Luminaris Podcast

In this episode of the Luminaris Podcast, I discuss the development of the Higher Education Learning Activity Types Taxonomy - my effort to create a comprehensive taxonomy for higher ed faculty. I walk through why and how I developed the taxonomy, as well as two organizational features of the taxonomy to make it easier for faculty to navigate and use it. First, the learning activities are organized according to the revision of Bloom's taxonomy. Second, each learning activity is tagged according to the 21st century skills it supports. I conclude with an invitation for feedback and collaboration on the work.

At the Lilly Conference this Spring, I had the opportunity to attend an excellent session on integrating technology for blended or face-to-face learning. In fact, it was one of the best sessions I attended at Lilly and on integrating technology into higher ed that I’ve attended. I’m delighted to welcome the three presenters from George Washington University to delve into this topic today on the podcast. Specifically, we get into a very helpful planning process that helps you to consider effective approaches to hybrid course design.

This week I had the good fortune to speak with Nigel Davies, an instructional technology consultant at Appalachian State University. Nigel has been an educator at various levels for more than 30 years in both K-12 and higher education. I had the pleasure of seeing Nigel present at the Lilly Conference in May on Universal Design for Learning and Instruction. In this episode we discuss Nigel's approach to UDLI and the benefits and challenges he's experienced in approaching his teaching in this way. 

In this episode, I was joined by colleague and friend, David Slykhuis. David is an Associate Professor of Science Education at James Madison University. He is the Director of the Content Teaching Academy, Co-Director of the JMU Center for STEM Education and Outreach, and President of the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education. In the show we discuss the rationale for incorporating inquiry-based learning experiences in our teaching, different levels of inquiry, and how you can get started.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bonni Stachowiak, from the Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast. Bonni is an Associate Professor of Business and Management at Vanguard University. She has producing the podcast for just over a year now and has had some incredible conversations with leaders and innovators in teaching in higher ed, including Ken Bain, Jose Bowen, and Steven Brookfield. On the show we discuss the value of connecting with colleagues, near and far, to discuss teaching practice. She shares some of the highlights and lessons she's learned in producing over 50 podcasts. 

In this episode, I had the pleasure to speak with Dr. Michael Luchs, Associate Professor in the Mason School of Business at the College of William & Mary. Michael has won numerous teaching awards for his engaging and innovative approach to student learning. He is also the Director of the Jim and Bobbie Ukrop Innovation and Design Studio at the Mason School. We explore how he uses an approach to design thinking to engage his students in creative problem solving and innovation. 

In this episode I had the please of speaking with Dr. Barbi Honeycutt, Director of Graduate Teaching Programs at North Carolina State University. In this capacity, she leads a team who provides support, training, and resources for graduate students representing all colleges within the university. She is also the founder of Flip It Consulting, leading a team of colleagues facilitating workshops around the country to support educators in creating engaging learning environments. We discuss Barbi's approached to flipped learning - one in which the students are at the center of the design process.

In this episode I had the opportunity to discuss the process and importance of intentionality in online course design and development with April Lawrence, Senior Academic Technologist at the College of William & Mary. We discuss some of the key differences, opportunities and challenges in shifting from face-to-face to online or hybrid teaching. April offers a practical, but substantive three-step process to design online learning experiences. 

In this episode, I share some ideas and insights that I learned from colleagues at the International Conference on College Teaching and Learning in Jacksonville, Florida. Specifically I discuss strategies and tips for increasing authenticity in teaching, approaches to problem-based and project-based learning, strategies for maximizing engagement and collaboration in online learning, and strategies for students to take more accountability for and develop their self-regulation strategies relative to their performance on exams and projects.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Todd Zakrajsek (@ToddZakrajsek on Twitter), Associate Professor in the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill School of Medicine and Executive Director of the Academy of Educators at UNC. Todd is the co-author of two books - The New Science of Learning:  How to Learn in Harmony with Your Brain and the soon-to-be released Teaching for Learning: 101 Intentionally-Designed Educational Activities to Put Students on the Path to Success. Todd is a dynamic speaker and experienced faculty developer focused on high-yield, practical ways to enhance teaching practice. In this episode we discuss strategies to engage students in large classes. 

  In this short episode, I discuss the purpose of the podcast and what you can expect going forward