Episode 19: Hacking Innovation with Kevin Corcoran

Fostering Innovation in Higher Education In this episode, Dr. Kate McCaffrey speaks with Kevin Corcoran, Assistant Vice Provost for the Center for Distributed Learning at the University of Central Florida, about fostering innovation in higher education. We explore the role of culture, collaboration, curiosity, and leadership in creating environments where innovation can grow and remain relevant as technology and learning continue to evolve. Key Topics The evolution of online education at UCF Creating a culture of innovation and collaboration The importance of curiosity and continuous learning Maintaining relevance as technology and pedagogy evolve Supporting faculty and students through digital learning Breaking down silos through cross functional collaboration Learning analytics and institutional capacity Responsible uses of artificial intelligence Takeaways Innovation is deeply connected to organizational culture and how teams work together. Cross functional collaboration can help institutions move beyond silos and address complex challenges. Curiosity and a willingness to keep learning are important qualities in a rapidly changing technology environment. Higher education leaders need to continually adapt as technology, pedagogy, and learner needs change. Responsible approaches to emerging technologies, are increasingly important to digital learning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to UCF's Innovation Culture 39:12 Supporting Faculty and Students in Online Education 1:19:12 Maintaining Collaboration Across Teams 1:59:15 UCF's Legacy as an Online Education Trailblazer 2:39:22 Strategies for Sustaining Innovation Culture 3:19:26 Pushing Boundaries and Hiring for Curiosity *Resources: *UCF Division of Digital Learning: https://aiforall.ucf.edu/about/. A resource discussed in the episode on responsible AI, human oversight, accessibility, safety, and collaboration.  About Kevin Corcoran Kevin Corcoran is Assistant Vice Provost for the Center for Distributed Learning at the University of Central Florida, where he leads initiatives advancing the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of digital learning. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education and digital learning, his work spans online education, faculty development, learning technology, accessibility, open education, learning analytics, artificial intelligence, and immersive learning. Kevin is also the founder of the Learning Analytics Builders Coalition and has held leadership roles in statewide and national educational innovation initiatives. https://cdl.ucf.edu/teach/resources/o...   / kevinjcorcoran   About Kate McCaffrey Dr. Kate McCaffrey is the CEO and Founder of Paradigm Twist, LLC. https://calendly.com/paradigmtwist/ca... Website https://www.twistyourparadigm.com/ LinkedIn   / kate-mccaff   If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, share it with a colleague, and join us for future conversations.