Ep 13: Brad Zdenek on Institutional Research Agendas

On this episode, I am joined by Brad Zdenek, the Innovation Strategist for the Center for Online Innovation in Learning at Penn State University, where he is responsible for initiating, directing, conducting, analyzing and reporting on the Center's projects, research, and evaluation activities. Brad earned his B.A. in Secondary Education at Flagler College in Florida and taught middle school Social Studies in North Carolina prior to joining Penn State. While at Penn State, Brad worked with the Regional Educational Laboratory program leading a team in developing and delivering professional development opportunities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region focused on bridging scientifically valid research, policy, and practice. Brad is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Leadership at Penn State. His research interests include professional development and adult learning, educational ethics, and the integration and diffusion of educational technology. Segment 1: Center for Online Innovation in Learning (COIL) [00:00-11:07] In this first segment, Brad shares about his work at the Center for Online Innovation in Learning (COIL) and some of the research and development projects funded by COIL. Segment 2: Creating institutional research agendas [11:08-21:45] In segment two, Brad and Katie discuss creating research agendas tied to institutional mission, the benefits and challenges of institutional research agendas, and how this research differs from individual research agendas. Segment 3: Disconnect between needs and capacity for research in HE [21:46-34:19] In segment three, Brad shares his thoughts on the disconnect between research needs and capacity for research in higher education and shares his ideas for making better research connections across disciplines, units, and institutions. Bonus Clip: Collaborations between COIL and External Partners [00:00-4:28] To share feedback about this podcast episode, ask questions that could be featured in a future episode, or to share research-related resources, contact the "Research in Action" podcast: Twitter: @RIA_podcast or #RIA_podcast Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 541-737-1111 If you listen to the podcast via iTunes, please consider leaving us a review.