Brad Zdenek
On this episode, Katie is joined by Brad Zdenek, the Innovation Strategist for the Center for Online Innovation in Learning at Penn State University, where he is responsible for initiating, directing, conducting, analyzing and reporting on the Center’s projects, research, and evaluation activities. Brad earned his B.A. in Secondary Education at Flagler College in Florida and taught middle school Social Studies in North Carolina prior to joining Penn State. While at Penn State, Brad worked with the Regional Educational Laboratory program leading a team in developing and delivering professional development opportunities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region focused on bridging scientifically valid research, policy, and practice. Brad is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Leadership at Penn State. His research interests include professional development and adult learning, educational ethics, and the integration and diffusion of educational technology.
Transcript (.docx)
Show Notes
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Segment 1: Center for Online Innovation in Learning (COIL) [00:00-11:07]
In this first segment, Brad shares about his work at the Center for Online Innovation in Learning (COIL) and some of the research and development projects funded by COIL.
In this segment, the following resources are mentioned:
- Online Learning Consortium
- Penn State’s Center for Online Innovation in Learning
- COIL’s funded research projects
- COIL’s “perspectives” videos
- Recordings of COIL’s previous events
- Digital badging platform at PSU (http://badges.psu.edu)
Segment 2: Creating institutional research agendas [11:08-21:45]
In segment two, Brad and Katie discuss creating research agendas tied to institutional mission, the benefits and challenges of institutional research agendas, and how this research differs from individual research agendas.
In this segment, the following resources are mentioned:
- OSU Ecampus Research Unit Fellows program
- OSU Ecampus Research Unit research priorities
Segment 3: Disconnect between needs and capacity for research in HE [21:46-34:19]
In segment three, Brad shares his thoughts on the disconnect between research needs and capacity for research in higher education and shares his ideas for making better research connections across disciplines, units, and institutions.
In this segment, the following resources are mentioned:
Bonus Clip: Collaborations between COIL and External Partners [00:00-4:28]
In this bonus clip, Brad shares more information about collaborative relationship development between COIL and external partners in the larger distance education community.
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The views expressed by guests on the Research in Action podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Ecampus or Oregon State University.
