🎓 What does the education landscape look like in 2026? From artificial intelligence to competency-based education, the future of learning is being shaped by multiple forces. And institutions need to adapt fast.

In this episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford sits down with John Baker (CEO, President and Founder of D2L) to explore how AI, immersive learning and skills-focused strategies are transforming education. You’ll hear why non-degree credentials are surging, how AI is reducing course development costs and why human connection still matters in a tech-driven world.

Baker shares practical insights on building flexible learning ecosystems, leveraging AI responsibly and moving beyond outdated standards like SCORM to create engaging, interactive experiences. This conversation is a roadmap for leaders ready to embrace innovation and prepare learners for the future.

💬 “The urgency has never been greater. Institutions need to step up and tackle the big challenges of re-skilling the workforce and preparing students for a new world with AI.” — John Baker

In this episode, Cristi and John discuss:

• the biggest forces shaping education in 2026
• how AI is transforming course design and reducing costs
• the rise of competency-based education and non-degree credentials
• moving beyond SCORM to open, interactive learning standards
• practical strategies for institutional leaders

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For more content, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio.

To hear more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com

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What does it take to lead online learning in today’s higher education landscape? In this episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Cristi Ford sits down with Dr. Thomas Cavanagh and Dr. Jocelyn Widmer, editors of the Chief Online Learning Officer’s Guidebook, to explore how digital learning leadership is evolving—and why this resource is becoming essential for institutions everywhere.

From strategic planning to operational execution, the guidebook offers practical insights for COLOs and anyone shaping online education. You’ll hear how leadership competencies, entrepreneurial thinking, and future-focused skills like Futures Literacy are redefining what it means to lead in a post-pandemic world.

💬 “The future of online learning leadership will be defined by leaders who are not constrained by the way we’ve always done things.” — Tom Cavanagh

🔍What Cristi, Thomas and Jocelyn talk about:

☑️ Why the COLO role matters now more than ever

☑️ Strategic and operational frameworks for success

☑️ Lessons from CIO evolution and leadership competencies

☑️ Preparing for the future with Futures Literacy

☑️ Practical advice for new and aspiring COLOs

Purchase your copy of the Chief Online Learning Officer’s Guidebook today.

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more. Please take a moment to rate, review and share the podcast, and reach out with comments and ideas for future episodes.

For more content, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio where you can listen to more podcast episodes, register for free D2L Master Classes and read articles written by educational leaders.

To learn more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com

Class dismissed.

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Is artificial intelligence (AI) just for grading and admin tasks? Not according to Matthew Winters. In this episode of Teach & Learn, Dr. Emma Zone chats with Utah’s first state-level AI education specialist about how AI is helping educators turn creative ideas into impactful, inclusive learning experiences.

From personalized support to improved accessibility, AI is becoming a collaborative partner in the classroom—helping teachers reach individual learners and bring bold ideas to life.

Winters shares how the Utah State Board of Education is building an AI ecosystem that supports educators through professional learning, inclusive frameworks, and creative classroom applications. You’ll hear how teachers are moving from fear to curiosity, from creativity to accessibility, and how a connected K–20 approach is shaping the future of learning.

💬 “With a little bit of pushing, teachers move into creativity—doing things in their classrooms they’ve never been able to do before. Naturally, they begin asking, ‘How can this be accessible for all my students?’” — Matthew Winters

📣What Dr. Zone and Winters talk about:

☑️The development of Utah’s AI education framework

☑️Professional learning as an investment, not a cost

☑️Creative and accessible AI applications in classrooms

☑️Building a K–20 pipeline for AI readiness

☑️The “Portrait of an AI Graduate” initiative

🔖Resources:

• Playbook for Strategic Foresight and Innovation
• Utah State Board of Education, AI Overview
• Artificial Intelligence Framework for Utah P-12 Education: Guidance on the Use of AI in Our Schools
• ASU+GSV 2025: Utah Shares Plan for Statewide AI Education

Remember to follow us on social media. You can find us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook @D2L. Check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast and so much more.

For more content, please visit the Teaching & Learning Studio.

To hear more about how D2L is transforming the way the world learns, visit our website at D2L.com

Visit the Teaching & Learning Studio for more content for educators, by educators. Sign up for our newsletter today.