About The Podcast
Speaking of Higher Ed exists to create a resource that will inspire and assist faculty
in creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences. We hope to provide higher
ed faculty with a platform for sharing research related to the scholarship of teaching
and learning, spark new instructional ideas, and promote interdisciplinary instructional
methods.
Listen and Subscribe Season One (Episodes 1 - 12) Season Two (Episodes 13 - 24)
June 18, 2025
In this summer short, we have selected powerful insights from three recent episodes
that highlight how technology, design, and pedagogy intersect to shape the future
of teaching and learning.
We begin with Dr. Richard Mayer (watch episode 22), whose groundbreaking research in multimedia learning reminds us that how we present information—through simplicity, segmentation, and student engagement—can dramatically improve comprehension and retention.
Next, A.B. Osborne (watch episode 26) shares his candid reflections on generative AI in the creative industries. From the unease it sparks in art students to its usefulness in early-stage design, Osborne explores why foundational storytelling still matters more than ever in an evolving digital landscape.
Finally, Dr. Cynthia Alby (watch episode 27) urges faculty and institutions to address the disruption of AI in higher education with intention. She advocates for teaching integrity explicitly and calls on colleges to invest time and resources into supporting faculty as they adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
Whether you're experimenting with instructional media, grappling with the role of AI, or seeking new ways to support student learning, this quick-hit episode is packed with ideas to carry into the new academic year.
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Season Three Episodes |
May 21, 2025
Spontaneity and scholarship? “Yes and…”
Dr. Meredith Rausch—Associate Professor of Research, Counseling & Curriculum at Augusta University’s College of Education and Human Development—joins us to show how the art of improv can enliven academic instruction. An NBCC Servant Leadership Award honoree and recipient of Augusta University’s Outstanding Faculty Award, Dr. Rausch draws on her pioneering research with underserved populations to create inclusive, dynamic learning environments.
After training at Chicago’s legendary Second City, she experienced her own “A‑ha” moment: the same skills that drive great improv—active listening, joyful risk‑taking, and building on each other’s ideas—can make lectures, discussions, and activities more engaging and effective. In this episode, Dr. Rausch offers easy‑to‑implement techniques—from “yes, and…” icebreakers to collaborative narrative exercises—that spark creativity, strengthen community, and help both instructors and students adapt on the fly.
Perfect for educators seeking fresh ways to boost participation and curiosity, this conversation reveals how a little improv magic can transform even the most traditional classroom.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Rausch’s YouTube channel features video tutorials on improvisational techniques — watch Meredith on YouTube.
Her official website provides information on her upcoming workshops, blog posts, and speaking engagements — visit MeredithRausch.com.
On Instagram she shares behind‑the‑scenes insights and quick improv prompts on — follow @rauschmeredith.
The Second City offers world‑renowned improv courses and training programs for all skill levels — explore classes at The Second City.
Books for Improv in the classroom:
In The Improv Mindset: How to Make Improvisation Your Superpower for Success provides practical strategies for applying improv principles to leadership, creativity, and everyday challenges — learn more about The Improv Mindset on ThriftBooks.
In The Second City Guide to Improv in the Classroom: Using Improvisation to Teach Skills and Boost Learning, Katherine S. McKnight presents methods for integrating improv activities into educational settings — explore The Second City Guide to Improv in the Classroom on Open Library.
April 16, 2025
March 19, 2025
February 19, 2025
Andrew Everett is a Faculty & Instructional Developer in the Center for Instructional Innovation
(CII) with a focus on video and multimedia production and is the producer of Speaking of Higher Ed. Andrew is also an adjunct instructor in the Department of Social Sciences. After
nearly a decade in TV news, Andrew came to Augusta University in 2019 as a video producer
for Communications & Marketing before moving to the CII in 2022. Andrew has been awarded
numerous Georgia Associated Press awards, an EMMA award from the National Academy
of Television Arts & Sciences, and two silver Telly awards for his work on the short
film Augusta Gives: Back to the Future and for an educational video for physical therapy students. He also holds Sententia’s
Gamification Surveyor Certification (Level 1). Andrew earned a BS in Digital Cinematography
from Full Sail University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Augusta
University.
As a visual storyteller, Arthur Takahashi has worked in TV, public relations, and now instructional design. In his professional
career, he has seen how visuals can touch people, how stories can stick with them
for a lifetime and how shared emotional experiences can create a strong bond among
them. His work has led him to three Southeast Regional Emmy Awards nominations for
promo, documentary, and animation. He has also won a regional Edward R. Murrow Award
for hard news, two Georgia Association of Broadcasters awards for best locally-produced
program and best use of digital platforms, two Georgia Associated Press Awards for
investigative reporting and general reporting, a bronze Telly Award for documentary.
As an instructional designer, he also placed first at the 2021 Adobe eLearning Design
Awards and won a silver Telly for best use of 2D animation and a silver Telly for
an educational video in the health and safety category. Since Arthur joined CII, he
has helped create faculty development offerings that have impacted hundreds of AU
faculty. He holds the Sententia’s Gamification Surveyor Certification (Level 1) and
is a QM-certified APPQMR online facilitator. Arthur has a bachelor’s degree in mass
communication, a master’s degree in history and a master’s degree in public administration.
Jeff Mastromonico is the Director of Instructional Innovation for CII. Jeff is celebrating his 24th
year in higher education and his 14th year with Augusta University. Jeff has a BS
in Business Administration, an M.Ed in Educational Technology from USC, a master's
certification in gamification and game-based learning, and is currently pursuing a
doctorate in Educational Innovation. Jeff has been awarded numerous awards for his
work in the design and development of multimedia, e-learning, and game development,
including the international Serious Play award and Adobe's Golden E-Learning Award.
What if the way we design our courses is actually encouraging students to cheat?
Generative AI is rapidly changing the landscape of higher education, offering new
possibilities for student engagement, personalized learning, and course design. In
this episode,
How do you prepare students to enter a rapidly changing industry like animation? What
impact does AI have on such a competitive industry?