MAC Talks - Instructional Design Podcast

Christopher Morris talks about being a new instructor in Higher Ed, adding comedy to the classroom (and to the podcast!), the challenges of teaching Hyflex and continuously growing. If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Christopher Morris - Associate Professor Claire Wilkison, Instructional Designer John Ghazzagh, Instructional Designer TJ Waldie, Instructional Technologist Instructional Designers - Connect with us on our Discord Network! MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/

In this episode of Mac Talks, Paulina Sidwell, a professor at MCC, shares her journey to becoming a professor and discusses the HyFlex mode of teaching that encourages innovation through starting small. Paulina discusses the flexibility and convenience of Hyflex for students, but also the time and preparation instructors must commit to do it well. Additionally, we talk about the use of 3D printers in engineering education and how the engineering program emphasizes practical learning through projects and research. If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Paulina Sidwell, Professor of Engineering - Connect on LinkedIN John Ghazzagh, Instructional Designer - Connect on LinkedIN Instructional Designers - Connect with us on our Discord Network! MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/

In this episode of Mac Talks, Instructional Designers Katherine, John, Claire and Instructional Technologist TJ talk about A.I. in higher education and what to look for this school year. We also discuss Katherine's last day at MCC. If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Katherine Franker, Instructional Designer John Ghazzagh, Instructional Designer Claire Wilkison, Instructional Designer TJ Waldie, Instructional Technologist Instructional Designers - Connect with us on our Discord Network! MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/

This week on MAC Talks, we talk about our process for online course quality and how it's not just an Instructional Design thing. Faculty, directors and deans all play an important role in making sure our online courses meet high standards. We also discuss what we look for as instructional designers to ensure courses meet our high quality standards. If you're interested in checking out our PGP (Principles of Good Practice) form, there's a link to it on our website here: https://www.mclennan.edu/center-for-teaching-and-learning/ If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Instructional Design Team/Hosts: John Ghazzagh, Katherine Beech, TJ Waldie Instructional Designers - Connect with us on our Discord Network! MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website and Contact Information Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/

In this episode we sit down with Felicia Gladden, Professor of Government.  We talk about what inspired her to become a professor and what brought her to MCC.  Felicia also talks about her teaching philosophies, the challenges she faces with students in a post-COVID world.   If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Guest: Felicia Gladden- Connect on LinkedIN - Felicia's Podcast: Conversations with Community Members Host: John Ghazzagh - Connect on LinkedIN Instructional Designers - Connect with us on our Discord Network! MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/

In this episode we chat with Starlen Roddy, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist and Adjunct Instructor at McLennan Community College.  We talk with Starlen about his background, how he came to MCC and how he became a DEI specialist.    We also explore how faculty and staff can create a more inclusive culture for students.  If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/ Still using Facebook?  WELL WE ARE TOO!  Feel free to follow our antics. Website: https://www.mclennan.edu/center-for-teaching-and-learning/index.html Guest: Starlen Roddy - LinkedIN Hosts: Claire Wilkison, Katherine Franker - MCC Instructional Design and Innovation

In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Rachel Kramer, a research librarian at McLennan Community College in Texas.  We discuss the range of services available to faculty, staff, and students at McLennan Community College, including research support and access to a diverse collection of resources.  Join us for an insightful conversation about the important role of libraries and the resources they provide to support learning and discovery. If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/ Still using Facebook?  WELL WE ARE TOO!  Feel free to follow our antics. Website: https://www.mclennan.edu/center-for-teaching-and-learning/index.html Student Music by : Mary-Blue by Kristin Grace - find her here.  Kristin is a songwriting major here at MCC and uber talented! Guest: Rachel Kramer Production: John Ghazzagh

What is OER?  What about the quality of OER content? How do I get started? In this episode of MAC Talks, we speak to members of our OER working group Nick Webb and Mary Sides.  They share their insights and experiences on how they have successfully implemented OER in their curriculum, resulting in increased access to quality educational materials and cost savings for students. Join us as we delve into the world of open educational resources and learn about the positive impact they are having on higher education.  OER Working Group at McLennan Community College  Kristen Cook  Jessica Zbeida  Yolanda Gonzalez  Mary Sides  Nick Webb  John Ghazzagh  Host John Ghazzagh  Guests :Nick Webb and Mary Sides  Music by MCC student, Brandon Ecord  Links:  OER Texas for material and more information : https://oertx.highered.texas.gov/  OER Texas MCC Faculty and Staff Group: https://oertx.highered.texas.gov/groups/mcc-faculty-staff-oer-group/1303/  OpenStax OER repository: https://openstax.org/ Creative Commons : https://creativecommons.org/

The IDI team talks about what's new for 2023 including a brief mention of ChatGPT and AI. If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/ Still using Facebook?  WELL WE ARE TOO!  Feel free to follow our antics. Website: https://www.mclennan.edu/center-for-teaching-and-learning/index.html Instructional Design Team: John Ghazzagh Claire Wilkison TJ Waldie Katherine Franker

In this episode, we talk with Marighny Dutton, Director of Clinical Education program and Associate Professor for Respiratory Care Technology at McLennan Community College.   Marighny tells us about her journey from MCC student to Associate Professor.     Marighny talks with us about how her program benefits from flipped classrooms and the engaging and authentic activities that prepare her students for real world experiences (which includes saving lives!) If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/ Still using Facebook?  WELL WE ARE TOO!  Feel free to follow our antics.  Host - Katherine Beech Production - John Ghazzagh

In this episode, we talk with Boyce Wilson, former MCC student and current Associate Professor of Business Management.   We talk about Boyce's varied and interesting background and how that has helped him evolve his work in online teaching.  Boyce is not a fan of laundry, and we don't blame him! In our content, we talk about Learning Management Systems and creating a structure in online course that helps students stay focused and accountable in these busy times.    If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/Still using Facebook?  WELL WE ARE TOO!  Feel free to follow our antics. Host - John Ghazzagh Production - TJ Waldie

In this episode, we talk with Jon Fox, Professor in Music Industry Careers here at McLennan Community College.  Jon tells us a little about his background, and how he went from learning music to teaching music.    We also chat about our favorite concerts and how music shapes the world we live in. In our meaty content section, we talk about how being clear and consistent is very important for students in person and especially online.  Jon shares some of the ways he achieves this in his classes, and how he connects learning with real world experiences.   If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/ Still using Facebook?  WELL WE ARE TOO!  Feel free to follow our antics. Host - John Ghazzagh Production - TJ Waldie

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kayla Willis.   Kayla talks about recently completing her doctorate and recent dissertation.   After 2020, students are leaning into online classes more and more, and in many cases it's harder to retain those students.   How can we, as a college, help these students persist through online learning and be successful?   Being the main topic of her dissertation, Kayla shares her research and thoughts with us, and also how everyone at the college can help students be successful.   If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/ Still using Facebook?  WELL WE ARE TOO!  Feel free to follow our antics. Claire Wilkison- Host John Ghazzagh - Production

In this episode of MAC Talks, we chat with Holly Towns, part-time instructor and College Navigator.  Holly talks about her move to Texas, the growth she's experienced while earning two Masters degrees and what she's learning currently as she teaches classes, supports students and works towards her Doctorate.  Phew, I'm tired just writing all of that! The main focus of our talk is taking traditional activities and assessments in the classroom and making them multi-modal.  What does that mean?  Well have a listen and find out for yourself.  I mean does anyone actually read this section anyway? Multimodal Projects via Tapestry If you're interested in us covering a topic  about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us  an email: online@mclennan.edu Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/ Still using Facebook?  WELL WE ARE TOO!  Feel free to follow our antics. John Ghazzagh - Host Claire Wilkison- Production

Join us as we welcome Jessica Shelton to the podcast.  Jessica is a counselor, and mental health professor at McLennan Community College.  In this episode we talk about the importance of discussions in the classroom and how we create and foster these discussions online.  We also learn who would play Jessica in the movie of her life and which sitcom dad inspired her to become a mental health professional.   Are you using discussions in your classroom?  How are they working for you?  Let us know!  If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/ John Ghazzagh - Host TJ Waldie - Production

Join us as we welcome our guest, McLennan Community College's Professor of Philosophy, Amy Antoninka.  We talk to Amy about engaging students in person and online through puppetry, cats and just plain silliness.   If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/ John Ghazzagh - Instructional Designer Claire Wilkison - Instructional Designer Katherine Beech - Instructional Designer

Welcome to the official podcast for the Instructional Design team at McLennan Community College, MAC TALKS! Building relationships in a classroom is a big factor for student success.  It works great in a face to face classroom, but how do we do that online?  In this episode, we discuss how to build those relationships in your online classes. We also talk about what our walk-out song would be...I think teachers should have their own walk out or walk in songs for the classroom.  If you want to skip ahead to the content, skip to 4:21 in the podcast. If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/ Research Article - Importance of Strong Relationships Journal Article - Building Relationships and Increasing Engagement in the Virtual Classroom: Practical Tools for the Online Instructor Effective Online Teaching: Foundations and Strategies for Student Success Blasterjaxx - Narco John Ghazzagh - Instructional Designer Claire Wilkison - Instructional Designer Katherine Beech - Instructional Designer

Welcome to the official podcast for the Instructional Design team at McLennan Community College, MAC TALKS! In our inaugural episode, we have a short discussion on our best experiences with online courses.   We also talk about our guilty pleasure "splurge" item if we were to win the lottery.   We cut out the part about whistling, you should know most of us can't whistle.    If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu John Ghazzagh - Instructional Designer Claire Wilkison - Instructional Designer TJ Waldie - Instructional Technologist Katherine Beech - Instructional Designer Richard Leslie - Instructional Designer and Coordinator

In this episode of MAC Talks, host Claire Wilkison teams up with special guests Claudette Jackson (Director of Accommodations & Title IX) and Katie Vise (Accommodations Coordinator) to dive into the real, raw, and sometimes hilarious truths about digital accessibility in higher education.They share powerful "aha" moments—from navigating accommodations for students with disabilities to personal reflections on burnout and self-advocacy. The crew unpacks the new DOJ ruling on accessibility, what it really means for faculty and students, and how institutions can support inclusive design without losing their creative spark.You'll hear:Personal stories that flip the script on how we see disability and accommodationEye-opening insights on why font size and color contrast aren't just design details—they’re access pointsStraight talk on what the DOJ accessibility ruling actually changes (spoiler: it’s more mindset than monster)Tools, tips, and PD opportunities MCC is rolling out to support faculty—no Comic Sans allowedWhether you're an accessibility pro or just starting the journey, this episode brings a blend of wit, wisdom, and warm-hearted advocacy that reminds us: when we design for access, everyone wins.

Looking to freshen up your classroom? Join us as Jessica Hobbs shares how podcasting has transformed her teaching approach. In this conversation, Jessica explains how replacing traditional essays with audio projects has engaged her students in ways she never expected.Learn how podcasts have helped her students:Connect classroom assignments to real-world applicationsExpress themselves authentically while working effectively with peersDevelop digital communication skills valued in today's workforceApproach literature and research with renewed interestJessica's students are creating everything from historical narratives to community-focused content. If you're wondering how to modernize your teaching methods, this discussion offers practical insights into the educational potential of podcasting.Designed for educators who want to enhance their teaching toolkit without compromising learning outcomes. See how audio projects might work in your classroom.