Learning Innovation: The Teaching & Learning Podcast

What happens when an Indigenous community leads the conversation about misinformation involving Indigenous peoples, culture, and language?

In this episode, host Kris Hodgson-Bright (Aapatohsipiksiiniistsi) speaks with Gloria Wells (Akohstikitstaki), Dr. Jami Albright-Tolman (Natosii Apaniimstakyaakii), Dr. Kirsten Fantazir (Anatsi’piiksaakii), Lainie Fuhrmann, and Megan Gros Ventre Boy (Iinakii) about Working Together, an applied research project led by the Ninastako Cultural Centre in partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic.

The project addresses the spread of false and misleading information about Indigenous peoples and explores how media literacy, education, culture, language, and community knowledge can help challenge stereotypes, build resilience, and support reconciliation.

The guests discuss why Indigenous-led media literacy research is important, the role of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists, language speakers, students, and researchers, and what we can learn from listening to first-hand experiences of misinformation and racism.

Most importantly, the conversation asks: How can we work together to recognize misinformation, challenge harmful narratives, and support greater understanding of Indigenous culture and perspectives?

What does it take to become a professional baker?

In this episode of Learning Innovation: The Teaching and Learning Podcast, host Kris Hodgson-Bright steps inside the bakeshop at Lethbridge Polytechnic to explore the challenges, creativity, and rewards of learning the baking trade through apprenticeship and work-integrated learning (WIL).

Joining the conversation are culinary instructor Amanda Kawchuk, third-level baking apprentice and instructional assistant Karl Atkins, and Level 3 culinary students Rachel Warken, Rowan Desserre, and Kathleen Klink. Together, they share stories from the kitchen, lessons learned through trial and error, and the pride that comes with mastering a craft built on precision, patience, and persistence.

The episode explores the realities of culinary education, the value of mentorship, the pathway to Red Seal certification, and opportunities through competitions like Skills Alberta and Skills Canada. The conversation also touches on how artificial intelligence is beginning to shape the culinary world and what it could mean for future chefs and bakers.

In this episode of Learning Innovation, host Kris Hodgson-Bright chats with Shawn Pinder and Brandon Regier of Runner's Soul about how running connects to education, personal growth, and community. They share stories from triathlons, Ironman races, ultras, and local events while exploring goal-setting, discipline, mental toughness, and the value of celebrating small wins. Lethbridge Polytechnic has strong connections to the community and this episode explores the connection to an integral part of the local running community.

The guests highlight Runner's Soul's impact on Lethbridge's running scene, their support for Lethbridge Polytechnic's Kodiaks athletics, and practical advice for new runners: start where you are, get out the door, and let routine and community guide your progress. View this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/rxnhPXmHdTE?si=gtL6wj6Rl3FNioXr

During the show, guests and Kris (host) mention:

Jill Burrows (psychology professor), Dean Kolebaba (instructor and Program Chair for the School of Justice Studies), and Lyle Ruggles (e-learning specialist) chat about the innovative teaching and learning pathways virtual reality (VR) is creating at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

This trio discuss how they have integrated narrative-driven VR into their classrooms, including what's worked, what hasn't, and what new developments they'll continue to adopt in the future. 

Jill, Dean, and Lyle share how VR technology is helping students practice public speaking and interpersonal communication skills in a safe environment, and how it’s helping to nurture greater empathy, compassion, and understanding for individuals struggling with mental health challenges (like autism and schizophrenia). 

During the show, guests and Donna (host) mention:

Monica, Aderiyike, Jude, and Divine — nursing students at Lethbridge Polytechnic — share their experiences of cultural identity and community support as they navigate (sometimes discriminatory) systems in Canada.

The group discuss resilience and the importance of community for mental health and belonging, along with what they appreciate about Black History Month at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

“Ultimately, my focus is on making space for perspectives that have historically been excluded and ensuring our work contributes to the systemic change.” ~ Dr. Kirsten Fantazir, Research Chair at Lethbridge Polytechnic 

Dr. Kirsten Fantazir (Instructor and Research Chair at Lethbridge Polytechnic), and Dr. Jami Albright-Tolman (Instructor and Researcher), share about public safety applied research projects that are fostering connection with Blackfoot communities, and preparing students for careers in public safety. 

Kirsten and Jami expand on Community Integration Through Art Pissatsinaskssini (CITAP), and how its Creative Circles can foster healing, trust, and reconciliation.  

CITAP brings together Indigenous elders, students, and community partners to share meals, art, and cultural practices—and challenge stereotypes about houseless and vulnerable populations. Kirsten and Jami highlight early results, ethical practices, and the importance of authentic relationships and Indigenous ways of knowing. 

During the show, guests and Donna (host) mention:

"We know WIL has this really magical ability to create a stronger connection between students and this community." ~ Perry Stein, City of Lethbridge Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Manager

Dr. Natalie Barfuss (business instructor at Lethbridge Polytechnic) and Perry Stein (Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Manager at the City of Lethbridge) share the overwhelming benefits of WIL for students and their communities.

Work-integrated learning (WIL) helps students develop skills like teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These real-world skills help students step out more confidently into their careers. Because WIL allows students a glimpse into the community, these experiences can even kindle an interest in staying around Lethbridge after graduation.

Natalie also shares how instructors can dip their toes in WIL experiences. Hint—it's easier than you think!

During the show, Perry, Natalie, and Donna (host) mention:

"Teaching is not only about giving information, right? It's not about giving facts or explaining concepts or putting things together. It's creating a certain environment where learning is happening and I still think that humans are better at this than AI.” ~ Dr. Olga Klymenko 

A recent study from MIT shows that over-reliance on LLMs for writing accumulates cognitive debt (weaker brain connectivity, less ownership over the finished product).  

Dr. Olga Klymenko, instructor and language expert, is grappling with how to address over-reliance on AI writing in her classroom. 

Olga doesn't believe in banning or even policing the use of AI. Instead, she believes the answer lies in choosing to engage—that is, aiming to be collaborators in the process of knowledge building. 

Olga shares her insights, including: 

During the show, Olga and host (Donna) mention:

Dr. Brad Donaldson, President and CEO of Lethbridge Polytechnic, unpacks how the institution is navigating national shifts in post-secondary funding, and what it means to take control of our collective future as a PSI in Alberta.

He shares practical strategies for ethical domestic recruitment, applied learning and research, and fostering a “critically kind” campus culture that empowers educators, supports students, and strengthens community impact.

During the episode, Brad and Donna (host) mention:

Ryan Mann, Faculty Development Facilitator at SAIT’s Centre for Academic Development and Innovation, and Eric Mitchell, an Automotive Services Instructor at Lethbridge Polytechnic, are actively responding to teaching and learning gaps in the Trades through innovative—and technically scholarly—work.

Despite the improvements they're making, Ryan and Eric don't really consider their work as scholarly—but framing it differently could amplify the impact.

Ryan and Eric are joined by the polytechnic's Jaddon Park (Academic Services Manager) and Craig McCarthy (Learning Experience Designer). The four discuss the value of reframing work as scholarly, the power of integrating student feedback, and the joy in discovering creative ways to pass along knowledge. 

During the show, guests and host (Donna) mention:

Download Ryan's AI guidebook here: A Guide to Generative AI for Educators