TOPcast: The Teaching Online Podcast

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.

Return guest Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich joins hosts Kelvin and Tom to share hard won expert tips on improving online program marketing and enrollment.

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!]

Curtiss Barnes, CEO of the 1EdTech Consortium with over 30 years in education, drops by for an insightful conversation. He highlights the rebranding journey from IMS Global to 1EdTech, focusing on the importance of collaboration in shaping educational standards. The discussion also touches on the impact of data privacy in technology and the value of membership for higher education institutions. Barnes emphasizes how simplified mission and trusted apps can enhance digital learning, paving the way for innovation and improved credentialing.

Hosts delve into how institutions can avoid the looming enrollment cliff by adopting a values-driven strategy. They reflect on the tension between in-person and online education, showcasing different institutional responses. Anecdotes emphasize the power of aligning personal passions with core values. The conversation highlights the need for intentional strategies to address demographic shifts and evolving educational trends, urging colleges to cater to diverse learners while staying mission-focused.

Guest Dr. Thomas J. (Tom) Tobin joins hosts Tom and Kelvin for a slightly spicy conversation about the extent to which general teaching behaviors can be meaningfully separated from other factors such as course modality, student characteristics, institutional resources, and more.

Hosts Kelvin and Tom discuss the challenge, still present after 30 years, of helping others (e.g., policymakers, potential students, etc.)  understand what a  “good online course” is without experiencing one themselves. They discuss why this still matters and what approaches might help.

Returning guest Dr. Nicole Johnson joins hosts Tom and Kelvin to discuss findings from the seventh annual report of the state of digital learning in Canada produced by the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA). Similarities with global themes and distinctives unique to the Canadian context are discussed.

As US higher ed institutions experienced shifts to remote work and instruction in early 2025, it's an ideal time for us as digital learning professionals to reflect on key lessons learned in ensuring continuity of operations as we seek to support successful future transitions.

Guest Dr. Vickie Cook joins hosts Kelvin and Tom to discuss unexpected career trajectories for digital learning professionals, especially COLOs, related to sought-after, transferable skill sets.