Innovate and Educate

How can gamification, digital badges, and microcredientials meaningfully enhance learning, motivation, and career readiness--without reducing education to points and prizes?

Listen as Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., Dean of Continuing Education and Professional Studies and Associate Professor of Marketing in the Stillman School of Business, discusses the growing role of microcredentials in lifelong learning and workforce development. She explores how universities can create meaningful, community-centered learning experiences that help students and professionalsbuild practical skills, professional networks, and career readiness in a rapidly changing world. 
We will also hear from Ben Pincus, MBA, MSBM, Associate Dean for Assessment and Engagement and Professor in the Department of Management within the Stillman School of Business, who shares how gamification and badging can support student engagement and professional skill development. He also discusses the importance of creating experiences that help students apply what they’velearned and communicate the value of those experiences to future employers. 
Stay tuned for the next season of Innovate and Educate, coming in Fall 2026! 
 Key topics + time stamps  Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-01:00 ]  
Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., who serves as the Associate Provost of Partnerships & Global Initiatives, the Dean of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, as well as an Associate Professor, Stillman School, Department of Marketing [01:01-10:53 ] 
Ben Pincus, MBA, MSBM, Associate Dean for Assessment and External Engagement, Stillman School of Business [10:55-20:26 ]  
Episode Wrap-up [20:30-21:55 ]    Resources  Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D.: Contact Information 
Ben Pincus, MBA, MSBM: Contact Information 
  
Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website  Email address: tltc@shu.edu  

First-Year Student Experiences at Seton Hall

In Season 2, Episode 6 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore how institutions can create impactful First-Year experiences that support student success from the very beginning of their college journey. This episode focuses on the importance of designing intentional, high-impact programs that foster belonging, persistence, and holistic student development during this critical transition period. 
Join us as Karen Van Norman, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Omayra Arocho, Assistant Vice President of Student Services and Dean of the Center for Academic Success, and Joshua Dornbos, Associate Dean of the Center for Academic Success, share their perspectives on supporting First-Year students. You’ll hear how campus leaders collaborate across departments, the strategies they use to build proactive support systems, and examples of programs and partnerships that help students navigate the transition to college and thrive both inside and outside the classroom. 
Key topics + time stamps   Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-01:25]   
Karen Van Norman, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students [01:26-7:40]  
Contact information: karen.vannorman@shu.edu  
Division of Student Services: https://www.shu.edu/student-services/  
CAPS: https://www.shu.edu/counseling-psychological-services/ 
THRIVE: https://www.shu.edu/student-services/students-dare-to-care.html 
The Well: https://www.shu.edu/student-services/the-well.html 
Omayra Arocho, Assistant Vice President of Student Services and Dean of the Center for Academic Success and Joshua Dornbos, Associate Dean of the Center for Academic Success [07:45-22:50]  
Contact information: omayra.arocho@shu.edu and Joshua.dornbos@shu.edu  
Center for Academic Success: https://www.shu.edu/center-for-academic-success/  
Transformational Student Experiences: https://www.shu.edu/strategic-plan/priority-1.html 
Episode Wrap-up [22:51-23:54]  
Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website   Email address: tltc@shu.edu   

Authentic Assessment in Higher Education

In Season 2, Episode 5 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we’re discussing how authentic assessments create more meaningful, real-world connections to course content, helping students see the relevance of what they are learning. We also highlight how faculty at Seton Hall University are leveraging digital tools to support both engagement and assessment. You’ll discover how technology can help reimagine traditional assignments into dynamic learning experiences.
Join us as Dr. Randall Clemens, Associate Dean in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) and Associate Professor in the Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ELMP), and Dr. Elizabeth Van Dyk, Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program for the Graduate Department of the College of Nursing, share their perspectives on authentic assessment. You’ll hear why they switched from more traditional assignments, the theory behind their reasoning, the impact authentic assessments have had on student learning, and examples used in classes.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the last Thursday in April!
Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-00:55] 
Dr. Randall Clemens, Associate Dean in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) and Associate Professor in the Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ELMP) [00:56-09:50]
Contact information for Dr. Clemens
Dr. Elizabeth Van Dyk, Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program for the Graduate Department of the College of Nursing [09:56-20:35]
Contact information for Dr. Van Dyk
 
Episode Wrap-up [20:36-21:43]
 
Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu 

Discussing Seton Hall’s New Innovation Hub

In Season 2, Episode 4 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we’re discussing Seton Hall’s new Innovation Hub—a collaborative environment designed to inspire creativity, experimentation, and new approaches to teaching and learning. With its wide variety of tools—from Cricut to 3D printing and more—podcast booths, collaborative spaces, STEM applications, and just-in-time learning resources, the Innovation Hub will have something to interest everyone.
We’ll have a group conversation with Mike Soupios, Executive Director of the TLTC, Renee Cicchino, Director of Instructional Design and Training, Chris Petruzzi, Director of Design and Digital Media, John Fernandes, Senior Director of IT Service Management, and Scott Bergenfeld, Trainer and Makerspace Coordinator. Together, they’ll share the vision behind the space, how it will serve our campus community, and what it means for the future of innovation at Seton Hall.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the last Thursday in February
Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-01:08] 
Group Conversation [01:08-28:19]
Episode Wrap-up [28:19-29:23] Resources
Innovation Hub website
Maker Studio page
XR/AI Studio page
Content Creation Studios page
Solutions Studio page
Innovation Hub FAQs page
Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu 

How can colleges and universities better support students as they prepare for life after graduation?

Episode Summary: In Season 2, Episode 3 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore how higher education can empower students to connect their learning with meaningful career pathways. For National Career Development Month, we ask an important question: “How can colleges and universities better support students as they prepare for life after graduation?” 
Join us as Jorge Rivera, Director of Career Services at Seton Hall’s South Orange campus, and Jacqueline Pirone, Assistant Dean of Seton Hall Law’s Office of Career Services (OCS), share their perspectives on mentoring, transferable skills, and the evolving needs of today’s workforce. They offer practical guidance for faculty, staff, and students seeking to bridge the gap between academic experiences and professional success. 
Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in January! 
 Key topics + time stamps  Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-00:40]  
Jorge Rivera, Director of Career Services on the South Orange campus [00:40-12:56] 
Jacqueline Pirone, Assistant Dean of Seton Hall Law’s Office of Career Services [12:56-26:28] 
Episode Wrap-up [26:28- 27:15]   Resources 
Jorge Rivera 
Email 
Career Center homepage 
Jacqueline Pirone 
Email 
Career Services homepage 
The OCS Bulletin 
 
Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website  Email address: tltc@shu.edu  

Why is protecting your data so important, and what practical steps can faculty, staff, and students take to keep their information safe?

Episode Summary: In Season 2, Episode 2 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore why keeping your data safe is more important than ever. For Cybersecurity month, we discuss the question: “Why is protecting your data so important, and what practical steps can faculty, staff, and students take to keep their information safe?”
Listen as Chris Richardson, Security Analyst at Seton Hall, talks about the hidden risks of data breaches and the role of cybersecurity in academic life. He will also give practical strategies that all of us—faculty, staff, and students—can use to protect our personal and professional information.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in November!
Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-00:54] 
Chris Richardson, Security Analyst [00:55-23:03]
Episode Wrap-up [23:04- 24:00] Resources
Information Security webpage
Safe Computing webpage
Phishing Scams webpage
Identity Theft and Recovery webpage
 
Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu 

How do we design authentic assessments that ask students to create, reflect, and apply what they have learned?

In Season 2, Episode 1 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore faculty responses to the question: “In an age where course materials are freely available online, test banks circulate widely, and generative AI tools reshape how students access knowledge—how do we design assignments that genuinely foster learning?”
Listen as Rachel Fikslin, Ph.D., Lecturer in Psychology, talks about how they design assessments to keep students motivated and to encourage them to bring their whole selves into their work. We will also hear from Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, who will highlight the importance of authenticity to create student engagement while completing assignments. Finally, Sara Fieldston, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of History, will discuss the documentary film project and New York City blog she asks her students to develop, teaching her students real-world skills in a new way.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in October!
Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-02:30] 
Rachel Fikslin, Ph.D., Lecturer in Psychology [02:31-09:21
Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology [09:25-14:31] 
Sara Fieldston, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of History, [14:36-21:02]
Episode Wrap-up [21:03-22:04]  Resources Rachel Fikslin, Ph.D.: Contact Information
Gender Autobiography project
Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D.:  Contact Information
Personal Branding Video project description
Sara Fieldston, Ph.D.: Contact Information
History of New York City blog
Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu 

How is AI transforming workplace expectations, and what skills should college graduates develop to stay competitive?

In Episode Eight of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we begin our exploration of faculty responses to the question: “How is AI transforming workplace expectations, and what skills should college graduates develop to stay competitive?”
Listen as Renee Robinson, Ph.D., Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication, Media and the Arts, explores the potential impact of AI on various industries – from public relations to its role in the art world.  She’ll discuss ethical considerations such as privacy, bias, and using AI responsibly.  We will also hear from Jack Shannon, J.D., Professor of Legal Studies at the Stillman School of Business, who will highlight the importance of teaching students to use Gen AI appropriately and ethically to prepare them for success in the rapidly evolving workplace, as well as discuss some areas of concern when using AI, such as privacy and data security.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming in Fall 2025!
Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [0:00-1:09] 
Renee Robinson, Ph.D. Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication, Media and the Arts [1:10-12:50]
Jack Shannon, J.D. Professor of Legal Studies at the Stillman School of Business [12:51-22:33] 
Episode Wrap-up [22:34-23:01]  Resources Renee Robinson, Ph.D.: Contact Information
Jack Shannon, J.D.: Contact Information  
 
Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu 

How can we implement responsible AI use in the classroom while ensuring equity, transparency, and student success?

In Episode Seven of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we begin our exploration of faculty responses to the question: “How can we implement responsible AI use in the classroom while ensuring equity, transparency, and student success?” Listen as Ruchin Kansal, MBA, Professor of Practice at the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies and a Visiting Instructor at the Stillman School of Business, talks about the ethical use of AI in the classroom to help students become problem solvers, critical thinkers and communicators. We will also hear from Dongdong Chen, Ph.D., Professor of Asian Studies, as she discusses the use of AI to help students with foreign language learning and in their future studies and career development. Finally, we will hear from Viswa Viswanathan, Ph.D., Professor of Computing Sciences, as he tells us about the impact AI is having on education, including the potential to enhance learning and provide personalized learning experiences, but also the ethical considerations it raises around cheating. 
Next month, we will continue the two-part series, this time focusing on how AI Skills apply to the modern workforce.  We’ll explore questions on how AI is impacting workplace expectations and even changing specific job roles. We’ll consider ethical concerns when using AI in professional settings and how students can prepare for those challenges.   
Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [0:00-1:28] 
Professor Ruchin Kansal, Department of Management [1:29-6:42]
Dr. Dongdong Chen, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures [6:43-11:06] 
Dr. Viswa Viswanathan: Department of Computer and Decision Sciences [11:07-17:50] 
Episode Wrap-up [17:51-18:17]  Resources Ruchin Kansal: Contact Information
Teaching, Learning & Technology Roundtable (TLTR) AI Committee
Dr. Dongdong Chen: Contact Information  
Dr. Viswa Viswanathan: Contact information 
 
Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu 

How can EdTech help faculty empower students to create content while supporting accessibility initiatives?

In Episode Six of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we finish our exploration of administrator and faculty answers to the question: “How can EdTech help faculty empower students to create content while supporting accessibility initiatives?” Listen to Christine Lhowe, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Art & Design, as she explains how accessibility plays a role in creating teaching students to web design and user experiences communicate to populations with varied abilities. We will also hear from Lauren McFadden, Ed.D., who  talks about supporting future primary and secondary school teachers in preparing to meet the needs of all learners
Next month, we will begin a series, focusing on artificial intelligence. These concepts create new pathways for learning.
Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-00:54] 
Christine Lhowe: Associate Professor of Design and Assistant Department Chair of Programmatic and Curriculum Innovation [00:55-10:06] 
Dr. Lauren McFadden: Associate Professor of Elementary and Special Education [10:07-21:07] 
Kate Sierra, Instructional Designer, and Ann Oro, Senior Instructional Designer [21:08-26:25]
Episode Wrap-up [26:26-26:55]  Resources 
Dr. Lauren McFadden: Faculty Profile 
The UDL Guidelines
What is Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning: An Introduction
Christine Lhowe: Faculty Profile 
Web Accessibility Initiative: WCAG Guidelines
Episode Homepage & Contact Info Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu