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 con...
Aug 20, 2025•52 min
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 ...
Jul 16, 2025•13 min
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 technologica...
Jun 18, 2025•12 min
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 cla...
May 21, 2025•33 min
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 ...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 4 min
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 challe...
Mar 19, 2025•35 min
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 Ar...
Feb 19, 2025•27 min
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 grow...
Jan 15, 2025•38 min
“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 t...
Dec 18, 2024•39 min
“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...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 5 min
“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 multi...
Oct 16, 2024•56 min
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 pl...
Sep 18, 2024•41 min
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 additio...
Aug 21, 2024•27 min
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...
Jul 17, 2024•10 min
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 ...
Jun 19, 2024•8 min
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 explo...
May 15, 2024•56 min
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...
Apr 17, 2024•44 min
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 researc...
Mar 20, 2024•47 min
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 extensiv...
Feb 21, 2024•17 min
Every semester presents a mix of challenges and opportunities for both students and faculty. In this episode, Jenn Rose and JoAnn Edmond share five practical tips to help kickstart the semester on a strong note. We discuss the importance of crafting a learner-centered syllabus and getting a jumpstart on integrating tools within the Learning Management System (LMS). Our conversation also touches on strategies for giving timely and meaningful feedback, with a focus on utilizing LMS tools for sched...
Jan 17, 2024•23 min
Seeking a short course on course design or an active learning toolkit? Explore MomentumU, a virtual professional development platform tailored for University System of Georgia (USG) faculty and staff. Directed by Peter Berryman, the Director of Digital Instruction at the Office of Teaching and Learning Excellence for USG, this platform hosts a growing array of short courses and other resources. Full-time USG faculty members have access to self-enroll in courses, while part-time faculty and staff...
Dec 20, 2023•34 min
How might a blend of Montessori and traditional grade school education influence a college professor? Dan Kaminstein, MD, MSED, serves as the Assistant Dean for Ultrasound Education and Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia. Kaminstein's exposure to both Montessori and traditional education shapes his teaching approach, leading him to reflect on how students learn. Higher education presents challenges for both students and faculty. Kaminstein employs an active learnin...
Nov 15, 2023•47 min
Are you exploring the possibility of incorporating low or no-cost educational materials into your course? Whether you're just curious about these resources or ready to integrate them into your teaching, this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed helps you get started. In this month's episode, we're joined by Jeff Gallant, the program director of Affordable Learning Georgia (ALG). ALG is on a mission to support student success and promote equitable access to education by advocating for the use of affo...
Oct 18, 2023•37 min
How do we know good teaching when we see it? Whether you're a new faculty member, a seasoned educator, or an administrator, this episode offers a look at how we can better understand and promote effective teaching practices. Lauren Barbeau, PhD, Assistant Director for Learning and Technology Initiatives at Georgia Tech, joins us to discuss the Critical Teaching Behaviors framework (CTB). The CTB framework was developed by Barbeau and Claudia Cornejo Happel, PhD, to provide a comprehensive system...
Sep 20, 2023•27 min
On this episode we sit down with Neil MacKinnon, PhD, Augusta University provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. MacKinnon places a strong emphasis on building connections with faculty, staff, and students. He discusses the profound impact such relationships have on the college experience for students. On the topic of mentorship, he shares personal anecdotes of how mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping his own academic journey. MacKinnon believes a good mentor can help f...
Aug 16, 2023•24 min
Uncover the elements of high-impact practices and immerse yourself in the captivating world of 'Reacting to the Past' in this special episode of Speaking of Higher Ed...Summer Shorts. Looking to keep students engaged and motivated in higher education? Quentin Davis, PhD and Hannah Bennett, PhD from Augusta University share insights on high-impact practices that go beyond traditional teaching methods. Discover how interactive learning experiences can make a real-world impact on students and facul...
Jul 19, 2023•7 min
On this special episode of Speaking of Higher Ed...Summer Shorts we revisit innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Rhia Moreno, PhD shares how she employs multimodal pedagogy to cultivate a dynamic learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles. Discover the transformative power of creative reflection in both online and face-to-face courses. Arthur Takahashi sheds light on the use of multimedia learning principles in course design. Drawing from Mayer’s research, he shares s...
Jun 21, 2023•8 min
In this episode we explore an innovative teaching method that has been gaining popularity in recent years: 'Reacting to the Past', also known as ‘Reacting’. This pedagogy uses immersive role-playing games to teach complex historical and contemporary issues in a highly engaging and effective way. Our guests, Andrew Goss, PhD, and Ruth McClelland-Nugent, PhD, both experienced history educators, share their insights into the world of 'Reacting to the Past'. They discuss their experiences using this...
May 17, 2023•41 min
Are you looking to improve student engagement and motivation? Dr. Quentin Davis and Dr. Hannah Bennett from Augusta University discuss high-impact practices that go beyond test memorization and create lifelong learners. By incorporating elements such as appropriately high expectations and frequent feedback, these practices can help you keep your students engaged and motivated throughout their academic journey. Learn practical strategies and tips for incorporating high-impact practices into your ...
Apr 19, 2023•41 min
AI has created a conundrum for higher education. AI text generators, computer programs capable of efficiently producing quality written content, have raised questions about the possibilities, ethics and limits of the use of programs such as ChatGPT in higher education. While artificial intelligence (AI) has been a part of our lives for a while — hello Siri, chatbots, and real-time autocorrect and predictive texts — increasingly sophisticated AI text generators have educators worried about how st...
Mar 15, 2023•48 min
