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 c...

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 repl...

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)...

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 su...

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 infor...

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 di...

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-...

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. 

P...

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 grad...

“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 incorpor...

“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...

“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 t...

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 techn...

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. 

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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...

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 discipl...

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 feedba...

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 ...

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 i...