The Virtual Instructor Podcast
By Timothy M Stafford, PhD
The Virtual Instructor PodcastFeb 06, 2023
S4E3: The Innovator's Dilemma in Education
Join Dr. Timothy M. Stafford, Director of Grad/Online Academic Programs for St. Thomas University, as he discusses Dr. Clayton Christiansen's Principles of Disruptive Technology in his bestselling book, The Innovator's Dilemma, and applies them to the educational process.
Show Sponsors
Christensen, C. (2013). The innovator's dilemma group guide. In The innovator's dilemma: When new technologies cause great firms to fail (pp. 232-234). Harvard Business Review Press.
S4E2: Chat GPT and the Future of Education
Join Dr. Timothy M. Stafford, Director of Grad/Online Academic Programs for St. Thomas University, as he discusses the role of artificial intelligence like ChatGPT and how it can positively affect the ways that we teach, build and design coursework. This is especially true in light of utilizing the concepts of demonstration and real-world application in Merrill's First Principles of Instruction.
Show Sponsors
S4E1: The Foundations of Education
Join Dr. Timothy M. Stafford, Director of Grad/Online Academic Affairs for St. Thomas University, as he lays out the foundations of education, objectives, activities, and assessment and then talks about the role of the instructor in a virtual course and how to use this basic educational framework to bring value to the course and students through the announcements each week.
This episode is sponsored by:
S3E2: Merrill; First Principles of Instruction Part 2 - Demonstration
Demonstrations can be a useful tool in the classroom, helping students to engage with the material and understand complex concepts. When used effectively, demonstrations can also help to create an environment of inquiry and discovery. Join Dr. Tim Stafford of St. Thomas University as he continues with part 2 of a 6 part series on David Merrill's First Principles of Instruction.
Links from the Show:
S3E1: Merrill's First Principles of Instruction - Part 1
The Principles of Instruction for Creating and Facilitating A Successful Course
If you are an instructor, you are likely to be an industry expert already, and understanding how the course fits in the reality of what you want the student to become is key. Finding out what the program emphasizes, the performance indicators, and the concepts the students need to be competent based on industry standards and the institution’s mission will help you understand what makes it work and what doesn’t. A successful course is subjective to the mission of the institution and what the industry says is a confident, competent, and accomplished practitioner. It also aligns the students with the field of work, which is critical to their success, and it goes for every course.
Join the conversation with your host, Dr. Tim Stafford of St. Thomas University, as he shares about Dr. M. David Merrill's work on the First Principles Of Instruction and why it is important for you as an instructor to know and understand it.
Tune in!
During this episode, you will learn about;
[00:01] Introduction to the show
[01:14] Today’s focus: The First Principle of Instruction by David Merrill
[01:36] When Dr.Tm Stafford was first introduced to David Merrill’s work and his transformation
[04:54] The foundational idea behind David Merrill’s principle of instruction
[07:07] What to review when creating or writing a course
[09:44] Aligning the programs with the school and the industry’s mission standards
[10:44] Approaching courses in a way that aligns students with fieldwork competencies
[12:53] Enriching your approach by understanding where a course sits in the overall body of education.
[14:14] Identifying competence and performance indicators to point to when building a program or certificate
[15:40] The idea that we should start with when writing a course
[17:57] Ending the show
Notable Quotes
- When you understand what makes instruction work, you also understand when instruction begins to fail and when to go back to the principles.
- A successful program will align with the institution’s mission and the industry’s standards.
- Many people don’t need a four-year degree or a doctorate to become good at something; they need the competency to do it.
- Build courses that are not only measurable but also successful.
Resources Mentioned
Article: Merrill (2002) First Principles of Instruction
Book: First Principles Revised - AECT
Connect With Dr. Tim Stafford
Website: https://www.tmsphd.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmstaffordphd/
S2E2: 7 Must Have Tools for the Virtual Instructor
Join Dr. Tim Stafford of St. Thomas University as he "opens his toolbox," as a virtual instructor and talks about the 7 important tools that you need to be a successful virtual instructor. There are many different kinds of tools out there, and many of them do a great job, so you need to have them in your toolbox as you continue to teach in a virtual environment. You don't want to miss this episode.
Show notes:
S2E1: The 4 C's of Value-Added Feedback
We are back!
Join Dr. Tim Stafford from the MS in ID&T program at St. Thomas University as he kicks off the 2021-2022 season with the first episode of Season 2 - the 4 Cs of Value-added feedback. We have reengineered this episode to be better, shorter, and more impactful so take a listen and see what you think.
In online learning, providing feedback is a critical component of the job of a virtual instructor. Students do not interact the same with instructors and peers in online and digital environments, so feedback becomes an important voice and tool in the process, and so this episode goes into greater detail of how to give great feedback that will give value to your learners regardless of your industry or type of digital learning environment.
Thanks for listening!
Show Products:
Click here to download the Infographic that does along with this episode.
S1E17: 2020 Wrap up - Stats, Thanks, and the Lens of Transformation
Join Dr. Tim Stafford from St. Thomas University as he wraps up the podcast year with:
- Stats and thanks yous - Click Here to see our Spotify stats for the year
- Future plans for the podcast and beyond
- A short proposal of looking at 2020 through the lens of transformation and not just an evolution.
2020 has been difficult but has given us so much opportunity, and we cannot thank you all enough for all of your support, emails, encouragement, downloads, and most of all, thank you for being rockstar virtual instructors, and instructional designers.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May 2021 find transformational success for you and your loved ones as we transition into the world of "next year.
S1E16: Campfires in Cyberspace Part 2 - Enhancement, Obsolescence, Reversal, and Rekindling
In this episode, Dr. Timothy M. Stafford of St. Thomas University continues with Part 2 of his three-part discussion of David Thornburg's incredibly insightful book, Campfires in Cyberspace. Dr. Stafford explores the application nature of Marshall McLuhan's framework about the implications of technology called the Tetrad. There are insightful discussions here about the impact of technology for enhancement, obsolescence, reversal, and rekindling and attempts to look at all of these things through a lens of education and educational technology. Join us for some thought-provoking ideas.
Resources/Sponsors:
Episode Sponsor: SendFox - email newsletters a now easier than ever! Transcript for the show Fireflies.ai - Zoom transcription and more JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST - Get great resources and information delivered right to your email! I only send the best stuff!
S1E15: Campfires in Cyberspace Part 1 - David Thornburg and McLuhan's Tetrad
In his incredibly insightful book, Campfires in Cyberspace, David Thornburg explores and revisits Marshall McLuhan's framework about the applicational implications of technology called the Tetrad. In this episode, Dr. Timothy M. Stafford from St. Thomas University begins a three-part series in Thornburg's work published in 1996 about the impact of technology on education and the needs of humans for the learning process. Join us for some thought-provoking ideas. Also, be sure to download the transcript from this episode thanks to fireflies.ai.
Resources/Sponsors:
S1E14: 3 Word Rebellion - Creating Movements through Instruction
Join us this week as Timothy M. Stafford, Ph.D. from St. Thomas University's MS in Instructional Design and Technology program talks about how to connect the major concepts of the 3 Word Rebellion by Michelle A. Mazur, Ph.D. right now to any course that you are tor will be eaching.
This incredible book written for any thought leader who is looking to get their message out to those that could be compelled to start a movement will take you through a journey fo discovery, brevity, and the power of a short message designed to make an impact and spark a movement.
What would happen if we could apply this to every course that we taught or designed? These are some of the ideas, thoughts, and questions that Tim tackles in this episode. Don't miss it!
S1E13: Interview with Mark Stafford of Ablaze Media
Join Tim Stafford of St. Thomas University as he interviews Mark Stafford of Ablaze Media a graphic design and marketing firm out of Arizona who has worked with a wide array of clients to produce a wide scope of digital marketing and print media products. Mark discusses how to approach making graphics for digital instructor and also how to get the most out of a graphic designer so that your graphics look great and are effective in relaying your message, without breaking the bank. This is a power packed show and so you don't want to miss it!
S1E12: An Instructional Forensics Conversation about the Role of the Instructor in Self-Directed Learning
Join Dr. Timothy M. Stafford from St. Thomas University as he looks at self-directed learning and the roles and responsibilities of the instructor and learner in digital (online) education. He also talks about one particular application of these responsibilities to the discussions within a course. You don't want to miss these ideas and practical applications.
S1E11: Interview with Dr. Vern Czelusniak
Join Dr. Tim Stafford from St. Thomas University as he talks to one of his STU colleagues, Dr. Vern Czelusniak, Program Director for online EdD programming at STU and author of GED to PhD; Reaching Higher!. They discuss Dr. C's inspirational journey, COVID-19 and the impact that it has had on the students and faculty of STU. Dr. C also talks openly about how the university has positioned itself to be able to serve digital educators in the near and distant future. There are a lot of exciting things happening at STU in educational leadership, digital instruction, and instructional design and technology, so that the graduates of St. Thomas can become leaders for life, and reach their limitless potential! Don't miss this short and powerful interview!
S1E10: Interview with Nic Finelli
In this episode, Dr. Tim Stafford from St. Thomas University interviews Nic Finelli of Blended Tech Learning.
Nic is a recognized expert in digital learning, professional learning, and technology integration consulting and training, and has been contracted by various tech companies (including Apple, Microsoft, and Google) to work on their behalf to provide training, support, and work for internal projects to help their education initiatives all over the United States. His expertise and work has allowed him to see first-hand and impact how all types of public and private schools and districts integrate technology for teaching and learning.
On this episode we discuss strategies for technological integration for the following digital instruction applications:
- Remote instruction: Tools that make working remotely easier and how to create realistic workflows for remote instruction: Maybe even some tools that work with the LMS's
- Student Engagement: Tools and tips to help digital instructor engage with their students and keep their students engaged with them and each other.
- Evaluation: Tools and tops on evaluating digital deliverables and some great ideas and tips about making the administrative job of digital instruction smooth and seamless.
Nic gives valuable insight into the foundational roles of different technologies and how to put the right toolbox together for your digital instruction needs. Don't miss this episode.
S1E9: Interview With Max H. Cropper, PhD
In this episode, Tim interviews Dr. Max H. Cropper and they have a great discussion on Merrill's First Principles of Instruction and how they apply to the digital instructor. Dr. Cropper is an award-winning instructional designer with a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences. Has studied, researched, developed, implemented, and taught comprehensive instructional design and performance, management models.
He has designed and developed best-practice instruction and evaluation for clients including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the National Institute of Health, the Veterans Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Western Governor's University, Utah State University, the University of Phoenix, Shell Oil, Franklin Covey, National Education Training Group (NETg), Oracle, Hewlett Packard, the Brigham Young University Family History Center and Continuing Education Department and many others.
Currently, he assists organizations in developing world-class training, and performance improvement programs. You do not want to miss this program.
Here are links to some of what is talked about in this episode:
S1E8 - Digital Citizenship: An Interview with Susan M. Bearden CETL
Susan M. Bearden CETL is the Chief Innovation Officer for the Consortium for School Networking (COSN). With over 12 years of experience, she has championed the adoption of a number of innovative classroom technologies, including BYOD, Google Apps for Education, social media in the classroom, iPads, Chromebooks, and Makerspaces. In 2015, she received the ISTE “Making IT Happen” award from the Florida Society for Technology in Education. In 2014, Bearden received the Bammy Award for School Technologist of the Year (www.bammyawards.org) and was also a finalist in the category of Education Talk Show Host.
She has authored a great book called Digital Citizenship: A community-based approach and on this episode, we talk about what it means to be a good digital citizen, resources for teaching digital citizenship and how a community-based approach is the best way for all of us to strengthen the integrity of our digital footprints and keep our families, schools, employees and other stakeholders safe while using the most powerful digital tools for knowledge and learning, the world wide web and some of the greatest communication tools ever designed, the social media.
This is a great interview and has a host of ideas for any digital instructor on any educational level. Don't miss this episode!
S1E7: Social Constructivist Foundations for Digital Instruction, Learning and Design
In this episode, join Dr. Timothy M. Stafford from St. Thomas University as he discusses social constructivism and its approach to areas of education like reality, knowledge, and learning. These principles become part of the foundational fabric of social learning, digital education, digital instruction, and instructional design for online learning. This episode is full of things to really consider as you continue to move forward as a digital instructor using digital educational spaces and designing courses for those spaces and students.
S1E6: On A Desert Island with My Students - Navigating Remote and Online Learning
Navigating remote and online learning due to the COVID-19 Curveball is tricky and there are many dilemmas that digital instructors are facing. Ther are also many decisions that are going to need to be made about the future of education and the evolution that is taking place. Join Dr. Tim Stafford from St. Thomas University as he discusses these issues and looks at how to begin to make decisions about the future "new normal," that education will take on post-COVID-19.
S1E5: The COVID-19 Curveball - Digital Instructors by Assignment
For more information about getting your school online - Download Dr. Tim's new e-guide for schools at www.thecovid19curveball.com
S1E4: Resourcing Digital Students and Building Community
Join Dr. Tim Stafford, Program Director for the MS in Instructional Design and Technology program at St. Thomas University, as he talks about resourcing students in digital environments, and using tools like Wakelet, to build communities and collegiality between digital instructors and their students. As promised in the podcast, here is a link to Dr. Tim's Wakelet collections.
S1E3: 3 Ways to Shift Your Mindset for Effective Digital Instruction
If you are concerned about being an effective digital instructor, and you are worried about your ability to keep moving forward, it might be time to shift your mindset in your digital role. Join Dr. Tim Stafford, of St. Thomas University as he details the three things that make the most impact as a digital instructor: Unfettered Access, Purposeful Engagement, and Leveraging of Humanity.
S1E2: Digital Literacy: An Introduction
Join Dr. Tim Stafford of St. Thomas University as he talks about the foundations of digital literacy and its impact in the instructional space.