Culture, a pioneering collaboratory that empowers educators and institutions to advance access to education through open collaboration, academic innovation, and community engagement. Through leading-edge research, professional development, and strategic guidance, she and her team support educational communities in guiding and sustaining cultures of openness to instantiate a more inclusive future of learning. 

Dr. Gunder has earned accolades from UNESCO IITE, MIT Open Learning, and UPCEA for her transformative initiatives in fostering cultures of openness in digital learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Her research focuses on open remix practices, opened culture, digital literacies, narrative digital learning practices, and emerging technology for language acquisition. She holds a B.S. in Computer Science and Fine Art from Fordham University, a M.Ed. in Education Technology from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural Studies from The University of Arizona.

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes.

For more content for educators, by educators, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio where you can listen to more podcast episodes, register for free D2L Master Classes and read articles written by educational leaders. Sign up for our Teaching & Learning Studio newsletter and never miss a thing. 

To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com 
 
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In this episode, Dr. Emma Zone sits down with Emmy-Nominated edutainment creator Jerry Kolber to talk about making learning fun. Kolber’s work in television and podcasting focuses on blending education with entertainment. This concept, known as edutainment, presents subjects like math and science in more engaging, fun ways. Through storytelling, wacky characters and imaginative scenarios, Kolber’s creations are helping to capture attention, spark curiosity and ignite the joy of learning for kids and families alike.

They discuss:

• The meaning of edutainment
• Why making learning fun is an effective way to spark curiosity 
• How entertainment can create entry points for learners in various subjects
• The secret to making powerful edutainment

Jerry Kolber is the co-creator of National Geographic's #1 educational series, BRAIN GAMES which earned him an Emmy Award Nomination. He's the co-creator of BRAINCHILD, the live-action Netflix series about science and history, and his company, Atomic Entertainment is behind the popular podcasts for families and kids, WHO SMARTED? and MYSTERIES ABOUT TRUE HISTORIES a.k.a M.A.T.H. 

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes.

For more content for educators, by educators, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio where you can listen to more podcast episodes, register for free D2L Master Classes and read articles written by educational leaders. Sign up for our Teaching & Learning Studio newsletter and never miss a thing. 

To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com 
 
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In 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 Garrison Duncan. 

In this episode, they discuss: 

• How CBE and C-BEN are shaping the future of education by empowering lifelong learners who can adapt to the changing needs of today’s job market
• Why CBE is the educational model of the future
• What are some of the challenges organizations face in standardizing competencies 
• Where you can look for CBE frameworks and resources 
• What has been accomplished, what needs to be done, and what the future holds for this kind of learning

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes.

For more content for educators, by educators, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio where you can listen to more podcast episodes, register for free D2L Master Classes and read articles written by educational leaders. Sign up for our Teaching & Learning Studio newsletter and never miss a thing. 

To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com 
 
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Figuring 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 formation of task groups, professional development courses, and the creation of AI literacy competencies for students. Scalzo also shares insights on the ethical and responsible implementation of AI, addressing challenges such as data privacy and the need for policy guidance. 

This is an important conversation that highlights the transformative potential of AI in higher education and SUNY's proactive approach to embracing emerging technologies while ensuring accessibility and equity for all students.

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes.

For more content for educators, by educators, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio where you can listen to more podcast episodes, register for free D2L Master Classes and read articles written by educational leaders. Sign up for our Teaching & Learning Studio newsletter and never miss a thing. 

To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com 
 
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According 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. Cristi Ford, D2L’s Chief Learning Officer, welcomed Dr. Amelia Parnell, President of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA). 

In this episode, they discuss:  

• The D2L and Tyton Partners 'Listening to Learners Report', which highlights the impact of student safety on re-enrollment decisions
• Why academic advisors play a pivotal role in creating safe spaces and supporting students beyond academic guidance
• Why so many students are unaware of available mental health resources
• How technology can enhance the delivery and accessibility of support services
• The importance of continuous collaboration between student affairs departments and academic affairs departments to support student success

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes.

For more content for educators, by educators, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio where you can listen to more podcast episodes, register for free D2L Master Classes and read articles written by educational leaders. Sign up for our Teaching & Learning Studio newsletter and never miss a thing. 

To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com 
 
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If "all the world's a stage," as Shakespeare believed, then hope should be cast as the lead, argues Dr. Jessica Riddell of Hope Circuits Institute. Riddell contends that hope can transform higher education into spaces where humans can truly flourish. Drawing inspiration from the theater, she introduces a novel approach to integrating hope into systems that are beloved, resilient and broken. 

Join Dr. Riddell and host Dr. Emma Zone as they explore how hope can be actioned to rewire universities and how with hope as the leading character, we can change the narrative of broken systems and our responses to them.

In this episode they touch on:

• the role of hope in higher ed institutions 
• the power of critical hope in the face of broken systems
• why the default response to a crisis needs to be rethought
• the need to reevaluate your default response to crisis
• how a system can be broken and loved at the same time
• conceptual tools that support divergent thinking 

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes.

For more content for educators, by educators, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio where you can listen to more podcast episodes, register for free D2L Master Classes and read articles written by educational leaders. Sign up for our Teaching & Learning Studio newsletter and never miss a thing. 

To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com 
 
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When 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 public good and uplift communities outside their matriculated, tuition-paying student body?

In this episode of Teach & Learn, we reimage traditional pathways to create viable routes for learners from all walks of life, with Vice Provost for Digital Education at Stanford, Matthew Rascoff.

Together, he and podcast host Dr. Cristi Ford talk about: 

• how online, and hybrid modalities create new pathways
• why private universities need to consider the public good
• the impact of taking action to curb undermatching 
• what kinds of partnerships are valuable in these efforts

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes.

For more content for educators, by educators, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio where you can listen to more podcast episodes, register for free D2L Master Classes and read articles written by educational leaders. Sign up for our Teaching & Learning Studio newsletter and never miss a thing. 

To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com 
 
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