Gamification Episodes

In this episode, Holly Owens explores the intersection of Learning and Development (L&D) with the engaging experiences offered by Disney and Taylor Swift. She emphasizes the importance of creating loyal learners by designing immersive and emotionally connected learning experiences. By drawing parallels between the fandoms of Disney and Taylor Swift, Holly discusses how storytelling, community building, and authenticity can enhance learner engagement and retention. The episode encourages instructional designers to think creatively about their courses, making them more than just checklist items, and to foster a sense of belonging among learners.

In this episode of the EdUp Learning and Development podcast, host Holly Owens interviews Dr. Karl Kapp, a prominent figure in the learning space. They discuss Karl's journey from an instructional design intern to a respected educator and consultant. The conversation delves into the concept of 'Action First Learning,' emphasizing the importance of engaging learners through action rather than traditional knowledge transfer. Karl shares insights on practical applications in instructional design, a...

In this episode, Holly discusses the topic of transitioning into a career in learning and development (L&D), specifically in instructional design. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being intentional and strategic in the career transition process. She suggests five key steps to take before applying for roles in the L&D industry: 1) identify what you want in a role, 2) determine which sector of L&D you want to work in (e.g., education, corporate, government, freelance, etc.), 3) conduct re...

In this episode, hosts Holly Owens and DaNadia Johnson interview Kevin Farmer, the founder of ReBeL, an EdTech platform that aims to revolutionize the education system. ReBeLuses AI to create a personalized learning experience for each student, tailoring the content to their interests and learning style. The platform also serves as a hub for educators, parents, and students to connect and collaborate. Farmer believes that the future of education will be student-driven and will look vastly differ...

In this episode of Edup Ed Tech, hosts Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson interview Regnault Sanders, the founder and CEO of Schoolconomy. Sanders shares his journey from being a student to becoming the founder of an EdTech company. He explains that School Economy is a student success software that rewards students for positive behavior, which has led to increased engagement and a decrease in behavioral referrals. The platform also involves parents by notifying them when their child has done somethi...

In this episode of Edup Ed Tech, the hosts interview Aaron King, a solutions engineer at Blackboard Anthology and the owner of Snack Size Learning. Aaron shares his journey from being a rapper and music producer to becoming an instructional designer and e-learning developer. He discusses the importance of personalization and competency-based learning in the future of education. Aaron also highlights the role of technology, such as AI and Universal Design for Learning, in enhancing the learning ...

In this episode of we got to interview the amazing Vince Jeong, the co-founder and CEO of Sparkwise. Sparkwise is a group learning platform that aims to make professional development more engaging and impactful. It allows professionals to build skills and create a sense of community by practicing, discussing, and exchanging feedback in small groups. Jeong shares his journey as an immigrant from South Korea and how his experiences shaped his passion for education and professional learning. He als...

In this episode of Edup Ed Tech, hosts Holly Owens and DaNadia Johnson interview Taylor Shead, the founder and CEO of Stemuli, an educational technology company. Shead shares her journey from aspiring to be a reconstructive plastic surgeon to becoming an entrepreneur in the EdTech space. She explains that Stemuli is focused on addressing the US workforce shortage by engaging students in education and aligning their credentials with future job requirements. The company combines education and care...

Episode Overview In this episode, we chat with the president of Learning A-Z, Lisa O'Masta. Lisa shares her journey in the EdTech industry, emphasizing her passion for education and her commitment to supporting students and teachers. She discusses the company's focus on K-6 literacy resources and its mission to provide teachers with the tools they need to be effective in their classrooms. Lisa also highlights the company's new products, including Foundations A-Z, which is built on the Science ...

Overview In this episode of Edup EdTech, we interviewed Harrison Parker, the Executive Vice President of Linewize's North America. Parker shares his unique journey into the EdTech space, which began with his interest in world languages and led to a sales position with Rosetta Stone. He later transitioned to a startup focused on classroom management technology, which was eventually acquired by Linewize. Parker discusses Linewize's focus on student well-being through a framework centered around pr...