inkED Education Podcast

SummaryIn this episode of the inkED Podcast, Dr. Rob and David Cook, CEO of Learning Ecosystems Design and former Director fo Innovation for the Kentucky Department of Education, discuss transformative learning experiences, the importance of strengths-based education, and the role of community engagement in creating learner-centered ecosystems. They explore how authentic learning experiences and project-based, community-connected learning can enhance student engagement and prepare them for real-world challenges. The conversation also delves into the impact of AI on education and the need for a shift towards measuring the uniqueness of each learner's journey.TakeawaysThe best learning experiences often come from strengths-based models.Community engagement is crucial for vibrant learning ecosystems.Authentic learning experiences lead to deeper understanding and application of knowledge.Project-based learning connects students to real-world problems.AI should enhance, not replace, the human element in education.The process of learning is as important as the outcome.Education systems must focus on the uniqueness of each learner.Transformative experiences can change how we view education.A learner-centered system prioritizes the needs and strengths of students.Collaboration between schools and communities enriches the learning experience.

SummaryIn this episode of the inkED Education Podcast, Dr. Rob Collins engages with Adam Watson and Kalli Colley to explore the integration of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in education. They discuss the power of storytelling, personal experiences with TTRPGs, and how these games can create vibrant learning experiences that foster student agency and engagement. The conversation delves into practical strategies for implementing TTRPGs in the classroom, the distinction between game-based learning and gamification, and the importance of play in education. They also share insights on assessment, mastery, and the future of TTRPGs in educational settings.TakeawaysTTRPGs are a form of collaborative storytelling.Storytelling is central to the TTRPG experience.Implementing TTRPGs can enhance student engagement.Play is essential for learning and development.TTRPGs can help build student agency and decision-making skills.Teachers can start small when integrating TTRPGs into their classrooms.Game-based learning differs from gamification in meaningful ways.The joy of play can revitalize both students and educators.About the GuestsAdam Watson is a former teacher, district coach, founder of Kentucky Educators for Role Playing Games (KYEdRPG) and current Digital Learning Consultant with a Kentucky Educational Cooperative supporting educators serving over 150,000 students and author of the recently released "Tabletop Role-Playing Games in the Classroom: Infusing Gameplay Into K-12 Instruction." Adam's book can be purchased at fine book retailers everywhere! Kalli Colley is a former middle grades English and Social Studies teacher and Kentucky Innovative Teacher Fellowship Alumna from Western Kentucky. She currently serves as a Regional Innovation Specialist with the Kentucky Department of Education supporting educators, administrators, and others in the development of classroom learning systems that promote and facilitate vibrant learning experiences for all students.

Dr. Rob chats with Melissa Kyser, an elementary teacher in the Bardstown Independent School District in Kentucky, and a Kentucky Innovative Teacher Fellowship alumna. Melissa shares her experiences as a learner and the power of enthusiasm of educators on their students, the process of building an exhibition of learning in her school, and the power of connecting with community, especially content experts (astronomers, in this case), in bringing units and student experiences to life.

Join Dr. Rob and Lindsay Johnson, ELA Teacher from Rowan County Senior High School in Morehead, Kentucky, as they discuss her work rooting high school students in the history of the places they are from, and empowering them with the agency and connections to believe they can shape the future of those places. Lindsay is a Kentucky Innovative Teacher Fellowship Alumna, a Kentucky Writing Project Facilitator and Mentor Teacher, and Morehead, Kentucky townie, and a light in her classroom and community. Enjoy the practical insights she provides into creating meaningful, place-based experiences and collaborating with peers to make learning impactful and authentic.

What happens when a high school English teacher becomes the founding cybersecurity instructor at a cutting-edge innovation school? In this episode of inkED, Dr. Rob sits down with Bryan Quillen, a Kentucky educator whose journey from teaching literature to launching a cybersecurity program shows just how powerful teacher transformation can be.A proud Kentucky Innovative Teacher Fellowship alumnus and OVEC Deeper Learning Teacher Navigator, Bryan now serves as the founding teacher of the cybersecurity pathway at The HILL — Lexington’s Hub for Innovative Learning and Leadership. He shares how he reimagined his role as an educator, turned student curiosity into statewide impact, and built a hands-on, high-skill learning experience that prepares students for real careers and deeper purpose.This conversation is full of wisdom, humility, and actionable insight — whether you want to shift your practice, support student agency, or bring relevance and rigor to your classroom.

In this episode of the inkED, Dr. Rob speaks with Morgan Seely, an amazing educator from Kentucky, about the transformative power of student agency in learning. Morgan shares her experiences with passion projects in her classroom, emphasizing the importance of allowing students to explore their interests and make choices in their learning. The conversation highlights the significance of community involvement, aligning projects with educational standards, and the impact of these practices on student engagement and success. Morgan also discusses her role in the Ohio Valley Educational Foundation and reflects on her most memorable teaching moments.