Innovate and Educate

Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center

”Innovate and Educate” is a podcast presented by the Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center (TLTC) at Seton Hall University. It explores how technology can revolutionize teaching and student outcomes in higher education. Each concise, 20-minute episode tackles a key question related to educational technology and offers actionable insights, real-world examples, and expert perspectives that can be implemented in classrooms, departments, or institutions. With new episodes dropping on the last Thursday of every month, this podcast is your go-to resource for innovative strategies and practical solutions that make a lasting impact on students’ learning experiences.

  1. May 28

    How can gamification, digital badges, and microcredientials meaningfully enhance learning, motivation, and career readiness--without reducing education to points and prizes?

    Listen as Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., Dean of Continuing Education and Professional Studies and Associate Professor of Marketing in the Stillman School of Business, discusses the growing role of microcredentials in lifelong learning and workforce development. She explores how universities can create meaningful, community-centered learning experiences that help students and professionalsbuild practical skills, professional networks, and career readiness in a rapidly changing world.  We will also hear from Ben Pincus, MBA, MSBM, Associate Dean for Assessment and Engagement and Professor in the Department of Management within the Stillman School of Business, who shares how gamification and badging can support student engagement and professional skill development. He also discusses the importance of creating experiences that help students apply what they’velearned and communicate the value of those experiences to future employers.  Stay tuned for the next season of Innovate and Educate, coming in Fall 2026!    Key topics + time stamps   Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-01:00 ]   Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., who serves as the Associate Provost of Partnerships & Global Initiatives, the Dean of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, as well as an Associate Professor, Stillman School, Department of Marketing [01:01-10:53 ]  Ben Pincus, MBA, MSBM, Associate Dean for Assessment and External Engagement, Stillman School of Business [10:55-20:26 ]   Episode Wrap-up [20:30-21:55 ]      Resources   Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D.: Contact Information  Ben Pincus, MBA, MSBM: Contact Information     Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website   Email address: tltc@shu.edu

    22 min
  2. Apr 30

    First-Year Student Experiences at Seton Hall

    In Season 2, Episode 6 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore how institutions can create impactful First-Year experiences that support student success from the very beginning of their college journey. This episode focuses on the importance of designing intentional, high-impact programs that foster belonging, persistence, and holistic student development during this critical transition period.  Join us as Karen Van Norman, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Omayra Arocho, Assistant Vice President of Student Services and Dean of the Center for Academic Success, and Joshua Dornbos, Associate Dean of the Center for Academic Success, share their perspectives on supporting First-Year students. You’ll hear how campus leaders collaborate across departments, the strategies they use to build proactive support systems, and examples of programs and partnerships that help students navigate the transition to college and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.  Key topics + time stamps    Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-01:25]    Karen Van Norman, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students [01:26-7:40]   Contact information: karen.vannorman@shu.edu   Division of Student Services: https://www.shu.edu/student-services/   CAPS: https://www.shu.edu/counseling-psychological-services/  THRIVE: https://www.shu.edu/student-services/students-dare-to-care.html  The Well: https://www.shu.edu/student-services/the-well.html  Omayra Arocho, Assistant Vice President of Student Services and Dean of the Center for Academic Success and Joshua Dornbos, Associate Dean of the Center for Academic Success [07:45-22:50]   Contact information: omayra.arocho@shu.edu and Joshua.dornbos@shu.edu   Center for Academic Success: https://www.shu.edu/center-for-academic-success/   Transformational Student Experiences: https://www.shu.edu/strategic-plan/priority-1.html  Episode Wrap-up [22:51-23:54]   Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website    Email address: tltc@shu.edu

    24 min
  3. Mar 26

    Authentic Assessment in Higher Education

    In Season 2, Episode 5 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we’re discussing how authentic assessments create more meaningful, real-world connections to course content, helping students see the relevance of what they are learning. We also highlight how faculty at Seton Hall University are leveraging digital tools to support both engagement and assessment. You’ll discover how technology can help reimagine traditional assignments into dynamic learning experiences. Join us as Dr. Randall Clemens, Associate Dean in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) and Associate Professor in the Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ELMP), and Dr. Elizabeth Van Dyk, Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program for the Graduate Department of the College of Nursing, share their perspectives on authentic assessment. You’ll hear why they switched from more traditional assignments, the theory behind their reasoning, the impact authentic assessments have had on student learning, and examples used in classes. Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the last Thursday in April! Key topics + time stamps  Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-00:55]  Dr. Randall Clemens, Associate Dean in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) and Associate Professor in the Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ELMP) [00:56-09:50] Contact information for Dr. Clemens Dr. Elizabeth Van Dyk, Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program for the Graduate Department of the College of Nursing [09:56-20:35] Contact information for Dr. Van Dyk   Episode Wrap-up [20:36-21:43]   Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website  Email address: tltc@shu.edu

    22 min
  4. 12/04/2025

    How can colleges and universities better support students as they prepare for life after graduation?

    Episode Summary: In Season 2, Episode 3 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore how higher education can empower students to connect their learning with meaningful career pathways. For National Career Development Month, we ask an important question: “How can colleges and universities better support students as they prepare for life after graduation?”  Join us as Jorge Rivera, Director of Career Services at Seton Hall’s South Orange campus, and Jacqueline Pirone, Assistant Dean of Seton Hall Law’s Office of Career Services (OCS), share their perspectives on mentoring, transferable skills, and the evolving needs of today’s workforce. They offer practical guidance for faculty, staff, and students seeking to bridge the gap between academic experiences and professional success.  Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in January!    Key topics + time stamps   Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-00:40]   Jorge Rivera, Director of Career Services on the South Orange campus [00:40-12:56]  Jacqueline Pirone, Assistant Dean of Seton Hall Law’s Office of Career Services [12:56-26:28]  Episode Wrap-up [26:28- 27:15]     Resources  Jorge Rivera  Email  Career Center homepage  Jacqueline Pirone  Email  Career Services homepage  The OCS Bulletin    Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website   Email address: tltc@shu.edu

    27 min
  5. 09/25/2025

    How do we design authentic assessments that ask students to create, reflect, and apply what they have learned?

    In Season 2, Episode 1 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore faculty responses to the question: “In an age where course materials are freely available online, test banks circulate widely, and generative AI tools reshape how students access knowledge—how do we design assignments that genuinely foster learning?” Listen as Rachel Fikslin, Ph.D., Lecturer in Psychology, talks about how they design assessments to keep students motivated and to encourage them to bring their whole selves into their work. We will also hear from Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, who will highlight the importance of authenticity to create student engagement while completing assignments. Finally, Sara Fieldston, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of History, will discuss the documentary film project and New York City blog she asks her students to develop, teaching her students real-world skills in a new way. Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in October! Key topics + time stamps  Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-02:30]  Rachel Fikslin, Ph.D., Lecturer in Psychology [02:31-09:21 Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology [09:25-14:31]  Sara Fieldston, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of History, [14:36-21:02] Episode Wrap-up [21:03-22:04]    Resources  Rachel Fikslin, Ph.D.: Contact Information Gender Autobiography project Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D.:  Contact Information Personal Branding Video project description Sara Fieldston, Ph.D.: Contact Information History of New York City blog Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website  Email address: tltc@shu.edu

    22 min
  6. 05/29/2025

    How is AI transforming workplace expectations, and what skills should college graduates develop to stay competitive?

    In Episode Eight of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we begin our exploration of faculty responses to the question: “How is AI transforming workplace expectations, and what skills should college graduates develop to stay competitive?” Listen as Renee Robinson, Ph.D., Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication, Media and the Arts, explores the potential impact of AI on various industries – from public relations to its role in the art world.  She’ll discuss ethical considerations such as privacy, bias, and using AI responsibly.  We will also hear from Jack Shannon, J.D., Professor of Legal Studies at the Stillman School of Business, who will highlight the importance of teaching students to use Gen AI appropriately and ethically to prepare them for success in the rapidly evolving workplace, as well as discuss some areas of concern when using AI, such as privacy and data security. Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming in Fall 2025! Key topics + time stamps  Series and Episode Introduction [0:00-1:09]  Renee Robinson, Ph.D. Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication, Media and the Arts [1:10-12:50] Jack Shannon, J.D. Professor of Legal Studies at the Stillman School of Business [12:51-22:33]  Episode Wrap-up [22:34-23:01]    Resources  Renee Robinson, Ph.D.: Contact Information Jack Shannon, J.D.: Contact Information     Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website  Email address: tltc@shu.edu

    23 min

About

”Innovate and Educate” is a podcast presented by the Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center (TLTC) at Seton Hall University. It explores how technology can revolutionize teaching and student outcomes in higher education. Each concise, 20-minute episode tackles a key question related to educational technology and offers actionable insights, real-world examples, and expert perspectives that can be implemented in classrooms, departments, or institutions. With new episodes dropping on the last Thursday of every month, this podcast is your go-to resource for innovative strategies and practical solutions that make a lasting impact on students’ learning experiences.