Agile Ed

In this episode of Agile Ed, we start with habits and end up somewhere much bigger: student learning, perfectionism, and what sustainable teaching really requires.From Duolingo streaks and guitar practice to classroom trust and unfinished assignments, we explore why all-or-nothing thinking can be so damaging and why relationships, scaffolding, productive failure, and intrinsic motivation matter so much. Along the way, we introduce a new metaphor for their emerging framework: the teaching-and-learning lasagna. We explore practical examples of embodying this type of approach in classes of any size. It’s an episode about practice, progress, and creating learning environments where students do not have to be perfect to keep moving.AttributionsThis episode references ideas related to habit formation discussed by Mel Robbins.The conversation also gestures to themes discussed in Huberman Lab around reducing friction and designing systems for action.Special acknowledgment to Jodie Medd for the inspiring work that harnesses relationships and showcases the value of relationship rich education. Jodie has shared many of the works that have gone into shaping her practice. The phrase “the community is the curriculum” is in reference to Dave Cormier’s work.Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu made the distinction between rigorous and vigorous on a podcast with Angel Acosta.

Agile Ed doesn't do intros.No theme music.No “Welcome back to Agile Ed.”No polished setup.Just a cold open...In this episode, we’ve stitched together the beginnings of our conversations—the first thoughts, the unfinished sentences, the ideas that land before we even know where we’re going. It turns out, the start is often where the most honest thinking happens.This is the Cold Open Reel: a collection of the moments before the moment.Unscripted.Unfiltered.Exactly how we work.

In this episode of Agile Ed, we explore a simple but often overlooked truth about teaching and learning: relationships come first.Sustainable teaching practices aren’t built on tighter policies, heavier surveillance, or increased rigor. They’re built on trust. When classrooms are relationship-rich, instructors can step back from over-functioning, learners can take intellectual risks, and productive failure becomes possible. Without that relational environment as a foundation, even the best-designed learning experiences can collapse under strain.The conversation connects intellectual humility, expertise, imposter syndrome, and GenAI to a deeper structural question: What actually holds learning in place and ensures it has sufficient room to grow? The answer isn’t control. It’s connection, cooperation, and collaboration.If we want teaching practices that endure times of rapid social and technological change—we need structures that are relational, not reactive. This episode unpacks what that looks like in practice.AttributionsFelton & Lambert's Relationship-Rich Education: How Human Connections Drive Success in College

In the Season 3 premiere of Agile Ed, we begin with a question: What if students could time travel? This idea, sparked by a physics concept called a “time mirror”, is a powerful metaphor for the current state of learning in post-secondary education. While students can’t literally travel through time (yet!), they can use technology to take shortcuts. These shortcuts allow them to skip the friction involved in struggling to learn something challenging, which is the very thing instructors want learners to experience.The conversation moves from quantum curiosities to very practical questions about assessment design, accommodations, faculty workload, and SNACKS!Season 3 sets its roadmap here: design courses that prioritize relationships, remove structural barriers, support equity by design (not exception), and free up instructors’ time to focus on what matters most: learning that actually sticks.

Just a bunch of silly outtakes from our second season of AgileEd.

In the Season 2 finale of Agile Ed, we reflect on one of the most persistent—and problematic—assumptions in education: that obedience equals learning. Through stories from parenting, teaching, and course design, we explore why curiosity, autonomy, and relational trust matter more than compliance. The episode closes by tracing a clear through-line across the season—relationship-rich education—and setting the stage for what comes next.Look out for some Season 3 themes in 2026:- Rethinking perfectionism in education- Making relationship-rich education concrete and accountable- Continuing conversations on alternative grading, equity, and learner agency- Naming and dismantling hidden curricula, especially in GenAI-shaped environments

In this episode of Agile Ed, Lindsay and Ashley dig into the tension between rigor and real learning. Using stories from the classroom, like lab reports and in-class participation, they explore why the word “rigor” so often becomes a stand-in for unnecessary friction, mistrust, and outdated academic traditions. Together, they reframe what higher education should strive for: resilience, intrinsic motivation, relationship-rich learning, and authentic challenge that helps students grow. With humor, honesty, and plenty of real-world examples, this conversation invites educators to rethink the skills we actually want learners to leave with—and why resilience, not "rigor", might be the future of meaningful education.

In this episode of Agile Ed, Lindsay and Ashley unpack what it means to balance agility and sustainability in course design while keeping student motivation at the center. From guitars and Duolingo streaks to flipped classrooms and collaborative exams, they explore how timing, autonomy, and friction shape durable learning.Together, they reflect on an instructor who co-created a “no-tech” classroom contract with students—and what that says about agency, motivation, and trust in higher education. Along the way, debate mandatory attendance and ask: what happens when students help define the rules?It’s a conversation about learning when you want to learn, teaching with flexibility instead of fatigue, and rediscovering the human side of higher ed—where, as Dave Cormier reminds us, the community is the curriculum.AttributionsDave Cormier – “The Community is the Curriculum”Rethinking Student Attendance Policies for Deeper Engagement and Learning – TiHE episode with Danny Oppenheimer & Simon CullenAssign2 – Digital assessment platform enabling paper-based but digitized gradingH5P – For interactive, asynchronous learning activities

In this episode of Agile Ed, Lindsay and Ashley return—baby in tow—for a conversation that jumps from maternity leave to GenAI and learning. Together, they unpack the release of Perplexity’s Comet, an “agentic AI” browser that doesn’t just chat—it acts. From finding lost Facebook videos to completing quizzes in Brightspace, Lindsay shares jaw-dropping demos that reveal both the promise and peril of this next phase of AI.But the episode doesn’t stop at tech. It dives deep into what Comet means for teaching, learning, and academic integrity—and why doubling down on surveillance or detection misses the point. Through stories from the flipped classroom, analogies from Super Mario Bros., and reflections on student motivation, Lindsay and Ashley explore how AI “cheat codes” can actually prompt a rethink of assessment, equity, and the very purpose of post-secondary education.Playful, provocative, and unapologetically honest, this conversation reminds us that the goal isn’t to stop AI—it’s to level up learning.

- "Because brains weren’t built for busywork."In this episode of Agile Ed, we unpack one of the most persistent misconceptions in education today: that students using GenAI are just lazy. What if laziness isn’t the problem, but a feature of the human brain? We explore how our cognitive systems are wired for efficiency, why critical thinking should be the real focus, and how AI can actually help foster deeper engagement when used intentionally.Drawing from student interviews and our own classroom experiences, we discuss how stigma, secrecy, and moral self-judgments shape how students talk about their AI use. We highlight how reframing conversations around AI use—from cheating to learning—can build students’ confidence and skill. We also dive into practical strategies like analogy development, the method of loci, and AI-supported cue card practice to promote meaningful, memorable learning experiences.This is a jam-packed episode that connects psychology, pedagogy, and real talk about what learners and instructors actually need in today’s AI-augmented classrooms.AttributionsInside the O'Briens by Lisa GenovaStill Alice by Lisa GenovaThe method of loci (memory palace technique)ChatGPT NotebookLMMeasuring actual learning versus feeling of learning in response to being actively engaged in the classroomThe Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

In this episode of Agile Ed, we tackle one of the most pressing—and emotionally charged—questions facing educators today: Why should students bother doing their own work when it feels like everyone else is offloading to AI and getting better grades? We unpack why it's our job to answer that question, and how we can do it convincingly, compassionately, and consistently.We reflect on what students might be missing when they bypass the messy, meaningful process of learning, especially when it comes to navigating feedback, developing a writing style, and building durable skills. From the blurred lines of co-writing with AI to the pressures of aligning with instructor preferences, we explore how the struggle of learning actually is the learning.The episode also dives into broader systemic issues—like our culture’s obsession with grades and credentials—and how AI is exposing, not creating, these flaws. We discuss alternative assessment, the power of learning literacy, strategies to avoid grade bartering, and the art of TA management in large classes. Finally, we explore how to reflect meaningfully on your own teaching practice—even when the feedback stings—and how to stand firm in your values as an innovative educator, knowing that not everyone will be ready to come along for the ride.AttributionsTeaching in Higher Ed Episode with Mike Perkins and Jasper Roe on a Practical Framework for Ethical AI Integration in Assessment.

In this episode of Agile Ed, we share preliminary data from our ongoing research into how and why students are using GenAI in higher education. Instead of focusing solely on policy or detection, we explore what it means to take a student-centred approach to the GenAI challenge. From misaligned assessments to fears of academic failure, we uncover the motivations driving student decisions and reflect on the institutional practices that may be pushing them there. This episode invites educators to shift from policing to understanding, asking: what if we trusted students enough to talk with them, not just about them?Attributions:Mel Robbins – A Process for Finding Purpose: Do THIS to Build the Life You Want with Jay ShettyAndrew Huberman – Huberman LabTeaching in Higher Ed podcast – Teaching for Integrity in the Age of AI with Tricia Bertram Gallant & David RettingerRichardson & Lacroix (2020) – What Do Students Think When Asked About Psychology as a Science?

In this episode of Agile Ed, step into our conversation as we open with reflections from a recent talk that challenged how we think about the skills that make us successful learners and wrestle with the growing disconnect between how learning is measured and how it's experienced. We unpack the realities of co-creating AI policies with students, explore how and why students shift their behaviour mid-semester, and ask big questions about what motivates authentic learning in a post-ChatGPT world. Through real student responses and reflective course design conversations, this episode explores assessment redesign, AI hazards, and the importance of keeping the learner—and the relationship—at the center of the classroom.Attributions​Make It Stick by Brown et al. (2014)​Let Them by Mel Robbins​Kinàmàgawin Symposium featuring Marilyn PoitrasCooper et al. (2017)

In this episode of Agile Ed, we reflect on the complexity of trying to do what’s best for learners—especially when it isn’t easy, efficient, or always appreciated. We both share real stories from the classroom about showing up for students, thinking on our feet, and making space for deeper engagement, even when motivation is low. From grading in the presence of students to exploring the link between self-assessment and GenAI use, we unpack the ethical grey zones and systemic tensions shaping today’s teaching. This episode is about integrity, exhaustion, and why—despite everything—we still care so deeply.AttributionsNotebookLM by Google – Mentioned for its new mind-mapping feature and capabilities with uploaded content.Ego Depletion – A concept discussed in relation to student motivation and burnout over the course of a semester.

In this episode of Agile Ed, we tackle the growing tension educators face as student use of GenAI becomes more normalized—and less distinguishable. From the emotional toll of reading AI-generated reflections to the challenge of designing non-disposable assessments, we explore what’s lost when authenticity gives way to efficiency. We talk about instructor workload, student motivation, and the ethical grey zones of GenAI use in education. If you’re frustrated by bland submissions, unsure how to adapt your assessments, or simply craving real student thinking—this episode is for you.AttributionsCognitive Bleed, a concept introduced by Dr. Nigel P. Daly."Learning in a Time of Abundance" – Dave Cormier's key framing idea referenced throughout the season.

How does the way we were taught influence the way we teach? In this episode of Agile Ed, we unpack the tension between traditional teaching ideals and modern, learner-centred approaches. Reflecting on the shift from 'sage on the stage' to active learning environments, we discuss how discomfort often accompanies change—but also drives innovation in education. Join us as we navigate the complexities of redefining teaching practices to truly facilitate learning.Attributions Stanovich, K. E. - How to Think Straight About Psychology. Film Reference - Lucy.

Welcome to Season 2 ofAgile Ed! In this premiere episode, Lindsay and Ashley dive into reflections from the break and insights from the new semester. They tackle topics ranging from navigating the complex emotions surrounding student evaluations to the evolving challenges of assessments in a GenAI-influenced academic landscape. With candid anecdotes, actionable strategies, and a focus on maintaining relationships and compassion, this episode sets the tone for another thought-provoking season. Tune in for a mix of humour, real-world teaching experiences, and a fresh perspective on staying agile in education.AttributionsDave Cormier:"The community is the curriculum".James Clear: Quote from his newsletter (author ofAtomic Habits).cuPortfolio: Carleton University's ePortfolio solution.Dr. Daniel Yoo's research:Interview with Dr. Daniel Yoo

Just a bunch of silly outtakes from our first season of AgileEd.

In Episode 11 of Agile Ed, we wrap up 2024 by reflecting on the year’s challenges and successes while looking ahead to 2025. We start with an honest conversation about work-life balance and the evolving demands on educators, exploring how to set boundaries and sustain energy for what matters most. From grading practices to fostering meaningful feedback, this episode also unpacks strategies to support both student learning and educator well-being. Join us as we close out the year with actionable insights and thoughtful reflections to inspire a balanced, intentional approach to teaching in the year ahead.

In Episode 10 of Agile Ed, we finally dive into how GenAI tools like custom GPTs can transform the way we approach our work as educators. Sharing a real-life example, we recount how a custom GPT acted as an “intern”, helping Lindsay streamline her course redesign. This episode highlights the potential of GenAI to simplify workflows and support flexibility while prioritizing equity. Most importantly, we emphasize the critical role of keeping the human in the loop to ensure thoughtful, student-centred learning experiences. Attributions AI in Education episode: TEQSA AI Toolkit Learning in a Time of Abundance: The Community Is the Curriculum by Dave Cormier Course Designer customGPT created by Lindsay The Diary of an Overzealous Instructor  Contra generative AI detection in higher education assessments

In Episode 9 of Agile Ed, we explore how generative AI is reshaping the way educators and students approach learning, critical thinking, and assessment. From uncovering implicit biases in AI systems to fostering nuanced conversations about its capabilities and limitations, this episode highlights the ethical and practical considerations educators face when integrating AI into their work. Join us as we discuss actionable strategies to guide students in using AI responsibly, while enhancing their critical literacies and problem-solving skills in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. Attributions Cultivating Critical AI Literacies with Maha Bali (on the Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast)  Dr. Terry Sejnowski: How to Improve at Learning Using Neuroscience & AI (on the Huberman Lab Podcast) Connect with Jon Ippolito NotebookLM

In Episode 8 of Agile Ed, we tackle the limitations of traditional multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and explore how they can be reimagined to guide learning. Often prioritizing recognition and familiarity over reasoning and understanding, MCQs perpetuate a narrow view of student success. Through practical strategies and innovative design, this episode examines how educators can transform testing into an opportunity for deeper learning and critical thinking—without increasing workloads. Join us as we unpack the potential of MCQs to create meaningful learning experiences and inspire change in assessment practices. Attributions Eric Mazur’s Peer Instruction National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast Episode with Dave Cormier

In this second part of the "5 Stages of Grief with GenAI" series, we discuss the final stage of acceptance and what it might look like in our work. From reflecting on the historical roots of AI, such as the Eliza effect, to examining some of the ways acceptance manifests - through integration,  neutrality, and adaptation - this episode dives into the nuances of working with AI rather than against it. With insights on embracing a growth mindset, this conversation discusses how educators can navigate AI's challenges, foster resilience, and support students as academia continues to evolve. Join us as we unpack various forms of acceptance of GenAI tools that we have observed in ourselves and others in educational spaces. Attributions Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast Episode with Derek Bruff Nick Potkalitsky’s Blog on working with technology we never asked for 

In this first of a two-part episode, Dr. Lindsay Richardson and Dr. Ashley Thompson discuss the emotional journey educators are experiencing as they adapt to the rapidly evolving role of GenAI in education. Framing this shift within the stages of grief, we explore the initial denial, anger, bargaining, and depression we have both experienced and seen in our colleagues, sharing authentic stories of resilience and agility. As we navigate the challenges associated with AI's impact on assessment and teaching practices, we reflect on the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and focusing on student-centred learning. Join us for a candid conversation about how AI is reshaping education and the resilience learners and educators need to thrive amidst this time of accelerated change. Attribution AI in Education: Transforming Learning with Technology [Webinar Video] with Justin Wolfers The Human in the Loop: Learning to Work with Technology We Never Asked For by Nick Potkalitsky & James Hammer Teaching in Higher Ed Episode: Toward a More Critical Framework For AI Use with Jon Ippolito

In Episode 5 of "Agile Ed," we explore the refreshed energy and engagement seen in students as they return to campus post-COVID. We discuss the differences we have observed we  in student behaviour, from the surge in study group activities to their readiness to engage in class and with course material early in the semester. This episode highlights the impact of innovative teaching strategies, the importance of onboarding, and how flexible, active learning can meet students where they are. Join us as we consider how to leverage this unique moment to deepen student connection, resilience, and community. Attribution The 12-week plan for building courses by Robert Talbert, Ph.D. Online learning graduation requirement in Ontario

In Episode 4 of "Agile Ed," we dive into the profound impact of grades on students' sense of self-worth and identityylearperception of their valueidentity. We discuss how traditional grading practices often shape students’net perceived potential, exploring why the persistent focus on grades can undermine authentic learning. Through candid personal stories and practical insights, we explore alternative approaches to assessment that emphasize resilience, adaptability, and genuine growth. Join us as we rethink the connection between academic success, self-worth, and the lifelong journey of learning.  Attributions Teaching in Higher Ed Episode: Even More Problems with Grades with Josh Eyler Merlin ID from Cornell’s All About Birds

In Episode 3 of 'Agile Ed,' we tackle the complexities of GenAI in education and how the rapid advancement of these technologies is challenging educational practices and catalyzing a shift toward alternative grading. We discuss how moving away from traditionalforms of fora grading approaches and dichotomous thinking can foster a more inclusive learning environment. From reimagining success criteria to exploring flexible assessment methods, this episode unpacks how educators can leverage GenAI to foster agility and critical engagement in their teaching practicetraching. Join us as we explore the potential role of GenAI to lead us toward toearda more relational, student-centered approach to education. Attributions The AI Impact Risk framework from “Learn with AI”.  Shout out to Jon Ippolito for introducing us to this AI IMPACTrisk Framework Teaching in Higher Ed Episode: Toward a More Critical Framework For AI Use with Jon Ippolito

In Episode 2 of 'Agile Ed,' we discuss the challenges students face navigating their education in an era of information abundance. We explore how educators can support students’ development of essential skills to filter, prioritize, and process information and reduce feelings of overwhelm. From teaching troubleshooting as a critical literacy to modelling humility and adaptability, join us as we explore strategies that promote student autonomy,  confidence, and independence in the learning process. Attributions Teaching in Higher Ed Episode: Learning in a Time of Abundance with Dave Cormier

In this inaugural episode of "Agile Ed", Dr. Lindsay Richardson and Dr. Ashley Thompson explore the essential question: "What are you doing that your students could (and maybe should) be doing?" We discuss the balance between guiding students and empowering them to take ownership of their learning. Learn about the importance of fostering a growth mindset, the impact of different mindsets on education, and how humility and community can transform the learning experience. Join us as we rethink teaching practices in an age of abundant information and discover strategies to encourage students to become active participants in their education.