MAC Talks - Instructional Design Podcast: Recent Episodes
MCC Instructional Design
Mac Talks, Instructional Design and Instructional Technology, focused on Instructional Design in higher education. Hosted by the Instructional Design team at McLennan Community College in Waco, TX. Guests include faculty, staff, students and other IDI's from other institutions.
Listen on the drive to work, on the drive home, while you're doing laundry or just lounging out on the patio!
Mac Talks - Mac is our Highlander Mascot, and it also stands for McLennan Academic Community. Let's GO!
Welcome to the latest episode of MAC Talks, where hosts John Ghazzagh and Richard Leslie sit down with Tim Mousel, the AI wizard moonlighting as a kinesiology professor at Lone Star College.
Tim talks about how he went from MMA studio owner to AI aficionado, creating game-changing tools like Pocket AI and eFit software. We also get Tim's thoughts on the wild world of AI in education, where it is and where we are heading.
- Tim Mousel - LinkedIN
- eFit Software
- PocketAI
John Ghazzagh - LinkedIN
In this special episode of MAC Talks, we have 3 special guests: Czech exchange students that are taking classes and working at MCC!
These amazing students share their experiences here in the US and at McLennan Community College.
In this podcast episode, Kathleen Hicks, Director of Online Learning for English at Arizona State University, shares her experiences integrating generative AI into teaching and course development. She discusses the challenges and benefits of using tools like Chat GPT to create targeted content for students, and emphasizes the importance of teaching students about AI ethics and academic integrity. Kathleen also highlights the potential of AI to enhance interdisciplinary learning and the need for educators to prepare themselves and their students for its widespread use in the future. The conversation concludes with Kathleen presenting AI-generated business proposals that improved student writing and communication skills, and encouraging faculty to experiment with AI tools to address specific learning challenges in their courses.
Kathleen Hicks, ASU
John Ghazzagh, McLennan Community College
In this episode, Joanna shares her passion for Open Educational Resources (OER) and how they can transform higher education. Discover how OER empowers educators to freely share, reuse and remix teaching materials to benefit students. Joanna shares her insights on the cost-saving and creative potential of OER, the importance of proper attribution, and how building an OER community can help teachers find support. Tune in to learn how you can leverage OER to enhance your courses without reinventing the wheel! Joanna Schimizzi - LinkedIN
John Ghazzagh - LinkedIN
Jessica Zbeda - LinkedIN
Mary Sides - LinkedIN
Join us for an insightful conversation with Michaela McCown, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, and Kristen Cook, Research Librarian, as we delve into the world of embedded librarianship on MAC Talks. As online education continues to grow, librarians are stepping out from behind the stacks and into virtual classrooms. Discover how this collaborative approach between librarians and faculty is transforming research support and enriching the online learning landscape.
In this Episode:
John Ghazzagh - Instructional Designer
Michaela McCown - Associate Professor
Kristen Cook - Research Librarian
In this episode, we'll be exploring the world of education with Jennifer Chapman, Assistant Professor of Child Development & Education at McLennan Community College.
Join us as Jennifer discusses the nuances of teaching, the attrition of educators, and her compassionate approach to connecting with students through online videos.
It's a thoughtful conversation that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the challenges and joys of the teaching profession.
- Jennifer Chapman
- Instructional Design Team - Richard Leslie, John Ghazzagh, Claire Wilkison, Tereza Mihulová.
- MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
In this episode, we're hanging out with Travis Cox, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at McLennan Community College.
Get this - he's tossed the traditional grading playbook out the window. Instead, Travis is all about using projects to see what his students have really learned.
And when it comes to feedback? He's ditching the red pen for something way cooler - personalized video messages.
Oh, and he's a bit of a podcast enthusiast too. He's even had his students critique some of our episodes and, get this, turn podcasts into projects. How cool is that?
- Travis Cox
- Instructional Design Team - Richard Leslie, John Ghazzagh, Claire Wilkison, Tereza Mihulová.
- MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
Part 2 of a 2 Part Podcast.
Dr. Fred Hills, Assistant Vice President of Instruction and Student Engagement for McLennan Community College talks with us about High Impact Practices, Student Engagement and Open Educational Resources.
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
Part I of a 2 Part Podcast.
Dr. Fred Hills, Vice President of Instruction and Student Engagement for Mclennan Community College talks with us about High Impact Practices, Student Engagement and what the future of Higher Education looks like.
- Dr. Fred Hills
- Instructional Design Team - Richard Leslie, John Ghazzagh, Claire Wilkison.
- MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
Christopher Morris talks about being a new instructor in Higher Ed, adding comedy to the classroom (and to the podcast!), the challenges of teaching Hyflex and continuously growing.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Christopher Morris - Associate Professor
Claire Wilkison, Instructional Designer
John Ghazzagh, Instructional Designer
TJ Waldie, Instructional Technologist
Instructional Designers - Connect with us on our Discord Network!
MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
This week on MAC Talks, we talk about our process for online course quality and how it's not just an Instructional Design thing. Faculty, directors and deans all play an important role in making sure our online courses meet high standards. We also discuss what we look for as instructional designers to ensure courses meet our high quality standards. If you're interested in checking out our PGP (Principles of Good Practice) form, there's a link to it on our website here: https://www.mclennan.edu/center-for-teaching-and-learning/
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
- Instructional Design Team/Hosts: John Ghazzagh, Katherine Beech, TJ Waldie
- Instructional Designers - Connect with us on our Discord Network!
- MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website and Contact Information
- Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
In this episode of Mac Talks, Paulina Sidwell, a professor at MCC, shares her journey to becoming a professor and discusses the HyFlex mode of teaching that encourages innovation through starting small. Paulina discusses the flexibility and convenience of Hyflex for students, but also the time and preparation instructors must commit to do it well. Additionally, we talk about the use of 3D printers in engineering education and how the engineering program emphasizes practical learning through projects and research.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
- Paulina Sidwell, Professor of Engineering - Connect on LinkedIN
- John Ghazzagh, Instructional Designer - Connect on LinkedIN
- Instructional Designers - Connect with us on our Discord Network!
- MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
In this episode we sit down with Felicia Gladden, Professor of Government. We talk about what inspired her to become a professor and what brought her to MCC. Felicia also talks about her teaching philosophies, the challenges she faces with students in a post-COVID world.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Guest: Felicia Gladden- Connect on LinkedIN - Felicia's Podcast: Conversations with Community Members
Host: John Ghazzagh - Connect on LinkedIN
Instructional Designers - Connect with us on our Discord Network!
MCC Instructional Design and Innovation Website
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
In this episode we chat with Starlen Roddy, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist and Adjunct Instructor at McLennan Community College. We talk with Starlen about his background, how he came to MCC and how he became a DEI specialist. We also explore how faculty and staff can create a more inclusive culture for students.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
Still using Facebook? WELL WE ARE TOO! Feel free to follow our antics.
Website: https://www.mclennan.edu/center-for-teaching-and-learning/index.html
Guest:
Starlen Roddy - LinkedIN
Hosts:
Claire Wilkison, Katherine Franker - MCC Instructional Design and Innovation
In this episode of the podcast, we chat with Rachel Kramer, a research librarian at McLennan Community College in Texas. We discuss the range of services available to faculty, staff, and students at McLennan Community College, including research support and access to a diverse collection of resources. Join us for an insightful conversation about the important role of libraries and the resources they provide to support learning and discovery.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
Still using Facebook? WELL WE ARE TOO! Feel free to follow our antics.
Website: https://www.mclennan.edu/center-for-teaching-and-learning/index.html
Student Music by : Mary-Blue by Kristin Grace - find her here. Kristin is a songwriting major here at MCC and uber talented!
Guest: Rachel Kramer
Production: John Ghazzagh
What is OER? What about the quality of OER content?How do I get started?In this episode of MAC Talks, we speak to members of our OER working group Nick Webb and Mary Sides. They share their insights and experiences on how they have successfully implemented OER in their curriculum, resulting in increased access to quality educational materials and cost savings for students. Join us as we delve into the world of open educational resources and learn about the positive impact they are having on higher education.OER Working Group at McLennan Community College Kristen Cook Jessica Zbeida Yolanda Gonzalez Mary Sides Nick Webb John GhazzaghHost John GhazzaghGuests :Nick Webb and Mary SidesMusic by MCC student, Brandon Ecord Links: OER Texas for material and more information : https://oertx.highered.texas.gov/ OER Texas MCC Faculty and Staff Group: https://oertx.highered.texas.gov/groups/mcc-faculty-staff-oer-group/1303/ OpenStax OER repository: https://openstax.org/ Creative Commons : https://creativecommons.org/
The IDI team talks about what's new for 2023 including a brief mention of ChatGPT and AI.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
Still using Facebook? WELL WE ARE TOO! Feel free to follow our antics.
Website: https://www.mclennan.edu/center-for-teaching-and-learning/index.html
Instructional Design Team:
John Ghazzagh
Claire Wilkison
TJ Waldie
Katherine Franker
In this episode, we talk with Marighny Dutton, Director of Clinical Education program and Associate Professor for Respiratory Care Technology at McLennan Community College. Marighny tells us about her journey from MCC student to Associate Professor.
In our meaty content section, we talk about how being clear and consistent is very important for students in person and especially online. Jon shares some of the ways he achieves this in his classes, and how he connects learning with real world experiences. Marighny talks with us about how her program benefits from flipped classrooms and the engaging and authentic activities that prepare her students for real world experiences (which includes saving lives!)
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
Still using Facebook? WELL WE ARE TOO! Feel free to follow our antics.
Host - Katherine Beech
Production - John Ghazzagh
In this episode, we talk with Boyce Wilson, former MCC student and current Associate Professor of Business Management. We talk about Boyce's varied and interesting background and how that has helped him evolve his work in online teaching. Boyce is not a fan of laundry, and we don't blame him!
In our content, we talk about Learning Management Systems and creating a structure in online course that helps students stay focused and accountable in these busy times.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/Still using Facebook? WELL WE ARE TOO! Feel free to follow our antics. Host - John Ghazzagh Production - TJ Waldie
In this episode, we talk with Jon Fox, Professor in Music Industry Careers here at McLennan Community College. Jon tells us a little about his background, and how he went from learning music to teaching music. We also chat about our favorite concerts and how music shapes the world we live in.
In our meaty content section, we talk about how being clear and consistent is very important for students in person and especially online. Jon shares some of the ways he achieves this in his classes, and how he connects learning with real world experiences.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
Still using Facebook? WELL WE ARE TOO! Feel free to follow our antics.
Host - John Ghazzagh
Production - TJ Waldie
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kayla Willis. Kayla talks about recently completing her doctorate and recent dissertation. After 2020, students are leaning into online classes more and more, and in many cases it's harder to retain those students. How can we, as a college, help these students persist through online learning and be successful? Being the main topic of her dissertation, Kayla shares her research and thoughts with us, and also how everyone at the college can help students be successful.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
Still using Facebook? WELL WE ARE TOO! Feel free to follow our antics.
Claire Wilkison- Host
John Ghazzagh - Production
In this episode of MAC Talks, we chat with Holly Towns, part-time instructor and College Navigator. Holly talks about her move to Texas, the growth she's experienced while earning two Masters degrees and what she's learning currently as she teaches classes, supports students and works towards her Doctorate. Phew, I'm tired just writing all of that!
The main focus of our talk is taking traditional activities and assessments in the classroom and making them multi-modal. What does that mean? Well have a listen and find out for yourself. I mean does anyone actually read this section anyway?
Multimodal Projects via Tapestry
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
Still using Facebook? WELL WE ARE TOO! Feel free to follow our antics.
John Ghazzagh - Host
Claire Wilkison- Production
Join us as we welcome Jessica Shelton to the podcast. Jessica is a counselor, and mental health professor at McLennan Community College. In this episode we talk about the importance of discussions in the classroom and how we create and foster these discussions online. We also learn who would play Jessica in the movie of her life and which sitcom dad inspired her to become a mental health professional.
Are you using discussions in your classroom? How are they working for you? Let us know! If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
John Ghazzagh - Host
TJ Waldie - Production
Join us as we welcome our guest, McLennan Community College's Professor of Philosophy, Amy Antoninka. We talk to Amy about engaging students in person and online through puppetry, cats and just plain silliness.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
John Ghazzagh - Instructional Designer
Claire Wilkison - Instructional Designer
Katherine Beech - Instructional Designer
Welcome to the official podcast for the Instructional Design team at McLennan Community College, MAC TALKS!
Building relationships in a classroom is a big factor for student success. It works great in a face to face classroom, but how do we do that online? In this episode, we discuss how to build those relationships in your online classes.
We also talk about what our walk-out song would be...I think teachers should have their own walk out or walk in songs for the classroom. If you want to skip ahead to the content, skip to 4:21 in the podcast.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
Follow us on Instagram, send us your comments or suggestions - https://www.instagram.com/mcc_idi/
Research Article - Importance of Strong Relationships
Journal Article - Building Relationships and Increasing Engagement in the Virtual Classroom: Practical Tools for the Online Instructor
Effective Online Teaching: Foundations and Strategies for Student Success
Blasterjaxx - Narco
John Ghazzagh - Instructional Designer
Claire Wilkison - Instructional Designer
Katherine Beech - Instructional Designer
Welcome to the official podcast for the Instructional Design team at McLennan Community College, MAC TALKS!
In our inaugural episode, we have a short discussion on our best experiences with online courses.
We also talk about our guilty pleasure "splurge" item if we were to win the lottery.
We cut out the part about whistling, you should know most of us can't whistle.
If you're interested in us covering a topic about course design, or if you'd like to guest star...or both, shoot us an email: online@mclennan.edu
John Ghazzagh - Instructional Designer
Claire Wilkison - Instructional Designer
TJ Waldie - Instructional Technologist
Katherine Beech - Instructional Designer
Richard Leslie - Instructional Designer and Coordinator