Episode 327: Learning & Development, Instructional Design, and AI Talk with Holly Owens
In this episode, I had the honor of chatting with Holly Owens, host of EdUp EdTech, Director of Growth Marketing at Yellowdig, and all-around L&D powerhouse. We talk about everything from instructional design to AI in learning, what "proficiency" really means, and how educators can pivot into the world of L&D with confidence.
If you're an educator, learning designer, or someone navigating the fast-moving world of EdTech, this one's packed with takeaways you’ll want to keep coming back to.
We go deep on human-first learning, ethical red flags with AI, and the importance of not letting imposter syndrome get in your way. Whether you’re pivoting careers or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, Holly brings the fire.
🔗 Connect with Holly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyowens/
🎧 Listen to the EdUp EdTech Podcast: https://www.edupedtech.com/
👇 Check out the full breakdown and timestamps below:
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and intro
01:00 – Meet Holly Owens
03:00 – Holly’s journey from K-12 to L&D
05:30 – From marketing to education and vice versa
07:00 – The power of knowing your learners
09:00 – Human-first learning and why it matters
11:00 – Helping educators pivot and grow
14:00 – AI in learning: Hype vs. reality
17:00 – TruePeer and other AI tools Holly’s using
19:00 – Evaluating EdTech through an accessibility lens
21:00 – When to use AI—and when not to
24:00 – Losing your voice to AI? Here's Holly’s take
26:30 – AI and the emotional gap
28:00 – Digital wellness and AI companions
31:00 – What does proficiency in EdTech really mean?
33:00 – Navigating tech with teacher instincts
36:00 – Change management in the L&D world
38:00 – Ethical red flags in instructional design
40:00 – Not every problem needs a training
42:00 – AI and automation: What’s next?
44:00 – What skills are still uniquely human?
46:00 – Where to connect with Holly
47:00 – Rapid-fire Q&A: Kryptonite, billboards, and Taylor Swift?
🙏 A huge thanks to our amazing sponsors:
Book Creator | Eduaide.AI | Yellowdig
💻 Visit https://www.myedtech.life for more episodes, resources, and guest spotlights.
🎧 Until next time… Stay Techie!
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