What's Your Problem?: An Incomparable Podcast about Current Issues in Distance Learning and Education

Welcome to the Season 3 Finale of What's Your Problem?! To wrap up the fall semester, we're handing the mics over to YOU. In our first-ever Mailbag episode, the full ID Team is here to talk about the messy, real-world distance learning problems submitted by our listeners.

From the exhaustion of grading performative discussion posts to the existential dread of AI doing your students' homework, we're breaking down your biggest instructional design pain points and giving you strategies you can actually use.

Got a problem? If you have an instructional design disaster, a weird course development glitch, or a pedagogical puzzle, we want to hear from you! Send your questions to [email protected].

Resources:

Duckor, Brent, and Carrie Holmberg. "Five Pillars of Ethical AI Use for Teaching and Learning." Kappan Online, 9 Dec. 2025, kappanonline.org/five-pillars-of-ethical-ai-use-for-teaching-and-learning/.

Welcome to Season 3 of What's Your Problem? In Episode 2, Jason, Bernadette, Kaylynn, and Blair dig into a timely question for higher education: is banning AI in the classroom already a losing battle? The team shifts the conversation from policing AI to building AI-resilient (if that's the right word) learning experiences that help students think critically, adapt, and use new tools responsibly.

Along the way, they swap studio banter, unpack a wild story about an instructor trying to catch AI use with a hidden text trap, and debate the ethics of sneaky teaching tactics. From there, they break down three practical design strategies (verification, localization, and integration) before wrapping with a scenario-based game, some Toy Story-inspired metaphors, and a few unexpected detours through film and parenting philosophy.

References

"In-Person Classes Aren't Safe From AI Cheating Boom." Inside Higher Ed, 4 Mar. 2026, https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/academics/2026/03/05/person-classes-arent-safe-ai-cheating-boom.insidehighered

"'I Set a Trap to Catch My Students Cheating With AI. The Result Was Deflating.'" HuffPost, 20 Nov. 2025, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/history-professor-ai-cheating-students_n_69178150e4b0781acfd62540.huffpost

"Faculty Moving Away From Outright Bans on AI, Study Finds." Inside Higher Ed, 12 Feb. 2026, https://www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/learning-assessment/2026/02/13/faculty-moving-away-outright-bans-ai-study-finds.

Welcome to Season 3 of What's Your Problem? We are thrilled to kick off the new season by welcoming our brand-new co-host, Instructional Designer Blair Stamper, to the mic! This week, Jason, Kaylynn, Bernadette, and Blair tackle a sobering reality in higher education: the Loneliness Epidemic. With 57% of college students reporting feelings of loneliness, and distance learning sometimes exacerbating the issue, how can Instructional Designers create authentic, human connections in a digital world?

The team shares their own personal stories of isolation, debates whether AI chatbot companions are a cure or a dangerous crutch, and brainstorms actionable ID solutions from rethinking the dreaded high-stakes discussion board to building cohort-based communities. Tune in to find out how we can design the loneliness out of distance learning!

References

"Is Student Loneliness the New Normal?" Inside Higher Ed, 11 Feb. 2026, https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/health-wellness/2026/02/11/student-loneliness-new-normal.style.mla

"Can AI companionship cure loneliness – or deepen it?" Horizons from PBS News, Rocky Mountain PBS, Season 2026, Episode 7, https://www.rmpbs.org/shows/horizons/episodes/can-ai-companionship-cure-loneliness-or-deepen-it-ay69fh.owl.purdue

"Filipinos spend more time than global average on social media." Campaign Asia, 5 Feb. 2025, https://www.campaignasia.com/article/filipinos-spend-more-time-than-global-average-on-social-media/jzis9koymcsceocdmk4kap67p1

Is AI the end of learning or its ultimate salvation? On the season finale of "What's Your Problem?", we cut through the hype to explore why Artificial Intelligence is (and isn't) a problem in education. Hear real-world AI absurdity (like when your AI ends up emailing their AI), then dive deep with academic success coach Travis Michalak for a ground-level view of how students are actually using these tools – the good, the bad, and the unexpected.

We unpack the tension between AI's promise of personalized learning and efficiency versus the real risks to academic integrity and critical thinking . Get the coach's perspective on guiding students away from over-reliance and fostering productive, ethical AI use. Plus, we tackle the strange case of the world's first AI actress in our Weird News segment and challenge our panel (and you!) with the game "Tool or Crutch?" – can you tell if student AI use is helping or hindering learning? Tune in for a nuanced discussion on navigating the future of human intelligence in the age of AI.

All included music generated by Suno AI.

On this episode of "What's Your Problem?", we're pulling back the curtain on a field that's all around you, even if you don't know it exists: Instructional Design. Ever sat through a mind-numbing corporate training and wondered if there was a better way? Or followed a YouTube tutorial so perfect it made you feel like a genius? That's all instructional design.

Join us as we bust the biggest myths in the field, proving it's about far more than just "pretty PowerPoints." We play a spirited game of "ID or Not ID?" to uncover examples of a hidden world of learning design. We tackle all the big topics in Instructional Design right in this must-listen episode! Tune in and you'll start seeing the invisible architecture of learning everywhere you look.

The "What's Your Problem?" podcast is back for another season! In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial topic of digital accessibility in higher education and beyond. While one of our hosts is on a brief hiatus welcoming a new baby, we're kicking things off with a comprehensive look at the history of accessibility legislation, from the Americans with Disabilities Act to the latest WCAG standards. We'll share personal stories that highlight the human side of accessibility challenges and discuss common digital barriers, including frustrating PDFs and the evolution of social media accessibility. Plus, we have a big announcement about a new tool coming to Schoolcraft College to enhance the accessibility of our courses.

Join us for a thought-provoking deep dive into the world of assessment in online education. We wrap up the season with lively discussions about grading, gamification, and the growing influence of AI in classrooms. From the challenges of fostering real connections in virtual learning to exploring innovative (and sometimes controversial) nontraditional assessment methods, this finale is packed with insights and laughs. Plus, don't miss our game show-style segment where the team battles it out over the best new ways to evaluate learning. Whether you're an educator, student, or just curious about the future of learning, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of What's Your Problem?, we explore the joys and challenges of fall—whether it's deciding if pumpkins are overrated or apples deserve the fall crown. But we don't stop there! We dive into online education, group dynamics, and how collaboration can make or break any project (or escape room!). Plus, we tackle the age-old buttered cat paradox! Tune in for laughs, learning, and a few unexpected twists as we navigate the intersections of technology, teamwork, and fall nostalgia! 🍎🍂

Get ready to dive into the world of multimedia with Bernadette, Jason, and Kaylynn in the all-new season of What's Your Problem? After two seasons of repurposed web series content, we're kicking off this Season with fresh, exclusive podcast episodes that you won't want to miss. In this premiere, our dynamic trio tackles the endless possibilities and challenges of multimedia, sharing their expert tips, hilarious anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes insights. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about the multimedia landscape, this episode is packed with fun, knowledge, and a few surprises along the way. Tune in and join the conversation—because in the world of multimedia, there's always a new problem to solve! 🎧

Step into the intriguing world of academic integrity once again"What's Your Problem?" In or season 2 finale, we return to a popular topic that we have touched on in our first season's premiere, Cheating in Distance Learning. In this update, we will delve into the evolving landscape of ethical challenges in distance learning courses. We discuss how modern education tackles the age-old issue of academic dishonesty in innovative ways, so join us for a thought-provoking exploration as we uncover the latest strategies to uphold honesty and integrity in education. If you're curious about the future of academic ethics and learning, this episode is a must-listen!