TOPcast: The Teaching Online Podcast

OLC’s Dr. Jennifer Mathes joins hosts Tom and Kelvin to discuss the roles we all can play in ensuring that higher ed online learning continues to be effective and strategic in meeting our society’s needs.  Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Dr. Jennifer Mathes Episode 194 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffee Links  [From Healthline] “9 Reasons Why Jasmine Tea Is Good for You” Content Links Dr. Jennifer Mathes’ Online Profile [Newsletter] “Digital Learning Leadership: Insights on AI, digital learning, and the future of learning leadership” (Authored by Dr. Mathes) [From OLC Website] “Professional Learning: Excellence in Online Professional Development” [Newsletter/Podcast] “The Lift: Insights and inspiration for academic innovation, digital learning, and leading” (Authored by Kelvin) [On Apple Podcasts] “Online Education Across the Atlantic” Podcast Related Past TOPcast Episodes #87: “Repairing Our Reputation Post-COVID” #89: “7 Slogans to Save Online Learning” #98: “I Don’t Ever Want to Do [Online] Again!” 181: “Help in Grasping ‘Good Online Course’” #182: “When is ‘Good Teaching’ Just ‘Good Teaching’?” 192: “Futures Thinking and Digital Higher Ed” (with guest Dr. Bryan Alexander) 193: “Pillar Panel #1: Leadership Vision in Online Ed” (with guests Schroeder & Vito) Extra Special Feature Video Version of This Episode!

Guests Ray Schroeder and Dr. Melissa Vito unpack decades of practical wisdom on leadership vision in conversation with hosts Tom and Kelvin. This episode is the first in a mini-series of “pillar panels” offering distilled insights from esteemed community members on key, “structural support” topics essential in the future of strategic online/digital education. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Ray Schroeder Dr. Melissa Vito Episode 193 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffee Links  Coffees from “8th & Roast Coffee Company” (Nashville, TN) Green Mountain Half Caff Coffee Pods Content Links Ray Schroeder’s Online Profile Dr. Melissa Vito’s Online Profile Resource Recommendations From Our Guests [Magazine] Quanta (Recommended by Ray Schroeder) [Blog] “Ray’s Daily Update – Curated Reading List” [aka “Online, Continuing & Professional Education Update” from UPCEA] (Recommended by Ray Schroeder)  [Column] “Online: Trending Now” from Inside Higher Ed (Recommended by Ray Schroeder) [News Digest] “APLU Morning News Scan Sign-Up” (Recommended by Dr. Melissa Vito) [Book] Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear (Recommended by Dr. Melissa Vito) Recommendations and Shameless Plugs From The Hosts [Book] The Chief Online Learning Officers’ Guidebook: A Framework for Strategy and Practice in Higher Education (Recommended by Tom) [Newsletter/Podcast] “The Lift: Insights and inspiration for academic innovation, digital learning, and leading” (Recommended by Kelvin)  [Web Resources] Books, articles and videos on effective storytelling from “Scientist-Turned-Filmmaker Randy Olson” (Recommended by Kelvin) [TED Talk] “What happens in the brain when we hear stories?” with Dr. Uri Hassan (Recommended by Kelvin) [Website] Research Publications on Storytelling and More from “HassanLab” (Recommended by Kelvin) Extra Special Feature Video Version of This Episode!

Higher ed futurist Dr. Bryan Alexander guests alongside hosts Kelvin and Tom to reflect on the recent past and near-term possible futures of digital higher education. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Dr. Bryan Alexander Episode 192 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffee Links  Old Louisville Coffee Co-op (On Facebook) Content Links Dr. Bryan Alexander’s Online Profile [YouTube Playlist] Dr. Alexander’s “Future Trends Forum” archive of weekly conversations arXiv.org e-Print archive Directory of Open Access Preprint Repositories [On Wikipedia] “Diffusion of innovations” (article summarizing the work of Everett Rogers) [From the Institute For The Future (IFTF) Website] “Drivers and Signals: How Are They Different?” [Dr. Steven Crawford’s Guest Appearance] TOPcast #103 “Learning from 2021: Our Listeners Speak” Extra Special Feature Video Version of This Episode!

Hosts Tom and Kelvin consider the role well-designed online learning can play in institutional efforts to increase student retention.  Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Episode 191 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffee Links  “Buckle Down” Coffee Blend from 8th & Roast Coffee Company, Nashville, TN “Est. 1927 by Marigold” at the Speed Art Museum Content Links Info and Question Contribution: “Last Call at the TOPcast Cafe” Plenary Panel (OLC Accelerate 2025)  [Book] The SAGE Handbook of Online Higher Education (Wa-Mbaleka, Thompson, and Casmiro, Eds., 2024) [Research Study] “A Cross-Institutional Study of Instructional Characteristics and Student Outcomes: Are Quality Indicators of Online Courses Able to Predict Student Success?” (Joosten, Cusatis, and Harness, 2019) [Article] “Retention in Online Courses: Exploring Issues and Solutions—A Literature Review” (Bawa, 2016) [Framework] TILT = Transparency in Learning and Teaching (Winkelmes, 2009-2025) [Book] Teaching Naked (Bowen, 2012 – not to be confused with TILT above)  [LinkedIn Post(s)] “Five years from now, the primary job of an instructional designer won’t be instructional design.” [Book] How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen (Brooks, 2023) [Book] The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters (Parker, 2020) Past TOPcast Episodes Springboarding from the SAGE Handbook and Its Chapters #171: “The ‘North Star’ of Online Learners’ Needs” (Refs Ch. 5) #163: “The Online Syllabus: ‘A Welcome Mat for the Course’” (Refs Ch. 18) #161: “Taste the Rainbow of Online Ed’s Possible Futures” (Refs Ch. 50) #155: “High-Quality Online Discussions — Here’s How.” (Refs Ch. 27) #150: “A Global, Holistic, 360 Degree Perspective on Online Higher Education” (Introduces SAGE Handbook) Extra Special Feature Video Version of This Episode!

Guest market analyst Dr. Glenda Morgan joins hosts Kelvin and Tom to share a concentrated distillation of wise insights on online enrollment growth, student success online, and much more.  Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Dr. Glenda Morgan Episode 190 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffee Links  Single-Origin Colombia Chaparral, Tolima (“Red Condor”) from Black Gold Coffee Roasters (Venice, FL) Content Links Info and Question Contribution: “Last Call at the TOPcast Cafe” Plenary Panel (OLC Accelerate 2025) Dr. Glenda Morgan’s Online Profile [On Apple Podcasts] Online Education Across the Atlantic Podcast (co-hosted by Dr. Morgan) OnEdTech Newsletter from Phil Hill & Associates [From 99% Invisible Podcast] Episode #621 “Secret Mall Apartment” (including re-release of previous episode on the evolution/decline of US shopping malls – “Meet Me at the Fountain”) Previous TOPcast Episodes Referenced #174: “Get ‘All [Phil]’d Up’ On LMS/Online Enrollment Insights” (with guest Phil Hill) #140: “Maturing the Core Work of Online Education” (with guest Neil Mosley) #182: “When is “Good Teaching” Just ‘Good Teaching?’” (with guest Dr. Tom Tobin) #156: “Reframing the Data That Tell the Stories About Online Students” (with guest Dr. Carmin Chan) Just-for-Fun Pop Culture Links [On Wikipedia] Jurassic World Rebirth Extra Special Feature Video Version of This Episode!

Hosts Kelvin and Tom examine recent trend data on the academic readiness and unique challenges of current K12 students who will be college students soon. Digital learning professionals can bring our strengths to the table to partner with other colleagues in better supporting these learners. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Episode 189 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffee Links   Panoramic Blend from Excelsior Coffee (San Francisco, CA) Fellow’s Take On Excelsior Panoramic | Brew Recipe Content Links [Blog Post/White Paper from Ruffalo Noel Levitz] “TWO Demographic Cliffs? How and Why to Diversify Revenue Streams” (2024) [Report from Center for Democracy and Technology] “Out of Step: Students, Teachers in Stride with EdTech Threats While Parents Are Left Behind” (2025) [AASCU/EAB FREE Webinar Recording] “Bridging Student Readiness Gaps: A Call to Action for Institutional Preparedness” (June 2025) Research Study: “A Cross-Institutional Study of Instructional Characteristics and Student Outcomes: Are Quality Indicators of Online Courses Able to Predict Student Success?” (Joosten & Cusatis, 2019) Research Review: “Educational Technologies and Their Impact on Student Success for Racial and Ethnic Groups of Interest” (Joosten et al., 2021) Previous TOPcast Episodes Mentioned in This Episode #98: “‘I Don’t Ever Want To Do [Online] Again’!” (with guest Ryan Rogers) # 166: “High Structure Course Design for Online STEM Courses” ( with guest Dr. Justin Shaffer) All the Previous Student-Related TOPcast Episodes Kelvin’s Not-Quite-A-Newsletter, The Lift – insights and inspiration for academic innovation, digital learning, and leading (plus coffee tips!) Just for Fun Pop Culture Links The Monorail Mug from #KelvinsCupCollection of Annotated Photos on Twitter The Monorail Safety Spiel and Music from Disney’s Magic Kingdom on SoundCloud Extra Special Feature Video Version of This Episode!

Return guest Dr. Jocelyn Widmer joins hosts Kelvin and Tom to discuss a brand new book focused on leading the strategy and practice of online higher education and clarifying the role of the Chief Online Learning Officer (COLO). Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Return guest Dr. Jocelyn Widmer Episode 188 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffee Links  [From Wake Up Coffee] “10 Reasons Why Your Office Coffee Tastes Terrible” Content Links Dr. Jocelyn Widmer’s Online Profile [Publisher’s Website] The Chief Online Learning Officers’ Guidebook: A Framework for Strategy and Practice in Higher Education (Widmer and Cavanagh, 2025) [Discount Code!] Use this code on the publisher’s website (above) through July 31, 2025 to receive a 20% discount off the list price of the Widmer and Cavanagh COLO book: 25SMA2  TOPcast Episode #126: “COLOs, Context, and Community” (featuring Dr. Jocelyn Widmer) Extra Special Feature Video Version of This Episode!

Hosts Kelvin and Tom speak about (and to) the “core audience” of online faculty, instructional designers, and administrative leaders, alongside many other roles, to unpack the podcast’s conceptualization of online education as centered on optimizing course design and teaching. Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Episode 187 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffee Links  “Longest ‘94” House Blend from Heine Brothers Coffee (Louisville, KY) Content Links All TOPcast Episodes Tagged “faculty” All TOPcast Episodes Tagged “instructional designers” All TOPcast Episodes Tagged “leadership” Specific Prior TOPcast Episodes Mentioned in this Episode #25 – “But FIRRST… Lead Innovation” #37 – “6 Deadly Sins of Online Teaching” #72 – “Pro Tips on Vocal Care for Faculty” #99 – “The Importance of ‘Faculty Voice and Faculty Valuing’ in Online Education” #105 – “How Roasted is Your Course?” #122 – “More Equitable Outcomes Through Instructional Design” #167 – “Cultivating a Startup Mindset” Extra Special Feature Video Version of This Episode!

Return guest Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich joins hosts Kelvin and Tom to share hard won expert tips on improving online program marketing and enrollment.  Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Return guest Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich Episode 186 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffee Links  Single-Origin Peru San Fernando from Wonderstate Coffee Wonderstate Coffee Fellow Drops Coffee Connection Service Content Links Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich’s Online Profile [Book] How to Grow Enrollment in Online Higher Education: Strategies for Marketing and Recruitment (Thackaberry-Voinovich, 2025) [Company] SkillsWave [Article from Ruffalo Noel Levitz] “Digital Marketing at Every Stage of the Enrollment Funnel” [Article from Niche] “How to Tackle Summer Melt (5 Effective Ways)” Related Past TOPcast Episode: “Managing Change and Growth in Online Initiatives” (with guest Dr. Sasha Thackaberry) Extra Special Feature Video Version of This Episode!

With ten years in the rear view mirror, hosts Tom and Kelvin talk through insights gained about the field of online education and the podcast itself after they reviewed the “Top10” episodes of TOPcast. [Spoiler: Tune in for a big announcement!] Podcast Recording Download Transcript: PDF Episode 185 Show Notes: Episode Synopsis via Twitter View complete list of episode highlights via Twitter Coffee Links  Single-origin Guatemala from Heine Brothers Coffee (Louisville, KY) Content Links Full List of “Top 10” TOPcast Episodes Other TOPcast Episodes Referenced in This Episode Episode #183: “No Lemmings! Avoid the Enrollment Cliff with a Values-Driven Strategy“  Episode #134: “Self-Care and Online Education: Saying Yes, Saying No, and Why” (with guest Dr. Dylan Barth, related to knowing when to stop) All 11(!) TOPcast Season Kick-Off Episodes [Book] Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away (Duke, 2022) [From UCF] “Teaching and Learning with AI Conference” [Book] The Chief Online Learning Officers’ Guidebook: A Framework for Strategy and Practice in Higher Education (Widmer and Cavanagh, 2025) [From UofL] “AI Ate My Homework” Podcast The Lift, Insights and inspiration for academic innovation, digital learning, and leading [On LinkedIn] Not-Quite-A-Newsletter Version [On Soundcloud] Audio Edition Just-for-Fun Pop Culture Link [From Biography] “Did Yoko Ono Break Up the Beatles?” Extra Special Feature Video Version of This Episode!