Reflective Teaching In A Digital Age

In this segment, Hector shares practical and thoughtful strategies for introducing artificial intelligence in the engineering classroom. He describes how he uses practical, approachable projects—such as building simple classifiers or experimenting with basic machine learning models—to make AI concepts feel accessible. By connecting AI to foundational engineering and mathematical ideas—and encourag...

In this episode, Dr. Kristen DiCerbo explains how AI tools like Khan Academy’s Khanmigo are being integrated into classrooms to support both students and teachers, offering personalized feedback and assistance while streamlining educational tasks. In our discussion, Kristen emphasizes the need for ethical implementation, highlighting issues of data privacy, safety, and trust as central to responsi...

In this segment, Leslie Bondaryk shares practical strategies for building technological literacy, fostering critical thinking about AI and its outputs, integrating AI‑focused activities into everyday instruction, and positioning AI as a collaborative learning partner. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or refining your classroom approach, these highlights offer clear, actionable guidance...

Many educators are exploring ways of teaching with AI and guiding learners in responsible use of powerful computational tools. In this episode, Dr. Héctor Rodríguez-Simmonds discusses how to make AI tools accessible and meaningful, foster student agency and critical thinking, and redefine the educator’s role in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. He also provides practical insights on unde...

Hands-on laboratory experience is at the core of science education, giving students the chance to explore theoretical concepts through practical experimentation. But in online settings, creating meaningful, tactile learning opportunities can be challenging. In this episode, Dr. Caitlin Runne-Janczy shares how Science Interactive is expanding access to science education by designing hands-on, virtu...

Effective teaching, whether online or in-person, requires instructors to treat students as whole people, value their experiences, and create an inclusive environment where learners feel respected, supported, and capable of learning. In this episode, we explore socially embedded learning, emphasizing that learning is not just an individual cognitive process but a deeply social and emotional experie...

As technology continues to advance, professionals in engineering, science, and other disciplines must develop computational skills to address complex problems, analyze data, and create innovative solutions. In this episode, Dr. Alejandra Magana emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to integrating computational methods into engineering and STEM education with a focus on student-centered, su...

Active participation in scientific practice through engagement in meaningful learning experiences provides opportunities for students to develop a conceptual understanding of complex topics. To make learning effective, teachers need to have a roadmap for ways to support their students in the learning process. The Full Option Science System (FOSS) curriculum is a research-based and classroom tested...

Helping teams learn how to collaborate effectively is a challenging task in educational and workplace settings. Meaningful collaboration requires sustained support, trust building, and continuous reflection by team members on their problem-solving progress. In this episode, Elizabeth Porter shares with us her extensive knowledge of ways to support collaboration that include time-tested pedagogical...

Use of AI in education is rapidly growing along with concerns about ways it might impact learning. There is a lot of responsibility on educators to help students understand how AI technology works, how it generates information, and the ways users can analyze results for correctness and bias. In this episode, Leslie talks to us about the potential uses for AI in STEM education, approaches educators...

Educational technology can provide opportunities for creative problem solving where users can build projects that are meaningful to them. Using technology as a tool for expressing one’s ideas is a powerful approach for helping learners become digital creators rather than just consumers. In this conversation, Dr. Natalie Rusk shares reflections about her work on the Scratch programming language, th...

Early exposure to science and engineering is really important for engaging in and following a career in STEM fields. Students need to see from a younger age what influence science and engineering have on society and have various opportunities to participate in STEM activities. In this conversation, Dr. Regina Ragan discusses ways of explaining complex topics from the material science discipline to...

Engineering design is a technical as well as a social process. Developing an awareness of factors affecting groups’ dynamics during the decision-making process can help improve team-based engineering experiences. In this conversation, Drs. Robin Fowler and Trevion Henderson share their research and practical knowledge about ways of supporting equitable collaboration among students who identify wit...

Making a positive impact on the community through project-based work provides students with valuable experience in developing conceptual knowledge in science and engineering as well as building important experience in teamwork competencies. In this conversation, Bill shares his extensive knowledge in building engaging STEAM learning environments and ways of helping students learn to identify probl...

Reflecting on ways to support underrepresented engineering undergraduate students participating in the NSF S-STEM grant highlights the value of human connection and appropriate mentorship. In this episode, Dr. Aidsa Santiago talks to us about the importance of designing effective educational experiences that directly relate to students needs, making learning more meaningful, and helping students i...

Supporting active engagement in STEM disciplines is a challenging task that relies on thoughtful educational programming to build environments where students can become leaders of their learning. In this episode, Jake Foster shares with us his knowledge and expertise in the areas of project-based, collaborative, and technology-supported learning, and discusses ways that his company, STEM Learning...

Helping engineering instructors become aware of the Hidden Curriculum is an important pedagogical step toward building learning environments that support diversity and belonging. Dr. Idalis Villanueva Alarcón talks to us about practical ways of increasing awareness and recognition of hidden messages in the classroom and help mentor and professionally develop students in engineering. Reference(s) m...

Understanding ways of integrating equity and inclusion into learning and working environments is important for successful collaboration where participants feel valued for their contributions. In this episode Dr. talks about inclusive teamwork, an Inclusive Leadership Development Model, and building climates where every person feels like they belong. Reference(s) mentioned in this episode: https://...

Helping engineering students develop an ethical mindset as part of their professional preparation is a complex endeavor that requires thoughtful approaches to curriculum development and teaching. In this episode Dr. Qin Zhu talks to us about practical ways of teaching about ethics in engineering classes and developing relevant assessments of student learning as part of engineering education. Refer...

Introducing engineering students to systems thinking early in their education is critical for their development and learning success. In this episode Dr. Rea Lavi talks to us about the System  Architecture-Function-Outcome (SAFO) framework he developed to help foster systems thinking in undergraduate students. He explains how this framework can be integrated in engineering teaching and used to ass...

Teaching about diversity in engineering can present challenges to instructors as many do not have sufficient training on the subject and materials to include in classroom assignments. In this conversation, Dr. Natascha Trellinger Buswell shares her insights about ways of talking about diversity and inclusion with engineering students and provides practical examples of relevant classroom activities...

Effective design for multi-modal learning experiences is a complex process that requires a variety of considerations including content and resource accessibility, equivalent learning outcomes, and instructional workload management. In this conversation, Dr. Brian Beatty discusses the core principles of the Hybrid-Flexible or HyFlex Learning Model. He shares his knowledge about ways to successfully...

A quick reflection on impressions of the Hyflex learning model in anticipation of an upcoming interview with Dr. Brian Beatty. Join us in brainstorming questions and themes to discuss with Dr. Beatty for the next podcast episode. Share your thoughts by emailing us at:  info@reflectiveteachinginadigitalage.com

An educational approach that is based on the idea that kids are competent and can be in charge of their own learning opens opportunities for creative activities that support exploration, problem-solving, and teamwork. In this conversation, Barbara Bratzel, shares her reflections and practical advice about supporting students’ learning and progress through a project-based learning model and develop...

When designing a blended learning class instructors are faced with many decisions about teaching modalities, use of technology, relevant learning activities, and assessment methods. In this episode Dr. Norm Vaughn talks to us about the history and core principles of blended learning, ways to design synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences as well as integration of meaningful feedback to s...