Best Cristi Ford Podcasts (2025)

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Building an Inclusive AI Ecosystem for Education With Matthew Winters 40:55

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19d ago40:55

40:55

Is artificial intelligence (AI) just for grading and admin tasks? Not according to Matthew Winters. In this episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Emma Zone chats with Utah’s first state-level AI education specialist about how AI is helping educators turn creative ideas into impactful, inclusive learning experiences. From personalized support to improved ac…

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Reimagining Bloom’s Taxonomy for AI-Driven Learning With Michelle Kassorla 28:14

2M ago28:14

28:14

In this episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford speaks with Michelle Kassorla, a Georgia State University professor and AI education thought leader who believes it’s time to flip the traditional learning model that is Bloom's Taxonomy. From AI-generated essays to student-created content that precedes understanding, Kassorla shares how today’s lea…

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How UT SAGE Is Scaling Personalized Learning and Instructional Design, With Dr. Julie Schell 45:41

3M ago45:41

45:41

What happens when real collaboration meets practical innovation? In this episode of Teach and Learn, Dr. Emma Zone sits down with Dr. Julie Schell, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Technology and Director of the Office of Academic Technology at the University of Texas at Austin, to explore how the University is reimagining personalized education…

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How AI Can Transform Assessment and Student Success with Mychelle Pride 38:06

4M ago38:06

38:06

Dr. Cristi Ford and Mychelle Pride (Academic Director at the Open University), kick off our fourth season with a powerful conversation on how AI is reshaping education. From inclusive curriculum tools to adaptive assessments and student success coaches, discover how institutions can use AI to create equitable, personalized learning experiences. Lea…

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Relational Intelligence: The New Superpower in Education, with Isabelle C. Hau 37:26

7M ago37:26

37:26

In this powerful season finale of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford speaks with Isabelle C. Hau—Executive Director at Stanford and author of Love to Learn—about the urgent need to prioritize relational intelligence (RQ) in education. They discuss: ☑️ How academic readiness is incomplete without relational flourishing. ☑️ Neuroscience and social scienc…

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Revolutionizing Education: Insights With The AI Educator, Dan Fitzpatrick, pt. 2 22:47

7M ago22:47

22:47

In this episode of Teach and Learn, Dr. Emma Zone continues the conversation with Dan Fitzpatrick, an international keynote speaker, bestselling author and AI educator, to delve deeper into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education. Known globally as The AI Educator, Fitzpatrick shares his passion for innovation and technology…

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Revolutionizing Education: Insights With The AI Educator, Dan Fitzpatrick, pt. 1 28:00

8M ago28:00

28:00

In this episode of Teach and Learn, Dr. Emma Zone sits down with Dan Fitzpatrick, an international keynote speaker, bestselling author and AI educator, to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Known worldwide as The AI Educator, Fitzpatrick shares his journey from being a high school teacher to becoming a lea…

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How AI and Metacognition Can Improve Student Outcomes, with Dr. Sean McMinn 35:01

8M ago35:01

35:01

In this episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford sits down with Dr. Sean McMinn, Director of the Center of Education Innovation at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Dr. McMinn shares his insights on the importance of metacognitive awareness in an AI-driven society and provides practical strategies for educators to teach these concept…

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Education and Workforce Development: Nathifa Forde's Vision for NYC Her Future 32:19

9M ago32:19

32:19

In today’s episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford sits down with Nathifa Forde, executive director of NYC Her Future, to learn about the various initiatives she’s working on that are aimed at advancing education, workforce development and safety for young women in New York City. They discuss: Nathifa’s journey and the mission of NYC Her Future N…

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Exploring AI Literacies, with Dr. Angela Gunder 38:55

9M ago38:55

38:55

As AI continues to transform the educational landscape, understanding its impact is crucial for educators. In today's episode, Dr. Cristi Ford welcomes Dr. Angela Gunder, founder and CEO of Opened Culture (OEC), to discuss the multifaceted concept of AI literacies. Dr. Gunder explains the importance of understanding AI beyond its technical aspects,…

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Making Learning Fun With Edutainment Creator, Jerry Kolber 31:45

10M ago31:45

31:45

In this episode, Dr. Emma Zone sits down with Emmy-Nominated edutainment creator Jerry Kolber to talk about making learning fun. Kolber’s work in television and podcasting focuses on blending education with entertainment. This concept, known as edutainment, presents subjects like math and science in more engaging, fun ways. Through storytelling, wa…

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The Power of Competency-Based Education With Dr. Amber Garrison Duncan 37:14

10M ago37:14

37:14

In this episode, Dr. Cristi Ford and special guest Dr. Amber Garrison Duncan, executive vice president and COO at the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) dive into the skills-forward world of competency-based education (CBE). Together, they explore how this modern approach to learning is revolutionizing education by focusing on skills and co…

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SUNY's AI Integration: A System-Wide Approach Across 64 Campuses With Kim Scalzo 33:53

11M ago33:53

33:53

Figuring out how to use generative AI responsibly at one university campus is challenging enough – what happens when you’re tasked with doing it across 64 of them? In today’s podcast episode, Dr. Cristi Ford chats with Kim Scalzo, Interim Senior Associate Provost for Digital Innovation and Academic Services at the State University of New York (SUNY…

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Improving Awareness and Access to Student Support Services in Higher Ed With Dr. Amelia Parnell 33:40

11M ago33:40

33:40

According to a U.S. News + Generation Lab report, 70% of college students have struggled with mental health since starting college. Despite expressing a need for care, only 37% of survey respondents searched for mental health resources. These findings align with a recent D2L-sponsored Tyton Partners report, which found that only 50% of students are…

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Casting Hope as the Lead in Higher Ed With Dr. Jessica Riddell 45:41

12M ago45:41

45:41

If "all the world's a stage," as Shakespeare believed, then hope should be cast as the lead, argues Dr. Jessica Riddell of Hope Circuits Institute. Riddell contends that hope can transform higher education into spaces where humans can truly flourish. Drawing inspiration from the theater, she introduces a novel approach to integrating hope into syst…

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Pathways to Higher Ed Reimagined With Stanford's Matthew Rascoff 35:43

1y ago35:43

35:43

When the goal is a university degree or diploma from a private institution, learners can bank on a long road ahead. In some cases, the path traveled is straightforward; in other cases, it’s winding with more than a few detours, U-turns and full stops. While different, what these pathways have in common, is the destination. But, what about low-incom…

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Reinventing Education: Mike Yates on AI and Innovation at Teach for America 38:02

1y ago38:02

38:02

There aren’t many people who’d voluntarily pursue a career in a field they grew up disliking. But that’s exactly what Mike Yates did. Now a Senior Designer at the Reinvention Lab at Teach for America, where he leads AI initiatives, Mike joined Dr. Cristi Ford to chat about his experiences growing up as the child of an educator, why he’s so passiona…

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Teaching Data Literacy for a Data Driven World With Tom Andriola 39:59

1y ago39:59

39:59

We are living in an increasingly digital world where nearly everything we do generates data. This information can be used to come to profound and impactful decisions that create tremendous benefits—but only if we can interpret, understand and put the insights to use. The trouble is that although many of us are data-aware, we're far from data-litera…

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How KSU Built an Analytics Platform That Faculty Love, With Dr. Anissa Vega 26:44

1y ago26:44

26:44

As the debate over whether a post-secondary degree is worth it rages on, higher ed institutions are seeking solutions that can help them attract and retain new students. Enter data-driven decision making. When done properly, a well-executed data and analytics strategy can positively impact both student and institutional success. Universities and co…

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Weaving Climate Action Into Every Course With Karen Costa 37:09

1y ago37:09

37:09

What if you were asked to incorporate climate action into your existing curriculum? Would you respond with: “I’m not a climate scientist,” and follow up with “what does climate have to do with what I teach?” It may sound odd, but whether you teach calculus, drama, or beginner Spanish, our podcast guest says ALL courses are climate courses—period. M…

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What Living Longer Means for the Future of Work and Education With Dr. Michelle Weise 34:18

1y ago34:18

34:18

This is how a typical work life unfolds: we get an education, then a job and after 40 years or so at that job, we retire. But experts say, that won’t work in the future. (Pardon the pun). People are living longer, healthier lives. Now, before you start planning an extra, extra-long retirement, consider that the longer you live, the longer you’ll ne…

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Creating Pathways to K-12 Success: A Principal’s Perspective with Sharonda Willingham 37:42

1+ y ago37:42

37:42

Student identity is crucial in K-12 public schools, but it’s not always given the attention it deserves. When students feel a sense of belonging and see their identities reflected in the spaces and curriculum around them, they thrive. This can have positive trickle-down effects on well-being and academic engagement. In this episode of the Teach & L…

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Actionable Insights to Improve Equality in Education with Daysha Jackson-Sanchez 33:07

1+ y ago33:07

33:07

We have a collective responsibility and an obligation to work toward making education equitable for all learners period. Wouldn’t this world be a better place if anyone who desires to learn, regardless of gender, religion, race, location, socioeconomics, and the like, could access high-quality education? Of course. What if the words ‘opportunity’ a…

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Distance Education Is Under Threat: What You Need to Know With Dr. Van Davis 35:05

1+ y ago35:05

35:05

Counter to the old adage, the US Department of Education is looking to fix something that many argue ain't broke... Right now, distance education is being reviewed and new regulations are being considered in the name of consumer protection. It's believed that the US Department of Education is operating under the misconception that distance educatio…

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Celebrating Educators at the STLHEs with the D2L Innovation Award Co-Chairs 34:24

1+ y ago34:24

34:24

It's nearly time to roll out the red carpet! The STLHE Awards are fast approaching, and the D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning Co-Chairs couldn't be more excited. Dr. Aleksandra Zecevic and Dr. Jovan Groen sat down with Dr. Cristi Ford to discuss the highly anticipated annual event and of course, the awards! As our Canadian listeners kno…

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The Digital School’s Road to One Million Learners With Dr. Lesley Snowball 38:19

1+ y ago38:19

38:19

As educators, we know that knowledge is power. Nowhere is this more evident than in underserved and displaced populations. According to the United Nations, nearly half of all refugee children are not attending school. Thankfully, there are initiatives and individuals doing the work to help increase access to education for refugee populations. In th…

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How Teaching Skills Can Complement the Use of AI in Education With Michael Feldstein 33:04

2y ago33:04

33:04

As AI continues to spread across the education landscape, the role of teachers is shifting. But what if educators looked at AI as a complement to their skillset, rather than a threat? In this episode of the Teach & Learn podcast, Dr. Cristi Ford talks to Michael Feldstein, Chief Accountability Officer at e-Literate about the impact of AI on educati…

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How AI Changes the Expert-Beginner Relationship and Stunts Skill Development With Dr. Matt Beane 34:06

2y ago34:06

34:06

While the applications and advancements in AI, robotics and intelligent machines are proving to be invaluable at the moment, our next guest reminds us of the old adage that nothing in life is free. Dr. Matt Beane is an award-winning robotic surgery researcher, an assistant professor in the Technology Management Program at the University of Californ…

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How a Creative Approach to AI Can Enrich Both Teaching and Learning With Reed Dickson 35:01

2y ago35:01

35:01

While many educators are cautiously dipping their toes into the LLM waters, this episode's guest has been playing in the depths and enjoying every minute of it. Reed Dickson is an educator, writer, designer and speaker focused on the future of teaching, learning, EdTech and AI. He joins Dr. Cristi Ford to share his passion for this evolving technol…

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How AI Can Support or Prevent True Learning With AI Strategist Justin Bruno 31:35

2y ago31:35

31:35

Welcome to another episode of Teach & Learn brought to you by D2L. Our regular listeners will know that we have been diving into AI as of late. As this technology evolves so must the conversation. It’s our responsibility to continue to question, investigate, and examine as it becomes more and more ubiquitous—this isn’t the time to make assumptions …

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The Importance of Critical Thinking in K-12 Classrooms With Dr. Aleigha Henderson-Rosser 30:46

2y ago30:46

30:46

Many K-12 teachers view critical thinking as a crucial skill for students to work on. But unlike a core subject, teaching it isn’t as simple as carving out a dedicated time slot and running an assessment at the end of the term. Technology can certainly help support the development of critical thinking skills, but only if used correctly. In this epi…

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How AI Can Impact Education and Beyond With Julian Moore 33:47

2y ago33:47

33:47

AI is here, and it’s here to stay. Whether you’re an early adopter of artificial intelligence or still reluctant to embrace it, the reality is it’s only going to become more and more prevalent. As with most technology, it will eventually find its way into nearly every aspect of our work and daily lives. If it’s everything our guest believes it to b…

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Building an Infrastructure for the Exchange of Verifiable Digital Credentials With Naomi Szekeres 39:56

2y ago39:56

39:56

There’s been a lot of chatter in the higher education world about the need to redefine the value proposition around credentials and skills. How does one verify a credential or skill from one university versus another? On top of this, universities and colleges are grappling with how to make sure they’re closing the chasm between what employers need …

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How to Humanize Online Learning With Nicolas Parés and Mandi Singleton 36:47

2y ago36:47

36:47

In this episode of D2L's Teach & Learn podcast, Dr. Cristi Ford discusses the importance of humanizing online learning with guests Nicolas Parés and Mandi Singleton. They talk about the need for building meaningful connections in virtual spaces, share why it's important for educators to be vulnerable and provide practical tips and tools for faculty…

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How to Scale and Systematize Innovation in Higher Education With Michelle Sengara 44:28

2y ago44:28

44:28

In today's episode, we welcome Michelle Sengara, Director of Academic Innovation at York University, to discuss how to systematize and scale innovation at higher education institutions. Our guest and host chatted about the systems approach to innovation, the importance of building relationships and reimagining teaching and learning as dynamic netwo…

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Navigating K-12 Change Management for Student Success With Dr. Kathleen Grigsby 39:21

2y ago39:21

39:21

Today’s episode is all about change management in the K-12 industry. Change management at the elementary and high school levels can involve pedagogy, administrative process and technology, or a combination of one or more of these areas. But it can often be met with resistance by educators, students and parents. To discuss these topics further, we w…

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The Science Behind Effective Learning With Norman Bier, John Stamper and Steven Moore 44:54

2y ago44:54

44:54

In the latest episode of D2L’s Teach & Learn, we delve into the science behind learning and the importance of running on-going experiments in education. To discuss these topics further, Dr. Cristi Ford welcomed the winners of the XPRIZE Digital Learning Challenge: Norman Bier, John Stamper and Steven Moore, from Carnegie Mellon University. Click he…

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How to Prepare Higher Education Graduates for the Workforce With Joseph B. Fuller and Kerry McKittrick 49:05

2y ago49:05

49:05

We are thrilled to be launching Season 2 of Teach & Learn, a podcast for curious educators. Our host, Dr. Cristi Ford kicks things off with an episode on the challenges and opportunities in preparing post-secondary graduates for the world of work. To discuss this issue further, we welcomed Joseph B. Fuller, Professor of Management Practice in Gener…

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Designing and Delivering Effective Professional Development for K-12 Teachers With Dr. Joy Karavedas 24:31

2+ y ago24:31

24:31

In this episode, we’re discussing professional development (PD) in K-12 educators. We all know that effective PD is essential to the growth of not only educators but also students. When done correctly and consistently, it provides teachers with the necessary training needed to meet the needs of young learners. There’s a growing need and opportunity…

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How Schools and Universities Can Use AI to Transform Education With Dr. David Lefevre 42:53

2+ y ago42:53

42:53

In today’s episode, we’re revisiting what has arguably been one of the hottest topics over the last few months: artificial intelligence and its impact on the future of education. To date, we’ve had professors discuss the pros and cons of generative AI and hosted experts who’ve broken down the tech behind tools like ChatGPT. Today, we’ll be discussi…

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How to be an Educational Disruptor With Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes 37:47

2+ y ago37:47

37:47

Our guest today, Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, is the President and Vice-Chancellor of Yorkville University certainly fits this theme well. A true educational disruptor, she’s become known for creating radical shifts in the higher education industry in Canada over the course of her career. She discussed how her university experiences helped shape h…

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How to Honor Student Voices in Higher Ed Spaces With Kiara Williams 29:07

2+ y ago29:07

29:07

In today’s show, we’re flipping the script and shining the spotlight on student voice. Honoring student voices in the education experience can take many forms. It could mean involving students in decision-making processes on campuses, recognizing them as agents of change within their own learning communities, and so many more. But one thing is clea…

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The Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making at Higher Ed Institutes With Dr. Amelia Parnell 41:43

2+ y ago41:43

41:43

In today’s show, we’re going deep on data. With a growing pressure for college professionals to provide evidence of successful activities, programs and services, data-informed decision making must become part and parcel of the way higher education is conducted. But as any faculty member, provost or admin will tell you, it can be challenging to expe…

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How to Design Micro-credential Courses With Dr. Luke Dowden 41:45

2+ y ago41:45

41:45

In today’s show, we’re diving into the world of noncredit courses. The World Economic Forum highlighted the growing gap between the curriculum taught in traditional degree programs and the skills needed to work in today’s digital world. At the same time, enrollment in full-time degree courses continues to decline. Much has been said about micro-cre…

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How to Manage Learning Loss in the K-12 Classroom With Dr. Kiana Pendleton 50:05

2+ y ago50:05

50:05

In today’s show, we delve back into the K-12 space to address the topic of learning loss. A 2020 article from the American Education Research Association found that students in grades one through eight lost an average of 17-34 percent from the prior year’s learning gains over the summer break. When you tack on a few years of remote schooling due to…

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Breaking Down the Tech Behind ChatGPT With Annie Chechitelli and Linda Feng 46:31

3y ago46:31

46:31

Following on from our last episode about ChatGPT, today we’re tackling the technical side of ChatGPT. ChatGPT is a generative text tool created by OpenAI that’s been causing a stir amongst educators and students alike. To discuss this topic further, we welcomed Annie Chechitelli, Chief Product Officer at Turnitin, and Linda Feng, Vice President of …

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How ChatGPT Could Change Higher Ed With Dr. Antony Aumann and Dr. Bettyjo Bouchey 47:35

3y ago47:35

47:35

Today’s episode promises to be a controversial one. ChatGPT, a generative text tool created by OpenAI, is a hot topic among educators and students. Disruptive technology comes with a lot of questions: what are the pros and cons of using ChatGPT in the classroom? How is it changing assessment strategies? Can AI tools reduce cognitive load? What does…

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Upskilling and the Future of Education Series – Part Two With Dr. MJ Bishop and Bill Hughes 51:49

3y ago51:49

51:49

Today’s episode is the second in a two-part we’re running on upskilling and the future of education. We look at the skills gap, how partnerships between employers and higher education institutions could work to benefit both, and teaching and learning methods outside CBE that deliver measurable results. To discuss these issues further, Dr. Cristi Fo…

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Upskilling and the Future of Education Series – Part One With Dr. Marie Cini and Dr. David Soo 38:25

3y ago38:25

38:25

Today’s episode is the first in a series we’re running on upskilling and the future of education. We look at why traditional methods of delivering post-secondary education are outdated, what can be done to address the societal stigma about not having a degree and offer suggestions for a way forward. To discuss these issues further, we welcomed Dr. …

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Unpacking Blended Learning and Micro-Credentials With Dr. Mark Brown 48:47

3y ago48:47

48:47

In today’s episode, we unpack two of the most talked about terms in the education space: blended learning and micro-credentials. Whether you are for or against them, you can’t argue that they’re among the most talked about topics in the teaching and learning space today. To discuss this topic further, we welcomed Dr. Mark Brown, Director of the Nat…