Episode 19: Hacking Innovation with Kevin Corcoran

Fostering Innovation in Higher EducationIn 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 TopicsThe evolution of online education at UCFCreating a culture of innovation and collaborationThe importance of curiosity and continuous learningMaintaining relevance as technology and pedagogy evolveSupporting faculty and students through digital learningBreaking down silos through cross functional collaborationLearning analytics and institutional capacityResponsible uses of artificial intelligenceTakeawaysInnovation 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.Chapters00:00 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 CuriosityResources: UCF Division of Digital Learning: Read more about the UCF Guiding Principles for Artificial Intelligence. A resource discussed in the episode on responsible AI, human oversight, accessibility, safety, and collaboration. About Kevin CorcoranKevin 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/open-ed-mic/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjcorcoran/About Kate McCaffreyDr. Kate McCaffrey is the CEO and Founder of Paradigm Twist, LLC. Connect with KateWebsite https://www.twistyourparadigm.comLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mccaff/If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, share it with a colleague, and join us for future conversations.