Owl Talk
A Rice Digital Learning and Strategy Podcast
Episodes
Episode 3: Behind the Build
How Instructional Design Powers Online Education
In this episode of Owl Talk, host Daniel Villanueva sits down with Seth Tyger, senior course designer and team lead at Rice Digital Learning, to explore how instructional design shapes effective online learning. From aligning learning objectives, activities and assessments to building for accessibility, micro-lectures and a seamless studio-to-classroom production workflow, they discuss the practical strategies that help online courses teach clearly—and stick.
Episode 2: Google AI in Rice Classrooms
Gemini, Notebook LM, and Smarter Support for Students
In this episode of Owl Talk, host Daniel Villanueva sits down with Drew Seidel, head of North America, Google Workspace for Education, to explore how tools like Gemini for Education and NotebookLM are already supporting Rice students, faculty and staff in the classroom. From secure AI workspaces to smarter study support, they dig into what this partnership means for day-to-day teaching and learning at Rice—and where AI in education is headed next.
Episode 1 : Beyond the Hype
How AI is Reshaping Higher Education
This episode also highlights Kicking off Owl Talk, we sit down with Kathleen Perley, AI advisor and lecturer at Rice Business, to clarify what AI can do in teaching and learning and where its limits are. We discuss concrete ways to ease faculty workload, uphold academic integrity, personalize learning, and responsible use. This episode also highlights Teaching with AI at Rice: From Curiosity to Confidence, a Canvas course for Rice faculty taught by Kathleen Perley with the support of the Rice Digital Learning course design and video production team.
Stay Connected
Subscribe and Follow for Updates
Host
Join our host Dr. Daniel Villanueva as he dives into compelling conversations with experts, innovators, and change-makers across the digital learning sphere. With warmth, wit, and insight, he guides each episode to uncover fresh perspectives and spark meaningful dialogue.
📌 Get in Touch
To request to be featured on the podcast, please contact Dr. Daniel Villanueva at dv50@rice.edu.
About the Podcast
The Owl Talk podcast is a temporary series designed to highlight the new vision and expanded mission of Rice Digital Learning. Through a series of conversations with faculty, students, and staff, we explore how digital learning is evolving at Rice University and how it's being integrated into every aspect of the student experience.
Join us as we discuss new initiatives, innovative tools, and the future of education at Rice. This series is a key part of our effort to connect with the campus community and showcase how RDL is a partner in creating a more adaptable and inclusive learning environment.