In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Michael and Vernon welcome Dr. Ira Lovitch, an experienced business faculty member and longtime educator in online higher education.

Ira introduces his Five M’s framework for innovation, a model that helps leaders understand how change happens inside organizations. In this first part of the conversation, the discussion focuses on the first three elements of the model:

• Measurement
• Methods
• Machines

Together, they explore how institutions evaluate progress, improve processes, and leverage technology to support meaningful innovation in education.

This conversation is especially valuable for leaders and educators working to navigate change in complex institutions.

Show Notes

In this episode we discuss:

• Ira Lovitch’s Five M’s framework for innovation
• Why measurement matters when evaluating change
• How methods and processes shape innovation
• The role of technology and tools (“machines”) in education
• Lessons from years of teaching and leading in online higher education

This episode is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

In the next episode, we explore the final two elements of Ira’s framework: Humans and Environment.

Dr. Ira Lovitch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iralovitch557
Mount St. Mary’s University: https://www.msmu.edu/

Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com

Episode Description

In Part 2 of this conversation on the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Michael Cottam continues his discussion with Andrea Dunn, focusing on the evolving landscape of Open Educational Resources, generative AI, and change leadership in higher education.

Andrea reflects on how institutions are responding to rising costs, emerging technologies, and shifting learner expectations—and why successful change requires more than new tools. From AI-supported workflows to small but meaningful design decisions, this episode highlights the deeply human side of innovation.

Leaders will gain practical insights into navigating resistance, identity, and trust while guiding teams through continuous change.

In this episode, we explore:

• How OER has evolved across states and institutions
• What generative AI is changing—and what still requires human judgment
• Why small design and language choices can shape learner belonging
• How listening and empathy strengthen leadership during disruption

This episode is ideal for leaders, faculty, and professionals seeking thoughtful, learner-centered approaches to innovation in higher education.

Episode Description

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Michael Cottam is joined by Andrea Dunn, a strategic technology and operations leader with more than 20 years of experience driving large-scale initiatives in higher education.

Andrea shares behind-the-scenes insights from her work leading enterprise course materials and Open Educational Resource (OER) initiatives at scale—impacting tens of thousands of learners. Together, we explore what it really takes to implement meaningful change across complex systems while keeping students, faculty, and staff at the center.

This conversation is especially valuable for leaders working from the middle—those navigating priorities, resistance, and execution across institutional boundaries.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How OER and digital course materials can reduce cost while improving access and learning outcomes
• What large-scale change looks like behind the scenes in higher education
• How agile and product-focused leadership supports sustainable innovation
• Why listening, iteration, and empathy matter as much as strategy

Whether you work in academic leadership, instructional design, IT, or student support, this episode offers practical lessons for leading change thoughtfully and effectively.