Bamboo Beat

In this episode of the Bamboo Beat, Nicole Hiers engages with guests Cristin Klute and Dr. Mitzi Fehl-Seward to discuss the importance of alignment services in education, the role of standards of learning, and how these services support educators in Virginia. They explore the customizable approach of Elevate's alignment services, the challenges of adopting new standards, and the joy of engaging le...

In this episode of the Bamboo Beat podcast, hosts Nicole Hiers and Tim Mason discuss the integration of Lucid with Canvas, exploring its collaborative tools, organizational features, and interactive activities that enhance student engagement. Special guest Mark Sluzky shares insights on how Lucid supports project-based learning and offers best practices for educators looking to incorporate this po...

In this episode of the Bamboo Beat, hosts Nicole Hiers and Tim Mason discuss Instructure's certified programs with guest Erin Keefe, the project manager for certified programs at Instructure. Erin shares the history and growth of the certified programs, including the Canvas Certified Educator (CCE) and Canvas Certified Technical Admin (CCTA) programs. She also introduces two new programs, Mastery...

In this episode, Nicole and Tim share their top 10 tips for a successful back to school season. They discuss the importance of organization, using what you already have, effective communication, playing in a sandbox, focusing on the students, creating engaging content, leveraging technology, setting clear expectations, building relationships, and taking care of yourself as an educator. These tips...

In this episode, Nicole and guest co-host Tim are joined by Loryn Martini to discuss setting and achieving goals in both personal and professional life. They explore the importance of prioritizing goals, breaking them down into manageable tasks, and overcoming barriers. They also discuss the concept of SMART goals and how they can help in goal achievement. The conversation emphasizes the need for...

In this episode, Nicole Hiers welcomes Tina Cassidy and Sam Mathis to discuss the impact of Instructure's tool adoption platform, Impact. They explore the three main pillars of Impact: messaging, support, and insights, and how these contribute to an institution's adoption goals. They also discuss the life cycle of Impact, its creative uses, and the importance of cross-functional collaboration in m...

In this episode, we dive into the world of standards-based grading and its important role in education. Our discussion centers around the use of Mastery Connect and Canvas Outcomes as essential tools for assessing student mastery skills effectively. Our guests share their personal experiences and insights on utilizing these platforms to enhance the teaching and learning process. We explore the adv...

In this episode of the Bamboo Beat host Nicole Hiers welcomes special guests Cory Chitwood, Sam Christ, and Danielle Lentz to discuss the diverse training options available through Instructure. The conversation delves into the evolution of training over the years, emphasizing the importance of community and user-centered approaches. From insights on the Training Services Portal and its new Checkli...

This episode of the Bamboo Beat with Nicole Hiers celebrates International Women's Day and Women's History Month. The conversation highlights the history of International Women's Day and the contributions of women throughout history. It also focuses on the women at Instructure who have shaped the company and the personal and professional growth of the speakers. The episode emphasizes the importanc...

In this episode, Melissa Loble and Ryan Lufkin interview Matthew Pittinsky, the founder of Parchment , the world’s largest academic credential management platform and network that was recently acquired by Instructure. They discuss Parchment's history, mission, and role in the education industry. The conversation highlights the importance of serving the lifelong learner, improving credentialing pro...

 In this episode of the Bamboo Beat; Nicole Hiers, Don Lourcey, Da’Shira Jackson, and Kimberly Duhé delve into the collaborative world of Canvas Commons with insights from educators who have navigated this inspiring landscape. The group explores strategies for integrating Commons into teaching practices, addressing challenges around content curation, and envisioning the future of Commons in educat...

In this episode of InstructureCast Ryan Lufkin discusses the future of credentialing and credentialing standards in the education industry with guests, Kelly Hoyland and Rob Coyle from 1EdTech. Kelly and Rob provide insights on digital badges, micro-credentialing, and the work of the TrustEd Micro-Credential Coalition. They emphasize the importance of building trust in credentials and the need for...

In this episode of the Bamboo Beat, Nicole Hiers sits down with Eddie Gonzalez, Director of the High-Quality Instructional Materials project at Kern County Superintendent of Schools. They delve into the collaborative efforts between KCSOS and Instructure, highlighting how the project empowers educators to create high-quality lesson plans for an open educational resource platform, statewide and bey...

Ryan Lufkin sits down to chat with Unizin’s Interim CEO Bart Pursel about all things related to the Unizin Data Platform, data, analytics, AI and how institutions can use that data and tools to better support research into student success, ultimately driving toward continuous innovation. Learn more about the Unizin Data Platform here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod...

In this episode of the Bamboo Beat, Nicole Hiers interviews Saša Stojic, Jenna Ashley, and Anthony Marcasciano as they embrace the heart of accessibility. This episode highlights inclusivity and empowerment, exploring the concept of broader diversity and lasting impact. The conversation also delves into how Instructure's technology products prioritize accessibility, providing customizable interfac...

Take a deep dive into how generative AI is changing how both higher ed and K-12 administrators are researching and analyzing student data and analytics. Melissa and Ryan explore what the University of California San Diego is doing and how their work is now being shared with other institutions across the country. In this episode, you’ll hear from Vince Kellen, CIO of UC San Diego, and Greg Stinsa,...

In this letter to Santa for the 2023 holiday season, Bamboo Beat Host Nicole Hiers shares a love list with the Jolly Old Elf of all the amazing things Instructure has received throughout the year. The entire InstructureCast team of hosts and producers wants to send all our listeners our warmest holiday wishes! We thank you all for an incredible 2023 and we can't wait for an even better 2024! --- S...

In this special bonus episode, Melissa and Ryan invite Arpad Arokhaty, Instructure’s Manager of Technical Support in EMEA, to the podcast. While Arpad currently lives in Hungary, he grew up in Ukraine. Keeping in touch with his former teachers and hearing of their incredible struggles, he knew he wanted to find ways to help all educators in the country continue to teach their students, despite the...

In this week’s episode, Melissa Loble and Ryan Lufkin visit with Jeanne Imbriale, Vice President of Operations and Member Relations for 1EdTech, previously known as IMS Global. Jeanne shares the role of the non-profit, member-driven organization, insights about the services 1EdTech provides, and upcoming events and initiatives.  To learn even more about 1EdTech, visit their website at www.1edtech....

It's been a year since the official launch of ChatGPT and the buzz around generative AI in the classroom. Have you taken the leap and experimented with all the possibilities? Whether you are now a pro or have yet to dip your foot in the AI pool, check out what our guest Zach Pendleton, Instructure’s Chief Architect, has to say about the cautions, great use cases, and fun way you, too, can incorpor...

In this episode of InstructureCast, Melissa and Ryan take a new approach to the generative AI discussion -- turning to two people currently in the thick of their education journey, inviting them to share their experiences with ChatGPT. Simon Kaminer is a senior in high school at The High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College and Finley Lufkin is in her first year at the Universi...

In this episode of the Bamboo Beat, Nicole Hiers departs from the typical format of our podcast to shine a spotlight on Instructure’s core – its employees. Join us as we delve into the heartfelt expressions of gratitude from just some of our incredible team members, we uncover the heart of gratitude at the core of Instructure’s success. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/p...

Host Ryan Lufkin pulls in Instructure's VP of International Strategy, Sidharth Oberoi for a more global perspective on the results from the annual State of Student Success and Engagement in Higher Education. While some of the responses from EMEA and APAC regions echo those from North America, there were several areas, such as generative AI and the desire for apprenticeships, where regional results...

In this episode of the Bamboo Beat, your host, Nicole Hiers, is joined by Kristin Lundstrum, Instructure Community Manager, and some very special Community members; Beth Crook, Matthew Jennings, Gregory Beyrer, Valentine King, and Kona Jones to celebrate our incredible 2 million member milestone! Join us to hear about how this panel has experienced our robust community space, and how their experie...

In this “breaking news” episode, InstructureCast host Ryan Lufkin walks through the details surrounding the White House’s new Executive Order on AI and just how Instructure contributed to the process.  With a lot of information outlined in this “minisode,” we invite you to dive deeper into the details through these resources:  Melissa Loble’s blog on the topic Instructure and the White House’s Exe...