Learning Library

Season 1 Episode 1

The Hawkes Edge Podcast

This conversation with Hawkes Learning CEO Scott Virkler explores the role of AI in higher education, focusing on its impact on teaching, learning, and student success. It delves into the evolution of AI, market trends, challenges, and Hawkes Learning's deliberate approach to AI implementation. The discussion also highlights the importance of deliberate building and integration of AI, as well as the future of higher education.

This session explores how applying adult learning principles can radically transform teaching and training practices. Drawing on real classroom experiences, the presenter highlights why traditional, child-centered, lecture-based approaches often fail adult learners. Participants will examine how adults’ prior knowledge, need for relevance, and preference for active, social learning can be leveraged to increase engagement and retention.

The session emphasizes practical strategies for designing learning experiences that foster motivation, critical thinking, and real-world application—shifting the focus from memorization to meaningful learning and lifelong thinking skills.

Set your students up for long term success in reading and writing by meeting them where they are.

This session explores how integrated review supports skill development across diverse student pathways without slowing down course momentum. Learn how diagnostic insights, targeted practice, and scaffolded resources help students strengthen foundational skills, build confidence, and stay engaged throughout the term. See how intentional review creates a more supportive learning experience that empowers students to progress toward mastery.

This keynote session explores how intentional community-building creates the conditions for deeper thinking, authentic engagement, and the kind of learning that stays with students long after the course ends. Drawing on cognitive science, classroom experience, and stories from faculty and learners, Christie will share:

• How belonging lowers cognitive load and opens students to risk-taking

• Why community is central to critical thinking, not separate from it

• How micro-interactions—tiny, consistent acts—build trust and classroom culture

• Practical, human-centered strategies faculty can use in any discipline

• Ways to create low-anxiety, high-motivation environments where students feel safe to question, explore, and grow 

The session is designed to uplift faculty, reconnect them to their purpose, and remind them that meaningful learning is fundamentally relational.

Today’s students need support that extends beyond scheduled class time, and AI Tutor delivers. In this session, discover how an always available AI study companion provides personalized, on demand assistance that reinforces mastery while keeping students engaged and on track.

We will explore how AI Tutor adapts to individual learning needs, promotes independent problem solving, and fosters confidence in a secure and distraction free environment. See how this tool helps instructors scale support while cultivating a stronger learning community for every student.

Create a biology classroom where students actively engage, collaborate, and build understanding together. This session highlights learning design strategies that support mastery through structured practice, meaningful feedback, and collaborative activities.

Explore tools and approaches that help students connect complex biological concepts, learn from one another, and progress with confidence. See how intentional course design fosters both academic success and a stronger sense of community in biology courses.

Gamification is a powerful tool for increasing student motivation and participation in the classroom. By making learning more interactive and engaging, it enhances student connection with course material, leading to improved retention and a deeper understanding.

In today’s AI-driven world, integrating gamification has never been easier, but we will also consider gamification from a traditional, non/low-tech perspective. This presentation will demonstrate a variety of gamification strategies applicable across different subjects and teaching styles. Importantly, gamification not only leads to more engaged and motivated students but potentially a more rewarding teaching experience for instructors. Attendees will leave with practical, easy-to-implement strategies to incorporate gamification into their courses, fostering a more dynamic and enjoyable learning environment.

In an ideal world we would match students’ learning styles to professors’ teaching styles, but in the real world this is not always possible. We often assume that students know how to learn from any teacher. Drawing attention to different learning styles at the start of the semester, can give our students a better chance to excel.