Engaged By Design

Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith
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Exploring innovation trends in learning, design, leadership, and change management in higher education. Experienced, successful leaders who have been there, done that, and own the t-shirt share perspectives and lessons learned from more than two decades of online learning and student success.Other Podcast Providers:Amazon: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Engaged-By-Design/B0DB9GZV7F?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdpiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-engaged-by-design-283650488/Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/engaged-by-design-6102170

  1. 4d ago

    Human Connection at Scale: The Future of Learning with Kelvin Thompson - Part 2

    From gatekeeping to door-opening—and how to truly engage learners. In part two, Kelvin Thompson shifts the conversation from strategy to practice—exploring what it really takes to engage learners in today’s complex educational landscape. From rethinking faculty roles as “door openers” to scaling impact across institutions, Kelvin highlights the power of human connection as the foundation of effective teaching. We also unpack lessons from 200+ podcast episodes, the lasting effects of pandemic learning, and why humanizing education is both a moral imperative and a competitive advantage. Key Takeaways: Why faculty should move from gatekeepers to facilitators of accessThe importance of students feeling “seen” in the learning experienceHow to scale teaching and learning support beyond the “usual suspects”Why technology works best as an amplifier of human connectionJoin us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    45 min

  2. May 19

    From Access to Impact: Rethinking Teaching in a Digital Age with Kelvin Thompson – Part 1

    In part one of our conversation with Kelvin Thompson, we explore the deeper purpose behind online learning and digital innovation in higher education. Kelvin shares his journey from K–12 to national leadership in online learning, along with powerful insights on why teaching should be viewed as a core student success intervention. We also dive into how online learning makes teaching more visible—and therefore more improvable—and what that means for faculty, institutions, and the future of learning. Along the way, we tackle the growing influence of generative AI and why human connection still sits at the center of meaningful education. Key Takeaways: Why teaching is one of the most powerful levers for student successHow online learning reveals what’s really happening in course designThe evolving role of AI as a “thought partner” in educationWhy human engagement matters more—not less—in a digital worldJoin us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    44 min

  3. May 12

    AI Governance and the Future of Learning with Heather Pelkie – Part 2

    As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in higher education, institutions are facing new questions about governance, academic integrity, and strategic implementation. In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Michael Cottam and Vernon Smith continue their conversation with Heather Pelkie, who leads AI initiatives at West Coast University and serves as an Assistant Professor of Communication. Heather explains how her institution is building an AI walled garden to create a safe, governed space for experimentation, innovation, and productivity gains. She also shares why governance, policy, human oversight, and intentional design are essential if colleges and universities want to use AI responsibly. The conversation explores the future of AI in teaching and learning, the limits of AI detection tools, the importance of AI fluency, and what it really means to keep humans at the center of educational innovation. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation on AI, learning design, and the future of higher education. Key Topics Discussed Academic integrity in an AI-driven worldWhy institutions need an AI governance structureThe purpose of an AI walled gardenHuman-in-the-loop design for higher-risk AI workflowsManaging permissions, risk, and responsible experimentationWhy AI detection tools are still unreliableReframing assessment design for an AI-rich futureAI as part of the future architecture of educationHow to engage learners more effectively in times of rapid changeHeather Pelkie -  https://heatherpelkie.com   West Coast University - https://www.westcoastuniversity.edu Engaged By Design - https://www.engagedbydesign.com Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    32 min

  4. May 5

    Leading AI Innovation in Higher Education with Heather Pelkie – Part 1

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping higher education and the workforce our students are entering. The question for institutions is no longer whether to engage with AI—but whether they will do so intentionally. In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Michael Cottam and Vernon Smith talk with Heather Pelkie, who leads AI initiatives at West Coast University and serves as an Assistant Professor of Communication. Heather shares how her work sits at the intersection of AI innovation, learning design, and organizational strategy. She discusses how institutions can move beyond reactive experimentation toward thoughtful implementation that prepares students to work alongside AI systems. The conversation explores the rapid pace of technological change, the importance of keeping humans at the center of AI use, and new ways educators can design experiential learning using AI-powered simulations and interactive tools. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation exploring how higher education can lead the AI transformation rather than lag behind it. Key Topics Discussed The intersection of AI, higher education, and workforce readinessWhy higher education is at an inflection point with AIMoving from reactive AI experimentation to intentional strategyThe accelerating pace of AI change and how leaders stay informedKeeping the human in the loop when using AI toolsUsing the “How Might We” innovation question to unlock new possibilitiesDesigning experiential learning with AI simulations and agentsPreparing graduates for an AI-integrated workforceWest Coast University - https://www.westcoastuniversity.edu Engaged By Design - https://www.engagedbydesign.com Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    30 min

  5. Apr 28

    Leadership, Antisemitism, and the Responsibility of Higher Education (Part 3 with Kate Zatz)

    In this final installment of their conversation with Dr. Kate Zatz, Michael Cottam and Vernon Smith explore one of the most difficult and urgent topics facing higher education today: antisemitism on college campuses and the responsibility of institutional leaders to respond with integrity and wisdom. Kate begins by sharing personal background about her family, her children’s Jewish upbringing, and the way these issues became very real through her son’s experiences as a student. She recounts troubling incidents of antisemitism at the University of Vermont and reflects on the role that advocacy organizations, student organizing, and federal Title VI complaints have played in pushing institutions to respond. The conversation then moves into a larger leadership discussion. Kate argues that many higher education leaders are not adequately prepared for the complexity of the institutions they are asked to lead. She raises important questions about leadership pipelines, institutional memory, and the loss of knowledge continuity in higher education. Vernon and Michael invite Kate to reflect on what gives her hope in the face of these challenges. Her answer points not to grand systems alone, but to the everyday work of raising thoughtful children, mentoring emerging leaders, continuing to learn, and choosing to keep going even after setbacks. The episode closes with a fitting reflection on Kate’s legacy: not only the thousands of students whose diplomas bear her signature, but the many leaders she has encouraged, mentored, and helped prepare for the work ahead. This final conversation is both sobering and hopeful—a reminder that higher education leadership requires courage, memory, compassion, and a deep commitment to people. Key Topics Covered Kate Zatz’s family story and Jewish identityAntisemitism on college campusesStudent advocacy and Title VI complaintsThe role of the Brandeis Center and Jewish on CampusLeadership responsibility in moments of crisisWhy institutional policies and practices matterKnowledge continuity and institutional memory in higher educationConcerns about leadership preparation and presidential pipelinesThe importance of history, learning, and moral awarenessMentorship, hope, and legacy in a life of serviceKey Resources for this Episode Brandeis Center - https://brandeiscenter.com Jewish on Campus - https://www.jewishoncampus.org Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    27 min
  6. AI, Learning, and the Human Side of Education with Dr. Kate Zatz (Part 2)

    Apr 21

    AI, Learning, and the Human Side of Education with Dr. Kate Zatz (Part 2)

    In part two, the conversation turns to artificial intelligence and its impact on higher education. Kate shares her experiences teaching during the rapid rise of AI tools and discusses the challenges they create for assessment, academic integrity, and course design. The discussion also explores how educators can respond by designing meaningful learning experiences that emphasize collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving. Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    26 min
  7. Mentorship, Student Leadership, and the Power of Belonging with Dr. Kate Zatz (part 1)

    Apr 14

    Mentorship, Student Leadership, and the Power of Belonging with Dr. Kate Zatz (part 1)

    In part one of this conversation, Dr. Kate Zatz shares the personal story that shaped her commitment to students and higher education. From her journey as a first-generation college student to her leadership roles across multiple institutions, Kate reflects on mentorship, student involvement, and the importance of belonging in higher education. She also discusses her decades of work with the Girl Scouts and why leadership development and community support matter more than ever for young people today. Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    35 min
  8. The ABC's of Murmuration - Getting to "US" with Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham

    Apr 7

    The ABC's of Murmuration - Getting to "US" with Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham

    What can leaders learn from the natural world? In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Michael Cottam and Vernon Smith continue their conversation with Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, co-authors of The ABCs of Murmuration: Collective Wisdom of Nature. Building on the concept of Flock Logic, the conversation explores how leaders and organizations can adapt, move together, and learn from the rhythms of nature. Kathy and Robin introduce the idea of “walking in a new way” — shifting how we think about leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Through stories, research, and practical insights, they show how collective movement, shared rhythm, and distributed leadership can help organizations navigate complexity and change. If you work in education, leadership, or organizational development, this episode will challenge you to rethink how groups move, learn, and evolve together. Extended Show Notes Nature offers powerful lessons for leadership — especially when we observe how complex systems move and adapt together. In this episode, Michael and Vernon welcome back Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, authors of The ABCs of Murmuration: Collective Wisdom of Nature. Their work explores how patterns found in nature — particularly bird murmurations — reveal powerful insights about collaboration, adaptability, and collective intelligence. During the conversation, they explore: What murmuration can teach us about collective leadership The concept of Flock Logic and shared rhythm in organizations Why leadership today requires movement rather than control How organizations can adapt by “walking in a new way” The power of distributed leadership and emergent collaboration Lessons from nature that apply to education, innovation, and change Rather than relying on rigid hierarchies, effective organizations learn to move like living systems — sensing, adapting, and responding together. For leaders navigating uncertainty, these ideas provide a fresh lens for understanding how people and organizations can thrive in complex environments. Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about The Course Design Accelerator Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

    24 min
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About

Exploring innovation trends in learning, design, leadership, and change management in higher education. Experienced, successful leaders who have been there, done that, and own the t-shirt share perspectives and lessons learned from more than two decades of online learning and student success.Other Podcast Providers:Amazon: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Engaged-By-Design/B0DB9GZV7F?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdpiHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-engaged-by-design-283650488/Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/engaged-by-design-6102170

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Engaged By Design
  • Show Website
    Engaged By Design