The UM3D Podcast

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, host Trish Lange sits down with Dr. Barrett Schwarz, Director of Academic Teaching and Learning Support at UM3D. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of academic integrity in higher education and how both faculty and students can navigate the gray areas created by new technologies like generative AI. From scaffolding assignments and designing authentic...

Sensus Access takes center stage in this episode as UM3D’s Sarah Catherine Marshall and Dr. Lavonnie Perry Claybon unpack how this powerful self‑service tool is transforming digital accessibility at the University of Memphis. From converting scanned PDFs into searchable text to generating audiobooks, braille, e‑books, large‑print files, and even translated versions, the conversation highlights how...

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, host Lavonnie Perry-Claybon sits down with Jaafar Al-Azaawi, Access Coordinator for Disability Resources for Students (DRS) at the University of Memphis, to unpack the critical difference between accessibility and accommodations in higher education. Jaafar walks faculty through the student accommodation request process, highlights key tools and resources availa...

In "Elevating Student Engagement: The Power of Perusall's Interactive Annotations," we dive into the innovative world of social learning platforms with Dr. Steve Zanskas, Associate Dean and counseling professor at the University of Memphis. Tired of unopened textbooks and lifeless discussion boards? This episode reveals how Perusall revolutionizes student engagement through interactive annotation...

In this illuminating episode of the UM3D Podcast, host Lavonnie Perry Claybon sits down with Dr. Jason Sasser, clinical professor and Director of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the Loewenberg College of Nursing, who adapted UM3D’s M50 course design template specifically for the MSN program. The conversation explores how standardized course templates can be customized to meet dis...

"Countdown to Compliance: What Faculty Need to Know Before April 2026" In this essential episode of the UM3D podcast, host Lavonnie Perry Claybon and guest Amanda Rodino break down the upcoming digital accessibility requirements for higher education faculty before the April 2026 deadline. The conversation centers on practical implementation of the POUR principles—Perceivable, Operable, Understanda...

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, we look into the world of creatorspaces and the hands-on innovation happening inside them. Our guest is Benjamin Clanton, head of the Sandbox creatorspace in the McWherter Library. Ben describes how tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, audio/video studios, and vinyl cutters are empowering makers of all skill levels. Together, we discuss how f...

In this engaging episode of the UM3D podcast, host Lavonnie Perry Claybon interviews Derek Hardaway, UM3D's assistant director of Academic Learning Support, to explore the often misunderstood world of Learning Tool Interoperability (LTI) tools in Canvas. Beyond just textbook integrations, Derek reveals how LTIs serve as powerful gateways to enhance online teaching and learning experiences at the U...

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, we explore how educators are using generative AI, not just behind the scenes, but as an active part of student learning. Dr. Andrew Tawfik, Assistant Professor of Instructional Design and Technology at the University of Memphis, shares how he designs assignments that challenge students to create, critique, and refine visuals using AI tools such as Adobe Firefly...

Today's UM3D podcast episode is perfect for anyone looking to improve student engagement and enhance their learning experience in online learning environments. We'll be exploring five key areas that can transform how you present content to your students and enhance their learning experience. Aligning content with learning objectives using consistent module structure, chunking content, creating mul...

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, host Trish Lange sits down with Dr. Sarah Marshall, instructional designer with UM3D and former K–12 special education teacher, to unpack the basics of pedagogy. Together, they explore how faculty can strengthen their teaching through clear course goals, explicit learning objectives, aligned assignments, and effective assessments. From backward design to practi...

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast , host Trish Lange sits down with Dr. Will Duffy, Associate Director of the Institute for Intelligent Systems and faculty member in the Department of English at the University of Memphis. Together, they explore how generative AI is reshaping the teaching of writing, not just through tools, but through mindsets, pedagogies, and design thinking. Dr. Duffy shares i...

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, host Trish Lange sits down with Professor Kim Marks, Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis. Together, they explore how the university’s longest-running distance education program is navigating the evolving landscape of generative AI. Professor Marks shares practical insights on...