All Aboard with Rob Belliveau

NeonTrain
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All Aboard with Robert Belliveau, President & Founder of NeonTrain, offers a fast-paced and fun conversation exploring all topics related to online learning excellence. From the latest and greatest course design approaches to the nitty-gritty of course ROI, Rob tackles many issues in hopes that sharing this information will help the listener know there are many great solutions to consider when it comes to developing an online learning program.

  1. Just Start: Inclusion in EdTech | Rabia Ijaz and Puneet Kaur

    2d ago

    Just Start: Inclusion in EdTech | Rabia Ijaz and Puneet Kaur

    On this episode of All Aboard with Rob Belliveau, Rob talks with guests Puneet Kaur and Rabia Ijaz, Technical Account Managers and IDEA co‑leads at D2L, about what it actually looks like to build inclusion into everyday work in EdTech. They dig into how IDEA at D2L evolved from “Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Allyship” to “Inspiration, Dialogue, Empowerment, and Allyship,” why safe spaces are something you experience—not something you declare—and how simple, well‑designed activities at Fusion have helped people talk honestly about intersectionality, unconscious bias, and allyship. Puneet and Rabia share their lived experiences as women of colour in technical roles, what it’s like to show up as a non‑native English speaker in North American workplaces, and why vulnerability (“I don’t get that joke,” “Can you explain that to me?”) often builds more trust than getting it “right.” They and Rob explore how D2L’s IDEA work has grown from awareness to action, practical ways anyone can “Just Start” inclusion work in their own institution or organization, and why you don’t need a giant program to make a real difference for learners, employees, and colleagues. Learn more about D2L here: https://www.d2l.com/ Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes?  Email the show: allaboard@neontrain.com If this episode helped you think differently about inclusion, allyship, or safe spaces in education or training, share it with a colleague, leader, or friend in EdTech, L&D, or higher education.

    29 min
  2. Transforming The Way The World Learns | John Baker

    May 27

    Transforming The Way The World Learns | John Baker

    On this episode of All Aboard with Rob Belliveau, Rob talks with this month’s guest, John Baker, President, CEO, and Board Chair of D2L, about what it really means to transform the way the world learns, and how that vision led to the creation of both Brightspace and NeonTrain. They dig into John’s journey from 22‑year‑old Systems Design Engineering student at the University of Waterloo to leading one of the most influential edtech companies in the world, why taking the “hard path” can be the smartest move in your career, and how to stay focused on solving the biggest problems in education. John shares how D2L has approached major waves of change. From the early days of the internet to mobile, cloud, and now AI, while staying grounded in responsible use, data privacy, and real learner outcomes. He and Rob explore practical ways AI can cut course development time without replacing educators, why accessibility has to be a non‑negotiable in any serious learning strategy, and how the D2L–NeonTrain partnership is bringing Brightspace to smaller and mid‑sized organizations that traditionally couldn’t access this level of learning technology. You can find John and D2L here: https://www.d2l.com/ Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes?Email the show: allaboard@neontrain.com If this episode helped you think differently about online learning, edtech, or accessibility, share it with a colleague or friend in education, L&D, or training.

    36 min
  3. Grant Writing in the Age of AI | Amanda Rogers

    Apr 21

    Grant Writing in the Age of AI | Amanda Rogers

    Rob talks with this month’s guest, Amanda Rogers, founder of iPlume Writing Inc., about how AI is reshaping grant writing and why strategy, fit, and authenticity still win over generic ChatGPT applications. They dig into the rise of AI-generated grants, how to stand out in oversubscribed funding programs, and the power of teaching people to build a live grant step by step instead of “outsourcing” everything to a tool. Amanda shares how she turned years of nonprofit leadership and nearly $50 million in secured funding into two practical online courses—iPlume Grant Essentials for nonprofits and charities, and iPlume Funding Essentials for small and diverse-owned businesses—built with NeonTrain on Brightspace. She also talks about using asynchronous courses as the backbone for in-person and virtual workshops, growing demand for arts funding training, and early plans to expand her grant education into the U.S. market. You can find Amanda here: https://iplumewriting.com/ iPlume Courses: NeonTrain Store  iPlume Funding Essentials – Use code AllAboard10 for 10% off. (Business Training) iPlume Grant Essentials – Use code AllAboard15 for 15% off. (Non-Profit Training)   Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes?Email the show: allaboard@neontrain.com If this episode helped you think differently about online learning, edtech, or accessibility, share it with a colleague or friend in education, L&D, or training.

    24 min
  4. From Zoom Fatigue to Blended Brilliance | Rozalyn Werner-Arcé

    Mar 18

    From Zoom Fatigue to Blended Brilliance | Rozalyn Werner-Arcé

    Rob talks with this month's guest, Rozalyn Werner-Arcé, about turning a legacy, instructor-led training program into a modern blended e-learning experience. They dig into choosing between fully asynchronous and blended models, keeping real-world stories alive online, and supporting instructors through the change. They also explore creative funding and partnerships, and how to scale education nationally without compromising quality. Rozalyn Werner-Arcé brings over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector, with a career dedicated to strengthening associations, human services, and charitable organizations. Since December 2021, she has served as Executive Director of the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA), where she leads efforts to advance the association’s mission, deliver innovative member services, foster growth, and develop strategies that enhance engagement and non-dues revenue. Rozalyn is recognized for building meaningful connections and driving initiatives that create lasting impact for the profession and its members. Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes?Email the show: allaboard@neontrain.com If this episode helped you think differently about online learning, edtech, or accessibility, share it with a colleague or friend in education, L&D, or training.

    27 min
  5. Desire to Indigenize - A Learning Odyssey Part 2

    Feb 18

    Desire to Indigenize - A Learning Odyssey Part 2

    In this episode of All Aboard, Rob continues his conversation with Blackfoot elder Joe Eagle Tail Feathers - litsooahp'potah (Attacks I Battles in the Water) and Dr. Christopher Grignard to dig deeper into truth, decolonization, and real action in education. Building on their work together on the Blackfoot Odyssey course, they explore: Why decolonization must come before indigenizationThe hard truths of ongoing racism and fear faced by Indigenous communitiesWhy Indigenous teachings are not a threat and are meant to enrich all learnersConcrete steps educators and organizations can take, from learning the land you’re on to building genuine relationships with elders and knowledge keepersThis episode is both an invitation and a challenge: move beyond fear of “getting it wrong,” listen with sincerity, and turn talk into meaningful, respectful action toward reconciliation. To learn more please visit: http://www.mru.ca/blackfootodyssey Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes?Email the show: allaboard@neontrain.com If this episode helped you think differently about online learning, edtech, or accessibility, share it with a colleague or friend in education, L&D, or training.

    20 min
  6. Desire to Indigenize – A Learning Odyssey Part 1

    Jan 28

    Desire to Indigenize – A Learning Odyssey Part 1

    In this episode of All Aboard, Rob is joined by Blackfoot elder Joe Eagle Tail Feathers - litsooahp'potah (Attacks I Battles in the Water) and Dr. Christopher Grignard to explore what it truly means to Indigenize digital learning spaces. Together, they discuss the long-term relationship and deep trust that underpins their collaboration on the Blackfoot Odyssey course, built within the Desire2Learn (D2L) / Brightspace platform. Chris shares how together they transform the learning space into an Indigenous literary lodge, grounded in ceremony, authenticity, and respect for Indigenous knowledge. Joe reflects on his life, teachings, and the sacred tipi design that has become central to the course, emphasizing the importance of sincerity, humility, and not being afraid to make mistakes when reaching out to Indigenous communities. We are deeply grateful to both Chris and Joe for their generosity, stories, and guidance in showing how meaningful and respectful partnerships in education can be built. To learn more please visit: http://www.mru.ca/blackfootodyssey  Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes?Email the show: allaboard@neontrain.com TIf this episode helped you think differently about online learning, edtech, or accessibility, share it with a colleague or friend in education, L&D, or training.

    25 min

  7. Season 3 Trailer

    Season 3 Trailer

    Season 3 is coming soon! Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes?Email the show: allaboard@neontrain.com If this episode helped you think differently about online learning, edtech, or accessibility, share it with a colleague or friend in education, L&D, or training.

    1 min
  8. Year In Review

    2025-12-10

    Year In Review

    In this special year-in-review episode of All Aboard with Rob Belliveau, host Rob Belliveau looks back on a powerful season exploring online learning, educational technology, and the human stories behind innovation in education. Rob revisits conversations with guests from higher education, literacy organizations, assistive technology companies, and public safety, highlighting how AI, Brightspace (D2L), and other edtech tools are transforming teaching and learning—without losing the essential human-centered focus. From AI as a learning companion to universal design for learning, from ending illiteracy in Nova Scotia to life-or-death training in the fire service, this wrap-up episode surfaces the big themes shaping the future of learning: Democratization of learningAccessibility and inclusionCommunity building in digital spacesThe power of storytelling and podcasting in educationIf you work in education, training, L&D, or edtech, this conversation will give you practical inspiration and big-picture perspective for 2026 and beyond. Have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes?Email the show: allaboard@neontrain.com If this episode helped you think differently about online learning, edtech, or accessibility, share it with a colleague or friend in education, L&D, or training.

    22 min
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All Aboard with Robert Belliveau, President & Founder of NeonTrain, offers a fast-paced and fun conversation exploring all topics related to online learning excellence. From the latest and greatest course design approaches to the nitty-gritty of course ROI, Rob tackles many issues in hopes that sharing this information will help the listener know there are many great solutions to consider when it comes to developing an online learning program.

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