DigitalEDU Dialogues

Rapid Doesn’t Mean Rushed: Why Rapid Development Matters More in 2026Higher ed has spent years planning. Now it’s time to build.In this episode of the TBG Podcast, Angela sits down with Sheila Fry, COO of The Babb Group, to unpack why rapid development has become essential for institutions navigating shifting enrollment, workforce demands, and long‑delayed initiatives finally moving forward.Higher education leaders will walk away with: 💡 Smart, practical strategies for accelerating course and program development 💡 A clear understanding of what rapid means. Quality is still the priority! 💡 Insights on parallel workflows, versioning mindsets, and design guardrails 💡 Real stories from the field about what works — and what slows teams down 💡A grounded look at where AI accelerates process without replacing pedagogy, rigor, or humansIf your institution is gearing up for 2026 with renewed momentum, this conversation offers the clarity, confidence, and actionable ideas you need to move from planning to execution without sacrificing quality, alignment, or faculty voice.🔔Subscribe for more conversations on innovation, strategy, and the future of higher ed.

Let's get real in class discussions! It's time to rethink course design and discussions as students and course developers become more dependent on AI. In this episode, Angela Britcher and The Babb Group's COO Sheila Fry talk about how instructional design can help bring authenticity back to class.Topics include:💡Get clear on AI usage expectations💡Embed AI statements and citation practices💡Design for process, not just product💡Redesign discussion boards for authentic engagementPerfect for instructional designers, academic leaders, and faculty reimagining learning in an AI-integrated classroom.

DigitalEDU Dialogues Podcast Course Oversight & the Power of Instructional DesignIn this episode, host Angela Britcher chats with Sheila Fry, COO of The Babb Group, about why course oversight isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a strategic necessity. From outdated materials to AI-era authenticity, they explore how instructional designers help faculty streamline workload, improve student experience, and keep courses fresh, accurate, and engaging. Perfect for faculty, deans, and anyone shaping online learning.

Join host Angela Britcher and Sheila Fry, COO of The Babb Group, as they unpack the latest CHLOE 10 report and what it means for the future of online education.🔹 Key takeaways for institutional leaders:- 📈 Student demand for online learning remains strong—but competition is intensifying- 🧠 AI is reshaping student support, advising, and instructional efficiency- 🎓 Growth is accelerating in both degree and non-degree programs, especially microcredentials- 👩‍🏫 Faculty readiness and instructional capacity remain critical challenges- 🧩 Institutions are investing in AI—but many lack a coordinated strategy💡 Whether you're expanding programs, rethinking support services, or future-proofing your digital strategy, this episode offers actionable insights to help your institution stand out.

In this episode, we chat with Professor Krisler Bailey. She’s a professor and college success coach who has built a strong following on social media as she helps high school and college students create pathways to success. Whether you're a faculty member looking to support student success, a student navigating time management, or a parent wondering how to help—this conversation delivers real strategies and heart.Topics we explore: ✅ Helping students find their voice and build confidence ✅ Time management, organization & goal setting ✅ Empowering students to own their journey ✅ Holistic coaching grounded in strengths and relationships ✅ Practical advice 🎯 Ideal for higher education leaders, student success teams, and anyone who cares deeply about the student experience.🔔 Subscribe and join the dialogue—where pedagogy meets possibility.https://www.youtube.com/@UC_U5WvkOeW0h2LLx3UtcxYA https://www.thebabbgroup.com/#DigitalEDUDialogues #StudentSuccess #HigherEdLeadership #CollegeCoaching #EducationPodcast #AngelaBritcher #KrislerBailey

Join us for a lively and heartfelt conversation with Jennifer van Alstyne, owner of The Academic Designer, as we explore the power of authenticity in creating an online presence in academia. In this episode of DigitalEDU Dialogues, Jennifer shares valuable insights on why faculty should cultivate a strong online presence—and how doing so can create meaningful connections with students, colleagues, and the broader academic community.From refining bios to structuring digital content with impact, Jennifer offers practical advice for academics looking to share their work in a way that reflects their values. Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your engagement online, this episode is packed with wisdom on authentically showcasing your research and contributions.📌 Don’t miss Jennifer’s expert tips on using LinkedIn, social media, and websites to amplify your voice. https://jennifervanalstyne.com/https://theacademicdesigner.com/https://www.professorservices.com/

How can AI support accessible learning experiences for all students? In this episode of DigitalEDU Dialogues, Angela Britcher is joined by Valary Oleinik (US Distance Learning Association) and Sheila Fry (COO, The Babb Group) to explore practical ways AI can enhance accessibility in education. Learn about:💡Inclusive learning design💡AI’s role in improving access💡How educators can collaborate with students to uncover new ways to leverage AI tools💡Plus, a critical look at AI’s biases around disabilities—and actionable solutions to make learning more equitable.🎧 Tune in now to rethink accessibility and AI’s potential to support every learner.

In this episode of DigitalEDU Dialogues, host Angela Britcher sits down with Teege Mettille, author of *The Admissions Counselor Malaise*, to explore the shifting dynamics of the admissions counselor role in higher education.As institutions adapt to changing student needs and evolving enrollment landscapes, how can universities better empower their admissions teams to fulfill their mission of supporting students? Key topics include:✅ The challenges admissions counselors face in today's higher ed environment ✅ How the role has transformed ✅ Practical strategies for universities to prioritize counselor well-being and professional growth ✅ Creating a culture that values admissions professionals as essential contributors to student success Teege offers invaluable insights from his book, *The Admissions Counselor Malaise*, shedding light on how institutions can foster a supportive environment while enabling counselors to thrive in their work.

In this episode of DigitalEDU Dialogues, join Sheila Fry, COO of The Babb Group, for practical ideas on incorporating workforce development and continuing education programs into higher education.Learn about: ✅ Flexible learning formats for today's busy professionals ✅ The rise of microcredentials and stackable programs to meet industry needs ✅ Using AI for finding new pathways to success for students and course development ✅ Strategies for building impactful partnerships with local employers and industry leaders 👉 Whether you're an experienced education leader or just beginning your journey, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the future of workforce development in higher education.🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and strategies for success in higher ed.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Melik Khoury, the visionary behind Unity Environmental University's remarkable transformation. Discover how Unity has redefined higher education, boosting reach, enrollment, and retention rates. Dr. Khoury shares the innovative strategies and steps the university implemented to achieve this success, providing invaluable insights for leaders in higher education.In this episode, you'll learn about: The innovative approaches Unity Environmental University adopted Practical steps for increasing enrollment and retention Strategies for expanding the reach of your institution The impact of rethinking traditional educational models

Regardless of whether you are merely contemplating the use of AI in your classrooms, are already experienced, or identify as someone who has not yet embraced it, AI has become an integral aspect of education. Ellis Reeves offers practical strategies for integrating AI into both online and in-person higher education settings and discusses how to make AI accessible for faculty, staff, and students.

What does RSI stand for? It refers to Regular and Substantive Interaction, which is mandated in online courses by the Department of Education. In this episode, Sheila Fry, the COO of The Babb Group, simplifies RSI and offers practical suggestions for integrating more regular and substantive interactions with students in your classrooms.

In this episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Professor Heather Tidwell from Harrisburg University. Join us as we dive into a lively discussion about Professor Tidwell's innovative and engaging teaching methods, with a focus on her unique approach to incorporating personal experiences to promote mental health awareness among students. Whether you're an educator, a student, or simply passionate about mental health advocacy, this conversation is sure to inspire and enlighten. Tune in to gain valuable insights and strategies for creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment.

You're living your dream as a professor teaching at multiple schools. Balancing multiple schedules, due dates, assignments, and students worldwide can be challenging. Dorothy Miraglia knows it's possible to thrive in this environment with the right strategies. She's the Vice President of Academics and Professor Services and has experienced this firsthand! In this episode, she shares valuable tips to help you stay organized and prevent burnout.

Cesar Santalo blends creativity, play, and servant leadership at Lynn University. What makes this school so successful? Santalo talks about Lynn's culture of fun, cross-department collaboration, partnering with regional organizations, and keeping students the stars of the show. Learn more about how Santalo and Lynn's leadership team are getting students job-ready with this creative approach. https://www.lynn.edu/campus-directory/people/cesar-santalo https://www.thebabbgroup.com/

The demand for online learning continues to grow in higher education. The Babb Group's Sheila Fry joins the podcast to talk about this trend and more insights from the CHLOE 9 report. Hear how some colleges and universities are finding success by investing in online learning, creating quality online interactions with students, and empowering faculty for online success. https://www.thebabbgroup.com/

Julianne Westbrook maps out the 9-step process her small teams uses to tackle 20-30 projects at a time with creativity, responsiveness, and accuracy. Julianne combines experience in higher education, people management, human resources, and corporate training to create successful onboarding and compliance programs.

First year experiences are integral to student retention. Dr. Sheri Hutchison shares best practices for schools, administrators, and faculty to create holistic and practical programs for students as they adjust to college. Hutchinson talks about building community, coordination between departments, using technology, and making just in time resources available. https://www.thebabbgroup.com/ https://youtu.be/kkRf6ZGMMYA

Before you teach your first college course, you'll most likely need to pass a faculty training. Dorothy Miraglia, VP of Professor Services leads faculty trainings at several universities and has advice for faculty who are new to a school. It's essential to take these trainings seriously so you can get scheduled for courses and to look at them as professional development opportunities. Hear more from our expert faculty trainer! https://www.professorservices.com/

Virtual reality is for more than gaming. VR is quickly gaining ground as a tool for exploring and experiencing careers and workforce development. Brad Benedict shares how we can incorporate experiential learning with VR into classrooms, recruiting, job exploration, and training. He also talks about his personal career journey that informs his passion for workforce development and helping people find the best education and career paths for them. https://transfrinc.com/ https://www.thebabbgroup.com/

Our academic partners are talking about migrating to new learning management systems, launching new programs, accessibility, enrollment, and retention. Babb Group COO Sheila Fry joins the podcast to talk about what's trending as she talks to higher education decision-makers around the country. Discover how revised courses and online expansion are key to student success and retention, and learn about the essential skills for workforce development. Plus, learn about a new program to empower people on their PhD journey. https://www.thebabbgroup.com/ https://www.professorservices.com/product-category/dissertation-services

Mark Grant has wise advice if you're trying to break into teaching at a college level. He's successfully transferred his work experience to the classroom. Mark shares his tips for contacting deans to get his first job, transitioning from on-campus to online teaching, and how he connects with students. https://www.professorservices.com/

Stuck at ABD? We hear this from so many people trying to finish their dissertations. Karisa King has been there, too. Now, she's a Dissertation Coach and Strategist with Professor Services, helping others get from ABD to PhD. Hear how an accountability partner is essential during the dissertation journey to help with academics, time management, and motivation and to support the whole person in completing this milestone.

"Creative Conversations" are the key to successful partnerships at Central Penn College's Workforce Excellence program. Director of College Relations Curtis Voelker talks about how the college listens and collaborates with organizations to develop programs to upskill and empower employees. Curtis shares how collaborating to meet the needs of their partners is leading to success. https://www.centralpenn.edu/workforce-excellence/ https://www.thebabbgroup.com/

HBCU Spelman College launched eSpelman in the fall of 2022 with 49 learners and 3 certificates. By the end of 2023, they had over 400 students in 7 certificate programs, with 2 more in the works. Students keep coming back for more! Tiffany Watson talks about Spelman's secret sauce and how it's infused into online certificate programs. Hear how Spelman thoughtfully planned the program to support scholarships for their traditional undergraduates. And how eSpelman serves learners with upskilling, workforce development, confidence building, and empowerment. https://www.spelman.edu/espelman/overview https://www.thebabbgroup.com/

Charles Palmer is getting creative with AI. He's using ChatGPT to collaborate on a course on generative AI with students. Charles shares how he is using ChatGPT in course development, with rubrics, to create assets and to analyze his course plans. Charles is creative and innovative and gives us permission to try AI at our comfort levels while preparing our students for their future careers.Follow Charles on LinkedIn for updates on his experiences with his generative AI course. https://www.thebabbgroup.com/ https://www.professorservices.com/

Gina DiMartino understands the roles of faculty and adjuncts and how they are often called to be more than an instructor. They lead and help students navigate their educational experience. In this episode, Gina talks about the importance of mental health and well-being for adjunct faculty so they can be present to the mental health needs of students. Gina shares observations on faculty burnout and compassion fatigue from the pandemic and offers practical solutions, resources, and training for schools to support faculty.

Rishi Barran and the team at Full Sail University's Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting understand the importance of career readiness and employability. The entire program is built for students to land their first or next job. But that's not all. While students learn real-world skills, they also learn professionalism, communication, and character. In this episode, Rishi also shares his tips for creating media for online classes and how to connect with online students.

You're ready for an academic career and getting an adjunct position, but not sure where to start. Dorothy Miraglia, Vice President of Professor Services, shares the tools you need and practical tips to land your first gig or your next gig. She shares advice from her experiences and from working with clients every day who are getting started and who are working full time as adjuncts. Plus, we talk about the challenges of balancing full time jobs, teaching, and family.

"Not everyone needs a four-year degree." Heather Thomas of NetCom Learning explains how microcredentials and certificates are meeting the needs of companies that need to upskill their employees quickly. She shares the importance of listening and collaborating with customers to meet their learners' needs for new courses and different modalities.

If you're thinking about working as an adjunct or expanding your teaching career, George King is career goals. In this episode, George shares his career journey from law enforcement to full-time adjunct while balancing family and continuing his education. He's a great role model for faculty and students. He gives advice on the value of a CV, time management, job applications, managing discussion boards, connecting with students, and how his late policy empowers students. He does it all while keeping it real and holding his grandson, who is skipping naptime.

Looking to transition to a new job or career? Julie Shore, President and founder of Career Development Advisors, shares advice on navigating career transitions, having networking conversations, and the top skills employers want. Julie works with adults and students and shares her experiences working with people of all ages on their mindsets, matching values with work, and the power of volunteering. Getting the next job is more than sending out applications. It's making clear choices that align your values, skills, and talents with opportunities.

Boost enrollment and retain students. These are the new year goals for colleges and universities. What strategies will help you achieve these? What trends can you capitalize on? The Babb Group's COO, Sheila Fry, talks about how partner schools are finding success with microcredentials, hybrid programs, creating robust online options, and training faculty. Plus, we talk about how faculty can set themselves up for success with the right tools, including a CV and LinkedIn, to land their next opportunity.

Kim McNutt and Cal State Dominguez Hills are innovating with successful continuing education programs by researching their learners and the market and designing agile programs to meet their needs. In this episode, Kim talks about the programs, gives advice on how continuing ed can serve the larger institution, and how to keep students engaged and re-engaging from K-100.

Marc Austin, Dean and Associate Provost at Augusta University Online, shares how his team responded to faculty and students and launched a successful online program. Marc shares the strategy Augusta used to launch and expand the program, plus he talks about the role of continuing education partnerships with the U.S. Army. And as an innovator, Marc talks about the vision for creating a culture for a blended campus.

Valary Oleinik is the Chief Disrupter at DandeLearn, LLC. She's a curious and creative educator and consultant focusing on gamification and learner engagement. She's also on the Board of Directors at the US Distance Learning Association. Valary talks about what's next for distance learning to grow beyond the emergency learning of the pandemic to create engaging, learner-centered courses. Plus, she teaches us how to incorporate gamification with the acronym GAME. And, we learn what's coming up for the USDLA.

What conversations are you having about the future of your higher education programs to promote enrollment and retention? The Babb Group's Sheila Fry talks about the research, strategy, and plans we need to start talking about now to future-proof our programs to meet the demands of today's and tomorrow's learners.

Faculty are more than teachers. They are a key part of why students report a satisfying learning experience. This means if you want to boost retention, you need well-trained faculty. In this episode, Dr. Eboni Mathis gives practical advice for what to include in trainings, how-tos, and what faculty want and need to be well-prepared to serve today's students.

"Do discussion questions work?" We get this question all the time. YES! We know discussions can be a powerful tool for learning, sharing, and engagement. In this episode of DigitalEDU Dialogues, The Babb Group's Sheila Fry and Angela Britcher discuss discussion questions. We'll talk about the value of discussions, how to write engaging questions, how to grade, and how to facilitate them. Get the best practices of these two instructional design gurus and experienced instructors in this episode.

The third episode of the DigitalEDU Dialogues Podcast features an in-depth conversation into the hottest topic in education today: Artificial Intelligence. With two experts on the front-lines of online learning and technology, Ellis Reeves, Director of Online Learning & Support, University of South Carolina Aiken, and Bettyjo Bouchey, Vice Provost, Digital Strategy & Operations, National Louis University, this is a conversation that will surely entice and entertain anyone who wants to learn more about how AI is being implemented at the college level.

The second-ever iteration of the DigitalEDU Podcast takes a serious look into the world of employability and what it takes for students to succeed in today's ever-competitive job market. This episode includes a discussion with two experts in the education and employability realm, Steve Hassinger, Director of the Center for Career Services & Development, Central Penn University, and Paul Miller, Assistant Professor of Media Studies and Program Coordinator - Corporate Communication Department, Central Penn University. We touch on a number of critical topics when it comes to helping students succeed following their time in higher education, analyzing a number of tools and trends that are crucial to students' success and how educators craft and execute course planning and development with the goal of helping students of all backgrounds and abilities succeed in their career.

On the very first episode of the DigitalEDU Podcast, host Flip Livingstone dives into a number of important and trending topics in the world of education. Featuring special guests, Angela Britcher, Instructional Designer and Professor, as well as Sheila Fry, COO of The Babb Group, today's show touches on the enrollment crisis facing universities and colleges across the United States. We also take a look at other pressing topics in education, such as the rise of micro-credential courses and the continuing push for more accessible learning across all levels of schooling. Stay tuned for more from the DigitalEDU Dialogues podcast. Your source for education and EdTech news and insight.