In this episode, host Kelsey Peterson sits down with Dr. Nic Bongers, Director of Instructional Design at Oakland University in Metro Detroit, to talk about the changing landscape of online learning. Nic shares his unique perspective as a graphic designer turned instructional designer, revealing how his experiences both as an online student and instructor have shaped his approach to course development. They dig into the major challenge facing higher education right now: the push to meet upcoming ADA Title 2 digital accessibility regulations.

With a small team and thousands of faculty to support, Nic explains the creative strategies Oakland University is using to help everyone get their courses up to standard and why accessibility isn’t just about compliance, but better learning for everyone. They also discuss the early days of online education, practical tips for making digital content more accessible, and Nic’s candid thoughts on the evolving role of AI in the classroom.

Key Moments

06:10 Digital Accessibility Challenges Explained

07:44 "Streamlined Online Course Fixes"

10:13 "Accessibility Lessons from the Past"

16:28 Teaching Styles: Online vs. In-Person

17:26 Collaborative Teaching Builds Student Engagement

23:20 AI and Virtual Hunting Exploration

27:33 AI-Powered Learning Tools in Moodle

29:06 Interactive Learning Tools Empower Education

32:35 "AI: From Doubts to Curiosity"

36:03 Facial Recognition Contact Display

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Nic Bongers shares an honest, behind-the-scenes perspective on leading accessibility initiatives at Oakland University as the 2026 ADA digital compliance deadline approaches. His stories about “teaching faculty to fish” and balancing creativity with compliance make complex topics surprisingly engaging. He also explores how AI and immersive technologies can elevate course design, while offering practical strategies for keeping learning human-centered and personal. Whether you’re an educator, technologist, or lifelong learner, this episode delivers inspiration and actionable insight into the future of accessible, meaningful online education.

Connect with Nic Bongers
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicbongers
Website: https://www.oakland.edu/

Follow Us On

Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-peterson-b80171142/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kyronlearning/

Company Website: https://www.kyronlearning.com/

Enjoyed this episode?
Subscribe to The Signals Podcast and leave us a review!
Share this episode with educators, innovators, and anyone who believes in the power of learning, creativity, and technology to move education forward.