Cap It!@Lindenwood

Educators have been faced with teaching in the face of adversity. Adapting to virtual learning, teaching during a pandemic, and making sure social and emotional wellness needs of students are met. Drs. Elder and Leavitt talk with Liz Lewis, Special Education Teacher, about her experience from the start of the pandemic to teaching during the 2020-2021 school year. Her perspectives on education and student needs are enlightening and her positive energy is inspiring. Tune in for a motivational end to the school year, as well as the last episode of CapIT! Drs. Elder and Leavitt will continue in a new podcast; keep listening until the end to hear what is next![Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Drs. Elder and Leavitt were honored to present a session at Lindenwood University focusing on using podcasts in the classroom. Listen to hear their "live" podcast at the end of their session where they speak to a faculty attendee, Assistant Professor of Art History, Trenton Olsen, about instructional strategies for the higher education classroom and how podcasting can work as an engagement strategy for undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty starting their own podcasts, such as CapIT! is shared as well! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Jeff Deckelbaum is on his doctoral journey and making great progress. What inspired him to begin his EdD and how has he stayed organized while tackling a complex dissertation topic? Listen to this CapIT! episode to hear Jeff's advice for making progress on the dissertation while pursuing the degree, as well as discussion on topic discovery, building a strong methodology, and much more!

Every school across the country is facing the same question: how do we safely prepare for a return to school during a pandemic? Drs. Leavitt and Elder virtually discuss this question with Superintendent of Hancock Place School District, Dr. Kevin C. Carl. He shares how his school handled the start of the pandemic to plans put in place for a safe start to school in August. The conversation also discusses leadership and what skill sets are needed for superintendents, principals, faculty, and others to best guide a school district and help parents and teachers during unprecedented times. Please tune in for inspiring leadership advice and notes of positivity to help start the fall 2020 school year.

Developing a dissertation topic can be overwhelming, especially when feeling on your own and not quite sure where to turn for help. Remember, there are always many resources available, they just may need to be accessed in a new way! Nancy Messina, Director of Reference Services, and Megan Phifer-Davis, Librarian for Outreach and E-Learning, share wonderful ways to find a topic worth researching and is of interest to you, the EdD student, and access resources to find a vast amount of literature to support such a topic. Tune in for developing dissertation topic tips, e-resources, and the other fantastic services available from the library! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

How is everyone? Drs. Elder and Leavitt take time during their podcast to ask just this question and give advice on how to stay motivated during this unprecedented time. They also discuss online learning and the new online EdD program which will begin in spring of 2021. Further, they ask you the listener for how you are coping and to share your stories as well as offer future podcast topics. Please tune in and share your stories with CapIT! and more importantly, stay safe, stay healthy, and take care. [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

The American Psychological Association (APA) Manual is a guidebook for social science researchers. Not only does it show correct APA formatting for a variety of references and citations, it gives the keys to writing concisely and accurately. The 6th edition has been the mainstay for over 10 years and the new 7th edition has just been released. The 7th edition offers changes that reflect the APA concise style and also the shift to our technology rich world. Join Drs. Elder and Leavitt as they go through all of the revisions in the new edition together! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Turning in a dissertation for the final read process is a day many doctoral students long for and a pinnacle point on the EdD journey. Today Drs. Elder and Leavitt sit down with Dr. Wisdom, Director of Graduate Studies, to discuss this process. Many details are discussed including how the process works from beginning to end, how students can best prepare their dissertations for a final reading, and what defines "final read" ready. You do not want to miss this inside look into the process that makes a finished paper into a published dissertation.

John R. Porter is not only the new President of Lindenwood University but also an EdD student at Johns Hopkins University. In this special episode of CapIT!, President Porter discusses his experience as a doctoral student and a life-long learner. Porter shares the topic of his dissertation, ways he stays motivated, how he balances a busy schedule, and the importance of the journey while earning a doctorate degree including building and keeping relationships. Listen as he describes his global journey and gives inspiring words of wisdom.  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

A new semester begins, and with it changes, reminders, and tips for starting the semester off on the right foot! Join Drs. Elder and Leavitt as they discuss changes to the EdD Program, reminders for having a successful semester, an overview of the redesigned Comprehensive Exam, and tips for writing the literature review. Much is covered in this fun, engaging, and information filled conversation. Begin the 2019 school year with a new episode of CapIT! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

CapIT! is on the road this week as Drs. Leavitt and Elder visit Lindenwood's Writing Center located in the LARC, Room 338. They sit down with Susan Edele, Director of Lindenwood's Writing Center, to discuss all the center has to offer EdD students. Many benefits include one on one help with dissertation writing, including APA citation assistance. Edele also offers writing tips during the conversation and advice for making the dissertation a scholarly piece. Join the conversation and book an online appointment for the Writing Center today! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

CapIT! hosted the first ever Data, Dignity, & Justice Forum on Ethical Issues & Research on April 8, 2019. The panel consisted of two faculty members, Dr. Ted Cohen, Assistant Professor of History, and Dr. Sherrie Wisdom, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the School of Education, one current EdD student, Greg Wagener, Coordinator of Student Discipline and Alternative Student Programs for the Parkway School District, and one EdD graduate, Dr. Leslie Muhammad, Acting Principal and Student Service Coordinator for Confluence Charter Schools. Mike Leary hosted the panel and asked questions regarding data collection, ethics involved in human subject research, risks involved in educational research, and much more. A great deal was discussed and thought-provoking questions were asked from Mr. Leary and the audience. CapIT! looks forward to hosting more forums in the future. Please tune in for this compelling conversation and visit Lindenwood's School of Education's Facebook page for the video. [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Lindenwood is so lucky to have the Library Academic Resource Center (LARC), and even more valuable than the library itself are the wonderful people there to assist students. One such person is Nancy Messina, Director of Reference Services. Join Drs. Elder, Leavitt, and Mrs. Messina as they discuss all the wonderful services the library has to offer, and more importantly, how to find them! Messina also shares how the library has evolved over the years, and keeps evolving, as well as great databases for EdD students. Many helpful resources are discussed on this episode so tune in to hear beneficial tips from Nancy Messina! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

The EdD journey can be a struggle at times and perseverance is essential. Shamonda Owens, EdD Candidate and soon to be graduate knows the struggle, but more importantly, she is the definition of perseverance. Shamonda visits with Dr. Leavitt, Dr. Elder, and students in Capstone III, to tell her inspiring story. This CapIT! conversation of tenaciousness and strength will help you persevere to completion! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Dr. Leavitt's reading of Amy Morin's book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do inspired this week's CapIT! conversation. Join Drs. Elder and Leavitt as they discuss Morin's list and the mental toughness they have seen exhibited in doctoral students. Tune in for stories of triumph, tips for success, and strategies for staying mentally tough during the doctoral journey! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Drs. Elder and Leavitt sit down with Lindenwood EdD graduate Dr. Rachel Morgan to discuss many of her passions. This illuminating conversation discusses Morgan's non-for-profit organization The Adam Morgan Foundation (assists families raising children with Autism), her research involving Andragogy, process of dissertation writing and completion, and much more. Dr. Morgan also gave details of her upcoming conference in April, the Adam Morgan Foundation National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Please join this inspiring conversation! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

A new semester is about to begin and Drs. Elder and Leavitt share all you need to know to start the year off right. From program and course changes, final read dissertation tips, to exciting events to put on your calendar for the year, you don't want to miss the first CapIT! episode of the spring semester! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Time. It can get away from us. This week, Drs. Elder and Leavitt give advice on how to best manage time so you can get the most out of engaging in your coursework, writing at home, and researching on your own. Tune in for tips on finishing this semester strong and starting the new one off on the right foot! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

As the end of another semester approaches, the time for Comprehensive Exams has come as well! At the end of the EdD Program, students take the Comprehensive Exams before enrolling in their final course: Capstone III. Today Dr. Leavitt interviews Dr. Elder to discuss the components of the exam, the best way to prepare for the Comps, and the importance of attending the prep sessions (happening this week!). If students are taking the exam this semester on December 8th, or in the future, this edition of CapIT! is extremely beneficial!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

In celebration of the School of Education's Centennial, Dr. Jon Landis from Apple's Education team gave a keynote address and sat down with Drs. Elder and Leavitt for CapIT! Dr. Landis discussed his own doctoral journey while working on his PhD in Sociology; he shared many relevant takeaways such as the importance of working with an adviser or chair and exploring unfamiliar territories. The role of technology in today's education system is also explored as Landis addressed in his keynote, it is time to change the assessment paradigms in this knowledge economy. Excellent ideas are delved into on this special edition of CapIT!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

For this edition of CapIT!, Drs. Elder and Leavitt sit down with the newest member of the Ed Leadership team, Dr. Nicole Vaux. Dr. Vaux comes to Lindenwood with a wealth of experience and knowledge from working in various K-12 schools and universities. She shares those experiences as well as her doctoral journey. Her advice on developing a topic, establishing a theoretical framework, and finding research is insightful and thought provoking. You will have a great deal to reflect upon after listening to Dr. Vaux's wise words.  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Drs. Elder and Leavitt presented at the Magna Teaching with Technology conference in downtown St. Louis on Sunday, October 7th. For their presentation they discussed this podcast, CapIT!, and they recorded a live podcast with another presenter, Madeline Craig. After the presentation they sat down with each other to discuss the other sessions they attended, and conferences and collaboration in the 21st century world. Join the Magna conversation! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

The Educational Leadership Department has a new Acting Assistant Dean, Dr. Bob Steffes! He graciously takes time out of his busy schedule to sit down with Drs. Elder and Leavitt to tell us about his career, new role at the university, work as a doctoral student, and advice for current EdD students. His inspiring words and great conversation makes for another must listen episode of CapIT! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Mike Leary, Director of IRB, joins the CapIT! podcast once again; this time to discuss the new IRB system, Cayuse. Lindenwood recently transitioned to Cayuse from IRBnet to process IRB applications. Mike Leary reviews the online system, application, and the importance of understanding human subject research. So much is learned when Director Leary stops by the CapIT! studio; do not miss this enlightening conversation!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

The fall semester is in full swing and this includes changes to the Internship course. Drs. Elder and Leavitt take time to reflect on the first week of the new semester and what students can expect in the Internship course. They also discuss feedback from students regarding what they most often need as they finish coursework and the dissertation. Join the conversation!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Summer is over and a new fall semester is about to begin. Drs. Elder and Leavitt discuss everything you need to know to have a great year, including important updates to the EdD program. There is a new IRB system, important tips for your dissertation writing, two new positions in our program, and so much more! Join us as we fill you in on all the news to keep you informed on all things EdD.  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

At the end of the EdD Program, students take the Comprehensive Exams before enrolling in their final course: Capstone III. Today Drs. Elder and Leavitt discuss the components of the exam including the standards they are aligned to, the best way to prepare in the weeks and days leading up to exam day, and specific takeaways from this summer's preparatory sessions. If you are taking the exam this Saturday, August 4th, or in the future, you want to hear these valuable insights on the Comps!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Dr. Anthony Scheffler, Lindenwood's new Dean in the School of Education, joins Drs. Elder and Leavitt for a CapIT! conversation. He discusses his journey to Lindenwood, reflects on his own doctoral experiences, and shares how he stayed motivated on the way to dissertation completion. You don't want to miss Dr. Scheffler's inspiring words and advice. Join us for a summer edition of CapIT!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Summer is just around the corner and we want to make sure your writing stays on track! Join us as we discuss courses, writing labs, and tips for overall success during these upcoming months and in the future. Don't take a break, stay on your journey and join the conversation!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

We continue our conversation on technology with Jana Gerard, the Learning Specialist for our Educational Technology Lab. Jana gives us excellent insight into the importance of getting out of our comfort zone (with technology, careers, and in all that we do!), technology and the K-12 world, what it means to be technologically literate, and explores topics for EdD students. You don't want to miss this informative and inspiring technology driven discussion!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Technology is all around us and can at times be overwhelming for students and professors. Lindenwood's Academic Technology Specialist and EdD student JeLena Fleming shows us how technology can be a useful tool for all of us. Listen as she gives us great programs and apps to use as well as tips for ease of use. Techies and old school learners alike do not want to miss this enlightening conversation!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

This week we take questions from you, the listeners! We also chose some of our most common questions that we hear in class and discuss them in this podcast. So join us as we discuss preparing for the oral defense, steps to take in preparing for graduation, what to do once you receive the EdD, and much more. Also, please keep your questions coming! We may answer yours on an upcoming podcast. [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

The last part of the EdD journey is the oral defense presentation. Drs. Elder and Leavitt discuss what it takes to get to this point in the process and all the components that make a successful defense. So if you have reached this milestone or are just getting started, this conversation will help you at any point in your path to completion. Join us! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Join Drs. Elder and Leavitt as they discuss more advice and research for keeping you, the EdD student, motivated on the EdD journey. The conversation picks up from the last podcast on motivation including what is motivation and researched motivational tools to use while working on the dissertation. You don't want to miss this encouraging conversation to keep you on the road to completion!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]  

Join us as we discuss Andragogy with Dr. Frank Giuseffi, our adjunct professor of andragogy courses at Lindenwood. He also offers wonderful insight on the importance of questioning in research, using 21st century skills, and staying curious. You do not want to miss this inspiring conversation! [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Join us for Part II of our conversation with Dr. Sherrie Wisdom, Supervisor of Graduate Research, as she walks us through the prospectus process, #8-12, or how to write up the methodology or research design of the dissertation study. If you missed it, make sure to check out our previous podcast, Part I with Dr. Wisdom as we discussed #1-7 of the prospectus or the purpose and rationale.  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]  

Join an extremely helpful and informative conversation with Dr. Sherrie Wisdom, Supervisor of Graduate Research, as she walks us through the prospectus process, #1-7, or how to write up the purpose and rationale of the dissertation study. Then, join us next week as the conversation continues with the second half of the prospectus, methodology.  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Dr. Mary Ruettgers joins the CapIt conversation and shares her advice on completing the EdD journey and making it purposeful.  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Join Drs. Leavitt and Elder as they discuss research on motivation specifically geared towards you, the doctoral student, on the EdD journey.  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Dr. Mitch Nasser, Higher Education Program Chair, joins the conversation as we discuss the higher education programs at Lindenwood and advice for doctoral students on their journey.  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Mr. Leary, Lindenwood IRB Director, shares his thoughts on thinking of research design as a story-plus recent web updates and supports available to the student.  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Dr. Jessica Randolph joins the conversation and shares her thoughts as a recent EdD graduate. She discusses her journey, topic development, and the dissertation process. Join us!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

Drs. Leavitt and Elder discuss creating your research topic, passing the "so what" test and the importance of understanding the "why".  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

In this episode we discuss what makes the successful EdD student just that, successful! Also, we offer advice for choosing a chair to help you on your journey as well as committee members.  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]

With this podcast, we hope to offer an alternative platform to communicate with you, the doctoral student; we want to provide an increased transparency for "all things dissertation". This podcast is designed for you, on your journey to CapIt!  [Music by Brian Elder, “Gateway City”, widerivermusic.com]