DOL Pod

Can you replicate the "hallway factor" online? Dr. Mariko Carson of the Howard University School of Business joins the DOL Pod to explain how they are redefining the online graduate experience. Discover how virtual students move beyond the "remote" label to lead campus organizations and build lifelong networks within the fabric of the Howard experience. Whether you are an educator or a student, this episode offers a roadmap for building human-centered digital communities that maintain a high standard of excellence.

About Dr. Mariko L. Carson:

Dr. Mariko L. Carson is Director of Graduate...

Join host Alejandro Otero and Dr. Lucretia Williams, Senior Research Scientist at Howard University, for an enlightening conversation on “The Ethics of AI in Black Historical Research.” In this episode, you’ll discover how to identify and address bias in AI, why digitizing Black historical archives matters, and practical ways to collaborate across fields. Dr. Williams shares real-world insights from Howard University’s initiatives and community-based research, highlighting concrete strategies that advance equity, preserve Black narratives, and guide responsible use of AI. Whether you’re passionate about history, technology, or digital justice, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas and a clear...

In the latest episode on the Digital and Online Learning podcast (DOL POD), we welcome Ke'Anna Skipwith, Director of Academic Innovation and Strategic Initiatives and Interim Executive Director for Digital and Online Learning at Howard University. This episode examines the development of genuine connections and community in online learning, from fostering a sense of belonging among distance learners to intentional course design and the evolving role of instructors. Ms. Skipwith shares practical strategies and insights from her book, Best Practices in Engaging Online Learners Through Active and Experiential Learning Strategies, as well as her experience and research, including the...

Join guest Dr. Morris Thomas, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Wiley University, as he discusses digital learning and the transformative Whole Experience Framework. Explore how digital justice can be integrated into education through inclusive, holistic, open, liberating, and empowering learning environments. Dr. Thomas shares insights from his extensive experience, explains how instructors can create equitable and humanizing learning spaces, and offers actionable strategies for educators. Tune in for practical tips grounded in a vision for the future of digital education.

Guest Bio: Dr. Morris Thomas is the Provost and Vice President of...

Tune into our latest episode as host Alejandro Otero sits down with Dr. Morris Thomas, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Wiley University. Together, they explore digital learning through the lens of Dr. Thomas's innovative W.H.O.L.E. Experience Framework. Discover how digital justice can be integrated into education by creating welcoming, holistic, open, liberating, and empowering virtual environments. Dr. Thomas draws on his wealth of experience to share practical insights for instructors seeking to create equitable and human-centered digital classrooms. Get ready for actionable strategies and an inspiring look at the future of online...

Join host Alejandro Otero and Ms. Etoulia Salas-Burnett, Director of the Center for Digital Business at Howard University, for a focused discussion on the impact of AI in education. They discuss how universities unite business and tech through AI programs, real-world partnerships, and commitment to developing student AI skills.

Learn how the Center for Digital Business equips students for an AI-driven workforce, addresses the digital divide, and leads on ethical AI practices. Hear specific strategies for advancing digital justice, cultivating essential AI expertise, and expanding opportunities in education.

This episode provides practical perspectives for educators...

Join host Alejandro Otero for an insightful episode featuring Dr. Talitha Washington, Executive Director of the Howard Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics, as they dive deep into the evolving world of artificial intelligence and its impact on the future of work. In this conversation, Dr. Washington discusses what defines an "AI job" and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to excel in an AI-driven workforce. Discover how Howard University is spearheading a national research effort to build bridges between academia, industry, and government, developing forward-thinking AI curricula and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. Explore the...

Season 3 ep 1

Megan VanBuskirk, Dean of Online Programs and Learning Support at Germanna Community College, and a guest on the DOL POD podcast, shares her inspiring journey from earning a GED to pursuing a doctorate. She highlights the transformative power of online learning and discusses her research on gender and epistemic injustice in higher education. VanBuskirk advocates for the upward mobility and mentorship of digital education experts, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning, equity, and inclusivity.

Her experiences have fueled her passion for advocating for greater access and equity in higher education, especially in the...

Dr. Cristi Ford

Dr. Cristi Ford serves as the Chief Learning Officer at D2L, bringing more than 20 years of experience in higher education, secondary education, project management, program evaluation, training, and student services. In this role, she provides strategic leadership and thought direction, ensuring that D2L remains at the forefront of innovation in learning, teaching, and academic affairs. Her work extends across institutional, corporate, and global landscapes, driving impactful change in digital learning environments.

Dr. Ford has held key roles across secondary and higher education, as well as on...

Navigating the college system can be daunting, especially for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds or those with unique educational needs. The complexities of applications, financial aid, and academic support can create significant barriers, widening the gap in educational opportunity. In today's episode, Dr. Ouide McAffee will provide insight and explore strategies to close these gaps and ensure that all learners have equitable access to higher education, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Ouida McAfee, PhD, CPC

Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Coahoma Community College

...

National Distance Learning Week 2024: The Intersection of AI and Online Learning

Dr. Alex Kumi-Yeboah, a seasoned educator and researcher, joins us to discuss the transformative power of AI in online learning. With a background spanning from elementary school to university levels, Yeboah brings much experience to the conversation.

We examine the exciting potential benefits of AI-driven tools in online learning. These include personalized learning, enhanced accessibility, and improved student engagement. He underscores the importance of addressing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to AI-powered education.

Yeboah highlights the need for transparency, accountability...

National Distance Learning Week 2024: The Intersection of AI and Online Learning

What is the future of learning design and AI? In this episode, Hernandez Humberto and Tamasa Nelson discuss the intersection of learning design and artificial intelligence and their impact on the educational landscape.

The topic includes Howard University's commitment to quality online education, examining the role of the Learning Design & Quality Assurance process, emerging online learning trends, AI's impact on learning experience designers, and the ethical considerations involved in implementing AI technologies.

Tune in to learn about the future of learning design...

National Distance Learning Week 2024: The Intersection of AI and Online Learning

In this National Distance Learning Week episode, we dive deep into AI with Etoulia Salas-Burnett, Director of the Center for Digital Business at Howard University. We explore AI's potential to reshape higher education and address systemic barriers faced by diverse students.

From personalized learning experiences to career guidance, we discuss how AI can create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. However, we also delve into the crucial discussion of AI's ethical considerations and potential pitfalls, such as bias and algorithmic discrimination, to keep...

National Distance Learning Week 2024: The Intersection of AI and Online Learning

In this episode of the DOL Pod, we sit down with Howard University's Dr. Miguel Capers to explore the critical role of accessibility and AI in making online learning inclusive for everyone. We'll discuss:

Guest: Miguel Capers, Ed.D., Testing and Accommodation Coordinator, Howard University Office of...

National Distance Learning Week 2024: The Intersection of AI and Online Learning

Dr. Thomas Morris, assistant provost for Digital and Online Learning, and Dr. Sonia Jones, an associate professor and AI ambassador for CETLA at Howard University, discuss debunking AI myths in higher education. They emphasize the importance of a learning mindset and the need to embrace AI as a tool rather than fearing it. They address common misconceptions, such as AI replacing human educators, facilitating cheating, and compromising privacy. Jones highlights the potential of AI for personalized learning and academic support while acknowledging the need for human...