Speaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning

Creating an asynchronous course can feel overwhelming—but the right partnership makes all the difference. In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, Georgia State University’s Mary Peabody, Learning Experience Designer, and Dr. Peter Demerjian, Associate Professor and Director of the School of Accountancy, share how they teamed up to design an Online MBA course. They discuss design thinking, faculty–designer collaboration, and the challenges of moving a traditional classroom course into an engaging online format. Whether you’re teaching online for the first time or considering a redesign, this conversation offers practical insights for creating effective asynchronous learning. Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page for full episodes and additional resources. 

Will AI change the role of faculty in higher education? In this episode, Dr. Jason Orlosky, associate professor with the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta University, joins Arthur Takahashi to reflect on how AI is reshaping academic work—and why human connection remains central to teaching and learning. From navigating new tools to rethinking what only people can do, he offers a clear, encouraging take: AI won’t replace faculty, but it may just help us do our jobs better. The conversation also explores Dr. Orlosky’s journey from coding an eye-tracking system by hand in 2017 to now completing similar tasks in hours using tools like ChatGPT and Meta’s Llama series. They will also discuss the difference between “vibe coding” and AI-assisted programming, the limitations of current models, and the unique challenges AI still can’t solve. Oh—and remember Microsoft Word's Clippy? They revisit early AI agents like Microsoft’s paperclip assistant to explore what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what the future might hold. If you’re wondering how to approach AI in your own academic work—with curiosity, caution, or both—this episode offers practical insights from someone who’s actively navigating the frontier. Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page for full episodes and additional resources. 

In this summer short, Speaking of Higher Ed brings together powerful insights from past guests on what drives authentic learning in today’s classrooms. Dr. James Lang (episode 28) shares a thoughtful approach to handling suspected AI use—not through punishment, but through dialogue and design. Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang (episode 23) explains how emotion isn’t separate from learning—it fuels it. And Dr. Gary T. Green (episode 21) shows how small, human gestures can create powerful connections that motivate students to learn. Whether you're rethinking assessment strategies or looking for ways to foster student connection, this episode is a quick but meaningful listen to help guide your teaching.Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page for full episodes and additional resources. 

In this summer short, we revisit standout insights from three episodes that explore how innovation, multimedia, and generative AI are reshaping higher education. Dr. Richard Mayer (episode 22) explains how simple, well-designed multimedia lessons enhance learning. A.B. Osborne (episode 26) reflects on creativity, storytelling, and the emotional complexity of AI in the arts. And Dr. Cynthia Alby (episode 27) urges institutions to support faculty in teaching for integrity amid massive technological change. Whether you're rethinking course design or navigating AI's role in education, this episode offers timely takeaways in a compact format. Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page for full episodes and additional resources. 

Can spontaneity and scholarship go together? “Yes and…”  In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, we welcome Dr. Meredith Rausch—Associate Professor of Research, Counseling & Curriculum at Augusta University’s College of Education and Human Development. An NBCC Servant Leadership Award recipient and Augusta University Outstanding Faculty Award winner, Dr. Rausch’s award‑winning research on underserved populations informs her inclusive approach to teaching. We trace her journey from the classroom to Chicago’s famed Second City, where immersive improv training sparked her “A‑ha” moment: recognizing that the same principles that make improv so engaging—active listening, embracing failure, and building on others’ ideas—can transform scholarly instruction. Dr. Rausch then shares improv‑inspired strategies for the classroom—from quick “yes, and…” warm‑ups to collaborative storytelling exercises—that foster creativity, build community, and help both faculty and students adapt in real time. Join us to discover how weaving improv into your pedagogy can spark curiosity, deepen engagement, and make learning more dynamic. Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page for full episodes and additional resources. 

In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, we welcome acclaimed author and teaching expert Dr. James Lang to explore one of the most pressing topics in higher education today: academic integrity in the age of generative AI. Drawing from his influential book Cheating Lessons, Lang shares practical, research-based strategies for designing learning environments that reduce cheating and enhance student motivation. At the heart of the discussion is the argument that academic dishonesty often arises not from “bad” students, but from the pressures and pitfalls of ineffective course design. Lang outlines key environmental factors—such as extrinsic motivation, high-stakes assessments, and low self-efficacy—that contribute to cheating, and offers concrete ways faculty can design courses that support learning while discouraging misconduct. He also reflects on how generative AI has intensified these challenges, and how faculty can respond with next-generation assessments that promote metacognition and student voice. Later in the conversation, Lang turns to his newest book, Write Like You Teach, which encourages faculty to bring the clarity and accessibility of their classroom teaching into their writing. He shares advice on how academics can communicate their work to broader audiences and engage the public in meaningful ways. Whether you’re a new instructor or a seasoned professor, this episode blends theory and actionable insights for both your teaching and your writing life. Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page for full episodes and additional resources. 

Generative AI is rapidly changing the landscape of higher education, offering new possibilities for student engagement, personalized learning, and course design. In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Alby, professor of teacher education at Georgia College and lead instructor in the Governor’s Teaching Fellows Program, shares how faculty across the country are integrating AI into their teaching. She discusses practical applications, from AI-assisted feedback to generative textbooks, as well as the challenges faculty face when incorporating AI into their courses. Dr. Alby also explores the ethical considerations of AI use, student concerns about fairness and job prospects, and strategies for fostering academic integrity in an AI-driven world. Whether you’re already experimenting with AI or just starting to explore its potential, this conversation offers valuable insights and concrete strategies for leveraging AI to enhance teaching and learning. 📌 Topics covered in this episode:  ✔️ AI-powered course design and lesson planning  ✔️ Strategies for using AI to support student learning  ✔️ Faculty concerns and institutional challenges  ✔️ Ethics, academic integrity, and the future of AI in education Note: This episode description was written by ChatGPT using the podcast transcript as a guide. Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page for full episodes and additional resources. 

How do you prepare students to enter a rapidly changing industry like animation? What impact does AI have on such a competitive industry?On this episode, we’re exploring animation education with our guest, A.B. Osborne. We discuss the development of Augusta University’s animation program, how students balance creativity with technical skills, and the impact of AI on the animation industry—and what it means for animation students. Professor Osborne is an associate professor Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences in the Department of Art and Design and the director of Augusta University’s Animation Program which he helped launch in 2019. Get free access to more of our content, visit ourshow page for full episodes and additional resources. 

What is the lifelong influence of undergraduate research experiences?  For this month’s topic of undergraduate research, Drs. Michael Rifenburg and Kristine Johnson discuss their book A Long View of Undergraduate Research: Alumni Perspectives on Inquiry, Belonging, and Vocation. They discuss insights into undergraduate research learned by interviewing alumni about the effect that participating in UR played in their lives after graduation. The authors discuss the balance between intellectual growth and career readiness that UR can provide as well as the importance of the faculty role for students. Finally, they provide practical advice for faculty just starting or expanding undergraduate research.   Dr. Michael Rifenburg is an associate professor of English at the University of North Georgia, serves as co-director of First-Year Composition and is a Senior Faculty Fellow for Scholarly Writing within UNG’s Center for Teaching, Learning, and Leadership.   Dr. Kristine Johnson is an Associate Professor at Calvin University in Michigan. She currently serves as the University Rhetoric Director, directing first-year writing, Rhetoric Across the Curriculum, and the Rhetoric Center.  Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page for full episodes and additional resources. 

“Have you ever wondered if the principles of gaming could transform how your students learn?” In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, we explore gamification and game-based learning in higher education with Jeff Mastromonico and Arthur Takahashi. You’ll hear about the differences between these approaches, how they can boost student engagement, and practical examples like escape rooms and simulations. Discover how you can incorporate gamified elements into your courses, align them with your teaching objectives, and create more engaging learning experiences across any discipline.  Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page for full episodes and additional resources. 

“There is no learning without emotion.” This bold statement, likely familiar to many educators, is at the center of Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang’s research. In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, we speak with Dr. Immordino-Yang, a renowned professor of education, psychology and neuroscience at the University of Southern California. We explore why emotions are essential to learning from a neurobiological perspective, how we can use this knowledge to help our students learn meaningfully, and what this insight means for our approach to education. Get free access to more of our content, visit our show page for full episodes and additional resources.

“How can you teach people in ways so that they can take what they’ve learned and use it in new situations?” This question has been the driving force behind Dr. Richard E. Mayer's work for over 40 years. In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, we talk with Dr. Mayer, the world’s most cited educational psychologist, about two of his most significant contributions to education: his involvement in revising Benjamin Bloom's original taxonomy of educational objectives and his lifelong work in multimedia learning.   First, we explore his role in creating the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy. Dr. Mayer explains why the revised taxonomy is not yet a cumulative hierarchy, challenging the widespread misconception and cautioning us against the use of the pyramid visual. Instead, he explains which of the six categories of the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy we should focus on when designing instruction.   In the second part of the interview, Dr. Mayer discusses his groundbreaking work in multimedia learning, including his famous Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. He shares how his research can help us design better instruction. Dr. Mayer also discusses the future of his research.  Get free access to more of our content, visit augusta.edu/innovation for full episodes and additional resources. 

What happens when a professor throws paper balls and playlists into the mix to get students engaged? In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, Gary Green, EdD from the University of Georgia shares how he uses unconventional, yet effective, strategies to capture student attention and keep them involved. Dr. Green explains his approach to fostering a classroom environment that encourages active participation. He shares specific techniques such as using paper ball activities, personalized music playlists, and creative tools like "Learn-dle" to make learning more engaging.  Dr. Green also emphasizes the importance of getting to know students on a personal level, integrating their interests into course materials, and maintaining open communication. By offering his phone number and responding quickly to student inquiries, he builds rapport and breaks down barriers between instructor and student.  Additionally, Dr. Green highlights the role of feedback in shaping his teaching, conducting regular check-ins to assess student understanding, and adjusting his approach accordingly. He also touches on the use of group activities, creative exam reviews, and offering flexibility to students who may need extra support.  We discuss actionable strategies for educators looking to enhance student engagement in their classrooms, whether in large lectures or smaller classes.  Get free access to more of our content, visit augusta.edu/innovation for full episodes and additional resources.

Discover how real-world experiences shape student success in our conversation with Lynsey Steinberg, Director of Innovation at the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center. She offers practical tips for faculty on creating impactful community partnerships and interdisciplinary projects, while also sharing the growth journey of the Innovate Competition from 20 students to over 300 participants.  Get free access to more of our content, visit augusta.edu/innovation for full episodes and additional resources.  

In this special summer shorts episode, we revisit conversations from the past year to help you gear up for the upcoming semester. Join us as we explore practical strategies and innovative approaches shared by our expert guests.  From episode 13, JoAnn Edmond and Jenn Rose kick things off by emphasizing the importance of a learner-centered syllabus. "Creating tools like a syllabus, which can serve as a blueprint for your course, is crucial," they explain. By utilizing templates and resources from the Center for Instructional Innovation, faculty can design syllabi that not only guide course structure but also foster a community-focused learning environment. This approach, they argue, can directly support institutional goals like improving student retention.  We explore the concept of Ungrading from episode 17 with Drs. Candis Bond and Trent Kays. They describe Ungrading as an "assessment and evaluation approach that favors process over traditional grading," focusing on formative assessment and continuous feedback. By shifting away from the conventional A-F scale, this method aims to enhance intrinsic motivation and promote a deeper engagement with the learning process. "It's a mindset, a philosophy," they assert, encouraging educators to create environments where students can focus on learning rather than merely aiming for a grade.  Finally, from episode 15, Dr. David Joyner discusses the transformative potential of AI in education. He highlights the need to adapt assessments to maintain their effectiveness in the face of new AI tools like ChatGPT. He advises, "We must make certain changes to keep our assessments reliable and effective demonstrations of student understanding." Dr. Joyner also sees AI as a means to elevate educational outcomes, enabling students to tackle more ambitious projects and achieve deeper understanding. His insights are complemented by his publication "A Teacher’s Guide to Conversational AI" and a professional certificate program available on edX.  Explore these ideas and more, visit augusta.edu/innovation for full episodes and additional resources. 

On this Summer Shorts episode, we highlight transformative approaches in teaching and learning, including hip-hop pedagogy, documenting effective teaching, and innovative grading practices.  In episode nine, Dr. Lauren Barbeau from Georgia Tech discusses her publication on the Critical Teaching Behaviors framework, which provides a comprehensive system to identify and discuss good teaching, offering a common language across disciplines. In episode eleven, we talk with Dr. Dan Kaminstein of the Medical College of Georgia, who challenges traditional grading systems and advocates for alternative assessment strategies that promote continuous learning and student engagement. Finally, in episode sixteen, we explore the world of hip-hop pedagogy with Dr. Kelly Allen from Augusta University, who demonstrates how integrating hip-hop culture into education can boost student motivation and academic success.  Subscribe and stay connected for new episodes every third Wednesday of the month during spring and fall semesters. 

Have you ever felt that traditional grading methods fail to accurately measure student learning?   In this episode, we explore an innovative approach called "ungrading" that challenges the traditional grading system. Drs. Bond and Kays discuss how ungrading does not mean no grades. It means a shift in focus from grades to student autonomy and learning.  Ungrading can also help you highlight how mistakes, continuous feedback and revisions are crucial to your students’ learning process. We also explore how this approach can promote equity, increase student motivation and ultimately impact learning.  On this episode, Candis Bond, PhD, Director of the Center for Writing Excellence at Augusta University and Associate Professor of English, and Trent Kays, PhD, Director of College Composition and Assistant Professor of English, share their experiences ungrading their courses.  Speaking of Higher Ed is produced by the Center for Instructional Innovation at Augusta University. Find more episodes and resources on our show page. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode. 

What is Hip-Hop pedagogy? How can the use of Hip-Hop culture in curriculum engage students and create relevant connections to course content? Kelly R. Allen, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Curriculum Studies in the College of Education and Human Development Department of Research, Counseling, and Curriculum at Augusta University and advocate for the implementation of Hip-Hop based education. During Allen’s early years as a high school social studies teacher, she discovered the power of using Hip-Hop culture in her teaching. Seeing that it was “more than a hook”, but instead something to be infused in all aspects of her courses. Hip-hop culture has since been an integral part of her research and teaching.  Dr. Allen discusses the 5 aspects of Hip-Hop culture, describing how and why they allow students to engage, feel empowered and find relevance in course content. She discusses the past and current perceptions of Hip-Hop pedagogy in academia and how she sees it moving forward in the higher education space.  Dr. Allen concludes with tips and advice for practitioners on how to incorporate Hip-Hop pedagogy into their teaching.  If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Allen and her work, you can connect with her X (formerly Twitter).  Speaking of Higher Ed is produced by the Center for Instructional Innovation at Augusta University. Find more episodes and resources on our show page. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode. 

Should I discuss AI with my students? How can I benefit from using AI?   In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, David Joyner, PhD, joins us to explore these questions and how AI is transforming education, for students and educators. ChatGPT generated significant discussion when it launched in November 2022. Now, with more than a year of growing in understanding about generative AI, we are discovering what changes are necessary in the classroom.  Joyner provides valuable insights from his research and classroom experiences, addressing educators seeking basic knowledge about ChatGPT and those aiming to deepen their understanding of generative AI. Educators aren't the only ones adapting to technologies like ChatGPT; students are also adjusting. This technology holds the potential to facilitate faster learning and improvement in targeted areas. However, it may require adjustments to assessments to maintain the desired level of rigor in evaluating student mastery of the material.  We also discuss Joyner’s new publication, A Teacher’s Guide to Conversational AI, and the professional certificate program he developed, available on the edX online learning platform.  Speaking of Higher Ed is produced by the Center for Instructional Innovation at Augusta University. Find more episodes and resources on our show page. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode About David Joyner:  Joyner is the Executive Director of Online Education & Online Master of Science in Computer Science program in the College of Computing at Georgia Tech. He has written more than 50 papers and authored three books on online learning and computer science education. 

Are you a faculty member looking to collaborate with community organizations? By working together, universities and community organizations can create mutually beneficial relationships that enrich the educational experience, address community needs, and contribute to positive societal outcomes.  Achieving the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification is one of the aspirational imperatives included in the Augusta University strategic plan. Pursuing this elective classification involves extensive work documenting how the university is partnering with the Augusta community.  On this episode, Tina Baggott, Associate Vice President for Volunteer Services & Community Engagement at Augusta University, discusses the pursuit for this classification. She discusses its importance for higher education, available resources for faculty, and more.   Speaking of Higher Ed is produced by the Center for Instructional Innovation at Augusta University. Find more episodes and resources on our show page. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode.