Learning Innovation: The Teaching & Learning Podcast

This is Learning Innovation: The Teaching and Learning Podcast (LITL-Pod). Here at CTLI, it’s our job to keep education innovative and accessible, which leads to lots of conversations and projects with students, educators, and experts in our networks. So we figured, hey, why not record and publish some of those conversations?
We hope you’ll tune in, hit play, and get inspired as our team navigates and captures the dynamic landscape of teaching, learning, and pedagogy.
Listen here, on Podbean (our host), or wherever you listen to podcasts!
If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on our Podcast, let us know here. To get in touch for any other reason, please contact Jude Bialik.

Leading the Way through Authentic Student-led Assessments

Tune in, hit play and get inspired as Danielle Simard, an instructor in the Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences at Lethbridge College, and one of her students, Tracy Sjovold, discuss the impact of student-led assessments. This innovative, authentic assessment method is showing promise in fostering real-world life skills, not only in developing critical thinking and promoting more active learning but also in holding students accountable to empower their own learning experiences.

How to Develop, Validate, and Disseminate Your Teaching and Learning Research Project through The Scholarship for Teaching and Learning (SoTL)

Tune in, hit play and get inspired as Melanie Hamilton, Lethbridge College’s SoTL research lead (and Chair of SoTL Canada!) shares about her favourite four-letter word: SoTL! This scholarship not only clarifies research and makes it more accessible, but also helps instructors renew and reform their teaching strategies. All it takes is a dash of passion and a splash of curiosity – and you can spark your very own research project, with all the support you need from the friendly SoTL community.

K-12 STEM Collaboration - Supporting Authentic Learning Experiences through the Trades

Tune in, hit play and get inspired as we learn all about the unique and promising K-12 STEM Collaboration project between Lethbridge College (LC) and Westwind School Division. Guests Kevin Wiber (the college’s Associate Dean of Trades), Joelle Reynolds (learning experience designer from LC’s Centre for Teaching, Learning and Innovation (CTLI), Brianne Hutchinson (instructional designer from CTLI at LC), and Warren Anderson (educator at Magrath Elementary School from the Westwind School Division) expand on their roles in the project, and how this collab is providing educators with resources to support authentic learning experiences through the Trades in the Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Tech Tips with Tyler: Digitizing Reality (Extended Edition)

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired in this extended Tech Talks episode as Tyler Wall and Jordana Gagnon banter about Tech tools that you can use today. Today’s tech focus is on tools that take our reality and digitize it. During the podcast, Tyler shows Jordana tools that are currently in the marketplace.

Here is a list some of those tools:
Colmap Free
Meshroom Free
Zepher Free’ish

Tech Tips with Tyler, Special guest Jordana Gagnon

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Tyler Wall and Jordana Gagnon banter about Tech tools that you can use today. Today’s tech focus is on news tech tools for sanity, balance and wellness. During the podcast, Tyler shows Jordana tools that are currently in the marketplace.

Here is a list of those tools:
1440
ALLSIDES – Balanced News
Ground news
Charlie
SocialBubble

Paula’s Exit Interview

Tune in, hit play and get inspired as we hear from Dr. Paula Burns, President & CEO of Lethbridge College in this very special podcast episode. Prompted by questions and comments from staff, students and faculty, Paula speaks about her experiences at Lethbridge College over the past nine years. She talks about the importance of creating capacity for change, the beauty of perspective (especially in viewing challenges as opportunities), and the characteristics of good leadership.

An Exploration of Immersive Technology Inspiring Lifelong Movement

Tune in, hit play and get inspired as Simon Schaerz (instructor in the Centre for Business, Arts and Science) and Amanda Mohamed (a student researcher in the Exercise Science program) talk about their passion for movement! Through research and work-integrated learning, Simon and Amanda are exploring how immersive technology can inspire lasting and accessible fitness – especially in youth.

The Role of Education in Reconciliation and Revitalization

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Kirby England (Environmental Sciences instructor) and Lowell Yellowhorn (Indigenous Services interim manager) share their efforts in braiding Indigenous knowledge and western science into Lethbridge College’s Environmental Science curriculum. Kirby and Lowell talk about the rich history of traditional ecological knowledge, the power of language in preserving local culture, and how relationship-building is key to traditional ways of learning and knowing.

Enhancing the Nursing Student Experience Through Foundational Social Practices

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Benjamin Northcott — faculty member and practice coordinator for the NESA Bachelor of Nursing Programs at Lethbridge College — talks about new curriculum developments. Drawing from a variety of social theories and practices, he touches on the challenge of distilling and designing information into deliverable, accessible and measurable methods. Benjamin’s passion for improving the student experience shines through, and it’s his mission to help learners master foundational skills and practices to influence long and happy careers in the nursing field.

Critical Race Theory — Challenging Narratives and Validating Stories of Marginalized People and People of Colour

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Ibrahim Turay, instructor in the School of Justice Studies at Lethbridge College explains how Critical Race Theory (CRT) methodology objectively values and validates the stories of marginalized people and people of colour. Ibrahim gets frank about how it’s vital to practice a CRT approach to help not only expand current learning pathways but to help us rewrite harmful narratives that can trap our thinking.

Tech Tips with Tyler & Artificial Intelligence

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Tyler Wall and Jude Bialik banter about Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and its explosion into our lives through the consumer market.

During the podcast, Tyler shows Jude A.I. tools that are currently in the marketplace. These tools include Writesonic, Personal AI, Delve AI, Krisp AI, Browse AI, Botify, and HUENIT. They also discuss how higher education is handling AI ethics. And, as a bonus, check this out.

How the Trades Fosters Critical Thinking and Lifelong Learning in the Community

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Sheldon Anderson (Dean for the Centre for Trades) and Joshua Hill (an instructor for electrical apprenticeship) discuss the connection between the trades and lifelong learning. This warm and honest conversation reveals how practical, hands-on learning and skills-building develop critical thinking, which leads to connection, innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship and opportunities galore!

During the podcast, Donna mentions a news article about a recent collaboration between LC Extension and Blood Tribe Employment and Skills Training (BTEST) focused on equipping youth with real-world skills.

How Immersive Technology is Creating More Flexible and Accessible Learning Experiences

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Cherie Bowker, Lethbridge College’s Chair of the School of Spatial Design Technologies expands on how Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Extended Reality programs are sparking opportunities for every type of learner. In this upbeat conversation, Cherie traces the growth of this innovative field and even drops a few fascinating hints about “The Metaverse”.

During the podcast, Donna mentions her own VR experience with the program: Traveling While Black. She also says she’s a big fan of HGTV (aren’t we all?)!

Thriving in Action – Developing Resilience in Adult Learners through Grit, Optimism, Gratitude, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as two of our most experienced student support staff discuss student resilience, motivation, and stress management! Academic Strategists Diane Fjordbotten and Marianne Martin adapted Dr. Diana Brecher and Dr. Deena Kara Schaffer’s Thriving in Action program for Lethbridge College students and tell Donna how it’s been going so far, as well as the contents and practices used in the program. This program takes a proactive, innovative, and research-based approach to student stress management and this episode discusses safe spaces, positive psychology, and the impact of student support programming on student success, health, and overall life.

Striving for Reflective and Reflexive Learning Through Systems Thinking

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as EDI Strategist, Michelle Ni Dochartaigh-Derbich and Provost and Vice President of Academic, Samantha Lenci, discuss the value of Systems Thinking. In this passionate, insightful and sobering dialogue, the pair speak candidly about when Systems Thinking excels, and what a breakdown in Systems Thinking looks like—specifically, parachuting cats!

Sharing Resources and Preserving Knowledge Through Communities of Practice

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as guests Kelsey Janzen (Production Coordinator) and Lorraine Leishman (Learning and Development Plan Team) discuss the knowledge-rich pools known as Communities of Practice (CoPs). Learn how we’re all a part of CoPs, how they facilitate team building, and how you can create your own.

During the podcast, Lorraine mentions she is reading the book, Widen the Window by Elizabeth Stanley, and Kelsey recommends two books: Radical Candor by Kim Scott and No Hard Feelings by Liz Fosslien & Mollie West Duffy. Lorraine also referred to Etienne Wegner when talking about the origins of CoPs.

Questions or comments about Communities of Practice? Reach out to Lorraine Leishman at lorraine.leishman@lethbridgecollege.ca to chat! Especially if you’re particularly jazzed about creating a CoP on Growth Mindset!

Watch the video version of this episode here.

Tech Talks - Hyflex Learning

Remember Tyler Wall from Episode 6? If somebody at the College wants to do something cool (innovative) with technology, they’ll probably end up working with Tyler. And remember Jude Bialik? He’s been LITL-Pod’s co-producer from nearly the start and works primarily in student support. Together, they’re co-hosting and co-producing episodes we’re calling “Tech Talks,” where Tyler talks about the most recent technology implemented by the College and Jude makes sure the discussion is accessible to your average educator.

So for today’s episode, tune in, hit play, and get inspired as guests Trevor Gellrich, Lexi Schaerz, and Ryan Robinson, answer Tyler and Jude’s questions about Hyflex. What is it? How and why should you use it? What should you do when a Hyflex lesson doesn’t go as planned (even great technology is still technology!)? And, most importantly, if Lexi, Ryan, and Trevor entered the Thunderdome, who would survive?

Watch the video version of this episode here.

Sustainable, Community-Focused Approaches to Research and Education

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired by a discussion on how our college collaborates with our larger community for training and research. Our guests are Megan Shapka, Associate Dean for the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship and Jason Donkersgoed, Director for Business and Development.

Watch this episode video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH7Qn519mpM

If you’d like to get in touch with Megan or anybody at our Centre for Applied Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, use the contact information on their webpage here: https://lethbridgecollege.ca/departments/centre-for-applied-research-and-innovation

If you’d like to register for, or learn more about, our Continuing Education Program, go here: https://lethbridgecollege.ca/departments/corporate-and-continuing-education/continuing-education

If you’d like to know more about Lethbridge College’s Integrated Agriculture Technology Centre, take a look at their website: https://iatc.ca/

Bonus episode – 16 Hours more Innovative but 40% Wrong

Tune in, hit play and buckle up because we’ve got even more nerds – I mean experts – than usual in this episode. Our CTLI leadership team is friends with the academic leadership team from Collarts in Australia and Donna bravely agreed to host a panel discussion with all 5 of them. Topics include: frameworks for innovative educational support, cross-institutional collaboration, the connection between innovation and grassroots initiatives, and the potential future of education considering the rapid change triggered by the pandemic.

The video version of this episode can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QJLg45dR1k

The Collarts website is https://www.collarts.edu.au/

The podcast episode Jackie mentioned where she discusses Complexity Leadership Theory is Episode 3 – https://learninginnovation.podbean.com/e/podcast-3-with-jaclyn-doherty/

The CTLI framework created by Lethbridge College and “not” photocopied by Collarts can be found at https://learninginnovation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CTLIStrategicInnovationModel.pdf

Ben mentions that futurist predictions tend to be 40% wrong, a statistic he got from a Paul Higgins presentation. Higgins’ website is https://www.emergentfutures.com/consultants/paul-higgins/

Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL), Virtual and Augmented Reality, and creating environments to thrive in

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Lethbridge College Multimedia Production Instructor, Kris Hodgson-Bright and CTLI Interns turned Contract Media Specialists, Eric Reger and Spencer Nelson, chat with Donna about Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) and the value of pursuing internship opportunities. The group also talks virtual and augmented reality’s potential as learning and training tools, and about an interesting VR project Eric and Spencer worked on for Dematic, a leading supplier of automated supply chain technology, during their internship.
Check out Dematic, AltspaceVR, Discord, and Skills Canada Alberta.

International Student Miniseries #3 – Thriving Abroad in the New Normal: An international student’s perspective on learning in Canada

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as EdnnaStobshinski, incoming Lethbridge College Students’ Association President and previous LCSA Vice President of Student Life, talks with Donna about the choice to follow her passion for biology and the environment to Lethbridge College’s Renewable Resource Management diploma program, being an international student during the pandemic, and the projects she’s spearheaded and is piloting in her leadership roles within the LCSA.
Check out the Lethbridge College Students’ Association (LCSA), LCSA (Facebook), Lethbridge College AgENTProgram, and the Lethbridge College Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (ACE).

International Student Miniseries #2 – Community, Coops, and Culture Shock with Nancy Barajas

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired by Nancy’s international journey, including the first time she saw snow! Donna and Nancy discuss how relationships, community, and work-integrated learning can support international students.

The link to Taiye Selasi’s TED Talk “Don’t Ask Where I’m From, Ask Where I am a Local”

International Student Miniseries #1 – Intercultural Communication with Chiye Kinjo

Both students and instructors can tune in, hit play, and get inspired with Chiye Kinjo, the Coordinator of International Student Services at Lethbridge College. Donna talks with Chiye about her decade teaching in Japan and her current role supporting international students at the College.

The recipe website mentioned is https://cookpad.com/. Chiye also recommends The Gaijin Cookbook: Japanese Recipes from a Chef, Father, Eater, and Lifelong Outsider by Ivan Orkin

Coming Together in a Collective Way, Lethbridge College’s Forthcoming Niitsitapi Strategy

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Shanda Webber, Manager of Indigenous Services at Lethbridge College, talks with Donna about Lethbridge College’s Niitsitapi Strategy that will launch on March 18, 2021. The conversation will travel through several important topics and themes related to the strategy, its origins and development. Topics such as Indigenous education and pedagogy, and the term Indigenization, as well as community building, engagement, mutual understanding, mutual appreciation, and Indigenous perspectives on innovation.

Love Your Job and Never Work a Day in your Life—What Does a Digital Learning Specialist Do?

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Tyler Wall, Digital Learning Specialist, talks with Donna about innovation and his approach to problem solving and helping Lethbridge College instructors find digital solutions to particular problems.

Gamifying Grammar with Murray Bartley and Kirsten Fantazir

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired to leave your comfort zone with these two passionate educators. Murray was a cop for a hundred years and Kirsten researches intrinsic motivation. Together, they completed a promising study on the effects of gamification and motivation in adult learners. Kirsten is always happy to collaborate and her email is kirsten.fantazir@lethbridgecollege.ca

Dr. Amy Hodgson-Bright: Rethinking English, Innovative Projects, and HyFlex Learning

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Dr. Amy Hodgson-Bright talks with Donna about her path to Lethbridge College, her passion for literature and innovative teaching, HyFlex, and bustin’ moves on the weekend!

Jaclyn Doherty - Leadership, Culture, and Innovation

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as the Dean of the Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation, Jaclyn Doherty, talks with Donna about how leadership, culture, and systems affect innovation and creativity.

Allen Ledyit, Passionate teaching, becoming a superhero, and…bagpipes!

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Donna talks with Allen Ledyit (Instructor, Child and Youth Care, Lethbridge College) about passionate teaching and learning, supporting people through personal crises, building community, and…bagpipes!

Interview with Erin Howard, Associate Dean, CTLI

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Donna and Erin, Associate Dean of Lethbridge College’s CTLI, discuss everything from flexible learning and student micro-credentials to competitive dog dancing.

This episode was produced by Donna McLaughlin and Mike Smith.

This podcast is brought to you by:

Host: Donna McLaughlin

Producers: Jude Bialik & Jordana Gagnon

Sound Technician/Editor: Ryan Robinson

Production Team: Darel Bennedbaek, Kelsey Janzen, Joel Godri, & Tyler Wall