Smarter Campus Podcast

In Episode 20 of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Bobby Hodgkinson, a teaching professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, whose work spans unmanned vehicles, hurricane-sensor robotics, and now—AI-powered education.

What starts as a story about wind tunnels and biologically-inspired propulsion systems quickly evolves into a conversation about something just as dynamic: the transformation of teaching through AI. Bobby shares:

• His early work on underwater and aerial vehicles to measure hurricanes
• How experiential labs at CU Boulder help students bridge theory and practice
• Why AI made him completely rethink how technical writing is taught
• His vision for automated tutoring and AI tools that assess and support student understanding in real-time

Whether you’re in STEM education or just curious how AI is reshaping how we understand understanding, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Dr. Cynthia Alby, a professor of Teacher Education at Georgia College & State University and co-author of Learning That Matters: A Field Guide to Course Design for Transformative Education.

Dr. Alby shares her inspiring vision to “re-enchant learning”—making education more engaging, human, and transformative. With decades of experience and research spanning pedagogy, psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics, she brings a refreshingly holistic lens to the conversation on AI in education.

Together, Zach and Cynthia explore:

• Her journey into AI advocacy and how she keeps up with educational trends
• The promise and peril of AI—why a balanced, thoughtful approach matters
• Use cases for AI in and out of the classroom, from public speaking support to roleplaying with parents
• How we can harness AI to amplify—not replace—what makes teaching and learning meaningful

If you're an educator, administrator, or just someone wondering how to use AI without losing the human side of education, this episode is for you.

In Episode 18 of Smarter Campus, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Dr. Steven Pane—professor, concert pianist, and pioneer of interdisciplinary teaching at the University of Maine at Farmington—to explore how AI is reshaping arts and humanities education. They discuss:

• Prompting as musicianship: translating musical practice into crafting effective AI prompts
• The value of pedagogical friction: why struggle and resistance fuel deeper learning with AI
• Democratizing AI governance: ensuring adjuncts, staff, and students lead as much as administrators
• AI literacy as critical literacy 2.0: applying source-evaluation skills to AI-generated content
• Resources and funding: why meaningful AI integration demands time, budget, and institutional support

Join us for a deep dive into using AI to extend, not replace, human creativity—one conversation at a time.

In Episode 17 of Smarter Campus, host Zach Kinzler sits down with AI integration specialist Maurie Beasley—veteran K–12 teacher, counselor, and tech coach—to explore the real-world steps of bringing AI into schools. They cover:

• Maurie’s tech roots, from building a Heathkit computer to co-creating Agnes, the K–12 AI toolbox
• Strategies for piloting low-cost AI ($6.97/month!) in districts to prove impact
• A grade-by-grade roadmap: digital literacy in K, ChatGPT for onboarding in 2nd–3rd, prompting in 4th–5th, and safe AI practices in middle school
• How AI can enhance everything from menu planning to tech troubleshooting
• The mindset shift AI demands: continuous learning, creativity, and adaptability

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or policymaker, this episode is packed with actionable insights to make AI accessible and empowering for your school community.

In Episode 16 of Smarter Campus, host Zach Kinzler welcomes Anna Shildrick—global education consultant, executive coach, and AI integration leader—to explore AI’s transformative role in education. They discuss:

• Anna’s journey into AI and pivotal moments that shaped her vision
• How personalized, long-term planning with AI can revolutionize teaching and learning
• The importance of philosophical and pedagogical foundations before technology adoption
• Ethical considerations and responsible use of AI tools in classrooms
• Strategies to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration with AI

This deep dive offers educators, administrators, and learners actionable insights on harnessing AI for a more inclusive, innovative educational environment. Tune in and join the conversation on the future of learning!

In Episode 15 of Smarter Campus, host Zach Kinzler sits down with AI policy consultant, debate coach, and author Stefan Bauschard to explore how AI is reshaping education and society. They dive into:

• Stefan’s journey from computer science teacher and debate champion to AI policy expert
• His eye-opening “aha” moment discovering ChatGPT’s potential to outpace Google
• Why the real conversation should shift from cheating concerns to AI’s transformative possibilities
• Practical strategies for teachers: embrace AI tools ethically and help students navigate bias
• The looming labor market disruption ahead—and how both educators and learners can prepare

Tune in for a candid discussion on responsibly harnessing AI to unlock positive change—because adapting is everyone’s responsibility.

In Episode 14 of Smarter Campus, host Zach Kinzler speaks with Joe Sabado, long-time UC Santa Barbara IT leader and first-generation grad, about using AI to foster inclusive learning communities. They explore:

• Joe’s path from political science undergrad to co-directing campus AI communities of practice
• How early web experiments evolved into today’s AI-driven tools
• Strategies for intentional AI adoption in higher ed, balancing innovation with human-centered values
• Practical tips for educators: build community, model humility, and engage with AI hands-on

Tune in for a grounded conversation on leveraging AI for campus-wide impact—no portraits needed, just big ideas and bold possibilities!

In Episode 13 of Smarter Campus, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Victoria Davis—aka the Cool Cat Teacher—to explore how AI is rewriting the rulebook in education. Victoria shares her journey from writing code at age seven to shaping classrooms as a Computer Science and Digital Film teacher, IT director, and award-winning blogger. Together they discuss:

• How AI’s progression “goes viral” once it hits a tipping point (thanks to insights from Peter Diamandis’s The Future Is Faster Than You Think)
• The critical role of educators in unpacking AI’s ethics and debunking bias for students
• Practical examples of incorporating AI tools into media literacy courses
• Why understanding technology’s moral and ethical dimensions is as important as mastering the tools themselves

Get ready for a lively conversation that blends real-world teaching, cutting-edge tech, and a “cool cat’s” perspective on why AI shouldn’t be feared—it should be thoughtfully embraced. Tune in and discover how to prepare the next generation of learners for a world where change accelerates at lightning speed.

Join host Zach Kinzler on Smarter Campus as he sits down with Ruth Slotnick, Director of Assessment at Bridgewater State University and a national thought leader in accreditation and assessment strategy. They explore:

• Ruth’s journey from personal tech solutions for her learning difference to leading campus-wide assessment initiatives
• The influx of new assessment practitioners from diverse fields, and what it means for higher ed
• The moment AI became impossible to ignore—and how influencers like Donald Clark and Ethan Mollick shaped Ruth’s perspective
• Strategies for embracing AI in assessment without fear, transforming accreditation and learning experiences
• Why presence and engagement are crucial to navigating AI’s rapid evolution

Discover how AI can revolutionize assessment practices and empower educators to create data-driven, future-ready learning environments.

 In Episode 11 of Smarter Campus, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Dr. Allison Lester from Arizona State University to explore how AI and action research can spark real-world impact. As an AI educator and action researcher, Dr. Lester shares how she weaves community-based projects into media literacy courses, secures grant funding, and champions collaborative structures in classrooms—drawing on her roots as a special education teacher. Tune in to discover how AI tools can bridge education and community, fuel meaningful learning experiences, and empower learners beyond the campus walls.