Adult Learning Exchange Virtual Community Podcast

Dr. Julia Denholm is the author of Chapter 8. She currently serves as the Dean of Lifelong Learning at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. She was formerly Dean, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, at CapilanoUniversity, as well as Dean of kálax-ay, Capilano’s Sunshine Coast campus. She obtained her Ph.D. in educational studies and her a Master of Arts in English literature from the University of British Columbia. Denholm is a distinguishedacademic leader and educator known for her commitment to enhancing post-secondary education. With a background in English literature and a passion for the liberal arts, Dr. Denholm is dedicated to fostering student success andadvocating for innovative teaching practices that bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. Her work focuses on curriculum development, interdisciplinary studies, and experiential learning.  Throughout her career, she has been a mentor to both students, staff, and faculty, promoting lifelong learning and professional growth.Transcripts

Dr. Sarah Bond was raised in east central Illinois and was actively involved in 4-H for 12 years and the FFA for six years. She believes that her educational and leadership success is attributed to the opportunities she received in agriculture and these organizations. In 1991-92, she served as the State FFA Secretary-Treasurer, which allowed her to travel across the state and speak with high school students, business leaders, and educational institutions about the importance of Career and Technical Education.Transcripts

Dr. Xi Lin is a co-author of Chapter 6. She holds a B.M. degree in Public Utilities Management from the North China Electric Power University, a M.A. in Communications and a Ph.D. inAdult Education from Auburn University. Xi Lin is currently an associate professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Professions at East Carolina University. Dr. Lin is dedicated to exploring how technology can enhance teaching andlearning in higher education. Her research focuses on student engagement and interaction in online and distance learning and international students and faculty in the US higher education. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, edited and authored multiple books and chapters, contributing valuable insights into best practices for online instruction and the use of multimedia in education.Transcripts

Dr. Linnea M. Haren Conely leads curriculum development at AIDT, Alabama’s workforce development agency where she designs training programs to prepare Alabama citizens for jobs at the state’s new and expanding businesses. Dr. Haren Conely is also the founder of Questia Corps, a social impact training consultancy. Her research focuses on the intersections of lifelong learning, civic engagement, and technology. She holds a Ph.D. in Adult Education from Auburn University, a M.R.P. in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University, a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Kent State University, and a M.L.A. in English from Auburn Montgomery University.  Podcast Transcript

Yan Dai is the co-author of Chapter 6. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Educational Psychology program at Auburn University. Her research interests include motivation, particularly self-efficacy and self-regulation. She has over 15 years of experience as an ESL instructor in China, and was recognized as the FLTR (Foreign Language Teaching and Research) Outstanding Mentor for guiding a student to victory in the National English Contest in China. Podcast Transcript

Dr. Michael Wooten is the author of Chapters 4 (on the brain) and 13 (this podcast). He is Emeritus Professor of Genetics with the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University. Wooten reflects on his 36-year career as a faculty member within a land-grant institution of higher learning. He shares how the common practice of faculty members in the sciences begin teaching without any formal training in education theory and how he navigated the learning journey. Podcast Transcript

Dr Stephen O’Brien the author of Chapter 11 and is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, University College Cork, Ireland. He is Programme Director for the Postgraduate Diploma in Further, Adult and Community Education (PDFACE). O’Brien sets the scene for critically examining Further Education and Training learners’ transition to university, discussing how ‘voice’ is central to the university’s mission and can deepen inclusion in the Higher Education community. Podcast Transcript

Dr. Luan is a researcher and educator from China and one of three authors who collaborated on the Chinese chapter. She also shares the unique differences in Chinese higher education and culture that impact adult learners and their growth as learners. Lingfei has a background in educational psychology, and in this episode, she helps us better understand the perceptions of adult learners to better understand knowledge acquisition and memory in the learning process.  Episode Transcript

Mr. Colin McGregor has had a long career in Adult Education. He recently retired as the Director of the peak body for Adult Education in New Zealand (NZ) - Adult and Community Education (ACE) Aotearoa. In this podcast episode, Colin shares his thoughts about NZ’s bi-cultural society and how we might learn from collaborations and partnerships across the world. In addition, he discusses the importance of policy and funding for ACE. Episode Transcript

Dr. Jan Schiller is a Helmut Schmidt University researcher with a background in sociology and educational philosophy. In this episode, he highlights Bildung's importance to adult education and lifelong learning. This chapter highlights the digital transformations critical to higher education and learning in later life. Episode Transcript