Mac Talks, Instructional Design and Instructional Technology, focused on Instructional Design in higher education. Hosted by the Instructional Design team at McLennan Community College in Waco, TX. Guests include faculty, staff, students and other IDI's from other institutions.
Listen on the drive to work, on the drive home, while you're doing laundry or just lounging out on the patio!
Mac Talks - Mac is our Highlander Mascot, and it also stands for McLennan Academic Community. Let's GO!
“Mindset Over Mandate: Why Accessibility Starts with You”
In this episode of MAC Talks, host Claire Wilkison teams up with special guests Claudette Jackson (Director of Accommodations & Title IX) and Katie Vise (Accommodations Coordinator) to dive into the real, raw, and sometimes hilarious truths about digital accessibility in higher education.
They share powerful "aha" moments—from navigating accommodations for students with disabilities to personal reflections on burnout and self-advocacy. The crew unpacks the new DOJ ruling on accessibility, what it really means for faculty and students, and how institutions can support inclusive design without losing their creative spark.
You'll hear:
Personal stories that flip the script on how we see disability and accommodation
Eye-opening insights on why font size and color contrast aren't just design details—they’re access points
Straight talk on what the DOJ accessibility ruling actually changes (spoiler: it’s more mindset than monster)
Tools, tips, and PD opportunities MCC is rolling out to support faculty—no Comic Sans allowed
Whether you're an accessibility pro or just starting the journey, this episode brings a blend of wit, wisdom, and warm-hearted advocacy that reminds us: when we design for access, everyone wins.
21 Mar 2025
Beyond Essays: How Audio Projects Amplify Student Voices
Looking to freshen up your classroom? Join us as Jessica Hobbs shares how podcasting has transformed her teaching approach. In this conversation, Jessica explains how replacing traditional essays with audio projects has engaged her students in ways she never expected.
Learn how podcasts have helped her students:
Connect classroom assignments to real-world applications
Express themselves authentically while working effectively with peers
Develop digital communication skills valued in today's workforce
Approach literature and research with renewed interest
Jessica's students are creating everything from historical narratives to community-focused content. If you're wondering how to modernize your teaching methods, this discussion offers practical insights into the educational potential of podcasting.
Designed for educators who want to enhance their teaching toolkit without compromising learning outcomes. See how audio projects might work in your classroom.
3 Mar 2025
Hacking Hyflex & AI: A Deep Dive with Joshua Sullwold
In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Sullwold, a tech-savvy educator from MCC’s Computer Information Systems department, to talk all things Hyflex teaching, cybersecurity, and AI in education. From web development to cybersecurity, Joshua’s classroom is a digital playground—except when Hyflex makes things a little chaotic.
We explore the challenges and strategies of Hyflex teaching, including the art of balancing in-person and online students without leaving anyone in the digital dust. Plus, we dive into AI’s role in education, from generating discussion prompts to predicting assignment difficulties—because who doesn’t want a little AI-powered magic in their workflow?
And if you’ve ever wondered about the future of AI (spoiler: it’s not taking over just yet), Joshua shares his thoughts on where the tech is heading and how educators can prepare.
Tune in for an insightful, engaging, and tech-forward conversation that might just change the way you think about teaching in the digital age!
Hosts:
John Ghazzagh - Coordinator, Instructional Design
TJ Waldie - Instructional Application Specialist
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
769,958
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
35
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
71
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