DigitalEDU Dialogues

Rapid Doesn’t Mean Rushed: Why Rapid Development Matters More in 2026 Higher ed has spent years planning. Now it’s time to build. In this episode of the TBG Podcast, Angela sits down with Sheila Fry, COO of The Babb Group, to unpack why rapid development has become essential for institutions navigating shifting enrollment, workforce demands, and long‑delayed initiatives finally moving forward. Hig...

Let's get real in class discussions! It's time to rethink course design and discussions as students and course developers become more dependent on AI. In this episode, Angela Britcher and The Babb Group's COO Sheila Fry talk about how instructional design can help bring authenticity back to class. Topics include:💡Get clear on AI usage expectations💡Embed AI statements and citation pra...

DigitalEDU Dialogues Podcast Course Oversight & the Power of Instructional Design In this episode, host Angela Britcher chats with Sheila Fry, COO of The Babb Group, about why course oversight isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a strategic necessity. From outdated materials to AI-era authenticity, they explore how instructional designers help faculty streamline workload, improve student experience, an...

Join host Angela Britcher and Sheila Fry, COO of The Babb Group, as they unpack the latest CHLOE 10 report and what it means for the future of online education. 🔹 Key takeaways for institutional leaders: - 📈 Student demand for online learning remains strong—but competition is intensifying - 🧠 AI is reshaping student support, advising, and instructional efficiency - 🎓 Growth is accelerating in...

In this episode, we chat with Professor Krisler Bailey. She’s a professor and college success coach who has built a strong following on social media as she helps high school and college students create pathways to success. Whether you're a faculty member looking to support student success, a student navigating time management, or a parent wondering how to help—this conversation delivers real strat...

Join us for a lively and heartfelt conversation with Jennifer van Alstyne, owner of The Academic Designer, as we explore the power of authenticity in creating an online presence in academia. In this episode of DigitalEDU Dialogues, Jennifer shares valuable insights on why faculty should cultivate a strong online presence—and how doing so can create meaningful connections with students, colleagues,...

How can AI support accessible learning experiences for all students? In this episode of DigitalEDU Dialogues, Angela Britcher is joined by Valary Oleinik (US Distance Learning Association) and Sheila Fry (COO, The Babb Group) to explore practical ways AI can enhance accessibility in education. Learn about:💡Inclusive learning design💡AI’s role in improving access💡How educators can collaborate wit...

In this episode of DigitalEDU Dialogues, host Angela Britcher sits down with Teege Mettille, author of *The Admissions Counselor Malaise*, to explore the shifting dynamics of the admissions counselor role in higher education. As institutions adapt to changing student needs and evolving enrollment landscapes, how can universities better empower their admissions teams to fulfill their mission of sup...

In this episode of DigitalEDU Dialogues, join Sheila Fry, COO of The Babb Group, for practical ideas on incorporating workforce development and continuing education programs into higher education. Learn about: ✅ Flexible learning formats for today's busy professionals ✅ The rise of microcredentials and stackable programs to meet industry needs ✅ Using AI for finding new pathways to success...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Melik Khoury, the visionary behind Unity Environmental University's remarkable transformation. Discover how Unity has redefined higher education, boosting reach, enrollment, and retention rates. Dr. Khoury shares the innovative strategies and steps the university implemented to achieve this success, providing invaluable insights for leaders in hig...

Regardless of whether you are merely contemplating the use of AI in your classrooms, are already experienced, or identify as someone who has not yet embraced it, AI has become an integral aspect of education. Ellis Reeves offers practical strategies for integrating AI into both online and in-person higher education settings and discusses how to make AI accessible for faculty, staff, and students.

What does RSI stand for? It refers to Regular and Substantive Interaction, which is mandated in online courses by the Department of Education. In this episode, Sheila Fry, the COO of The Babb Group, simplifies RSI and offers practical suggestions for integrating more regular and substantive interactions with students in your classrooms.

In this episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Professor Heather Tidwell from Harrisburg University. Join us as we dive into a lively discussion about Professor Tidwell's innovative and engaging teaching methods, with a focus on her unique approach to incorporating personal experiences to promote mental health awareness among students. Whether you're an educator,...

You're living your dream as a professor teaching at multiple schools. Balancing multiple schedules, due dates, assignments, and students worldwide can be challenging. Dorothy Miraglia knows it's possible to thrive in this environment with the right strategies. She's the Vice President of Academics and Professor Services and has experienced this firsthand! In this episode, she shares va...

Cesar Santalo blends creativity, play, and servant leadership at Lynn University. What makes this school so successful? Santalo talks about Lynn's culture of fun, cross-department collaboration, partnering with regional organizations, and keeping students the stars of the show. Learn more about how Santalo and Lynn's leadership team are getting students job-ready with this creative approac...

The demand for online learning continues to grow in higher education. The Babb Group's Sheila Fry joins the podcast to talk about this trend and more insights from the CHLOE 9 report. Hear how some colleges and universities are finding success by investing in online learning, creating quality online interactions with students, and empowering faculty for online success. https://www.thebabbgroup...

Julianne Westbrook maps out the 9-step process her small teams uses to tackle 20-30 projects at a time with creativity, responsiveness, and accuracy. Julianne combines experience in higher education, people management, human resources, and corporate training to create successful onboarding and compliance programs.

First year experiences are integral to student retention. Dr. Sheri Hutchison shares best practices for schools, administrators, and faculty to create holistic and practical programs for students as they adjust to college. Hutchinson talks about building community, coordination between departments, using technology, and making just in time resources available. https://www.thebabbgroup.com/ https:/...

Before you teach your first college course, you'll most likely need to pass a faculty training. Dorothy Miraglia, VP of Professor Services leads faculty trainings at several universities and has advice for faculty who are new to a school. It's essential to take these trainings seriously so you can get scheduled for courses and to look at them as professional development opportunities. Hear...

Virtual reality is for more than gaming. VR is quickly gaining ground as a tool for exploring and experiencing careers and workforce development. Brad Benedict shares how we can incorporate experiential learning with VR into classrooms, recruiting, job exploration, and training. He also talks about his personal career journey that informs his passion for workforce development and helping people fi...

Our academic partners are talking about migrating to new learning management systems, launching new programs, accessibility, enrollment, and retention. Babb Group COO Sheila Fry joins the podcast to talk about what's trending as she talks to higher education decision-makers around the country. Discover how revised courses and online expansion are key to student success and retention, and learn...

Mark Grant has wise advice if you're trying to break into teaching at a college level. He's successfully transferred his work experience to the classroom. Mark shares his tips for contacting deans to get his first job, transitioning from on-campus to online teaching, and how he connects with students. https://www.professorservices.com/

Stuck at ABD? We hear this from so many people trying to finish their dissertations. Karisa King has been there, too. Now, she's a Dissertation Coach and Strategist with Professor Services, helping others get from ABD to PhD. Hear how an accountability partner is essential during the dissertation journey to help with academics, time management, and motivation and to support the whole person in...

"Creative Conversations" are the key to successful partnerships at Central Penn College's Workforce Excellence program. Director of College Relations Curtis Voelker talks about how the college listens and collaborates with organizations to develop programs to upskill and empower employees. Curtis shares how collaborating to meet the needs of their partners is leading to success. http...

HBCU Spelman College launched eSpelman in the fall of 2022 with 49 learners and 3 certificates. By the end of 2023, they had over 400 students in 7 certificate programs, with 2 more in the works. Students keep coming back for more! Tiffany Watson talks about Spelman's secret sauce and how it's infused into online certificate programs. Hear how Spelman thoughtfully planned the program to su...