Top Hat

05/28/2026

What if AI could help students engage more deeply with readings instead of helping them avoid them?

In this episode of "Intentional Teaching," Professor Jessa Roisen shares how she uses AI-powered activities in Top Hat to make philosophy readings more active, and engaging. Students role-play conversations with characters from the text, teach concepts back to AI chatbots, and explore ideas through examples tailored to their own interests.

It’s a thoughtful example of using AI to help students wrestle with complex ideas in more meaningful ways.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Derek Bruff: https://intentionalteaching.buzzsprout.com/2069949/episodes/19191897-supporting-student-reading-with-jessa-roisen-and-donna-battista

05/20/2026

“Read Chapter 3” sounds simple enough. But for many students, making sense of complex readings requires more structure and support along the way.

In this episode of "Intentional Teaching," Professor Jessa Roisen shares how she uses Top Hat to help students engage more deeply with difficult texts. Instead of assigning 25 pages and hoping for the best, she embeds questions directly into the reading to help students pause, reflect and process key ideas as they go.

It’s a smart, practical rethink of what the reading experience can look like.🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Derek Bruff: https://intentionalteaching.buzzsprout.com/2069949/episodes/19191897-supporting-student-reading-with-jessa-roisen-and-donna-battista

04/30/2026

Your summer reading list = upgraded. 📖

We’ve rounded up standout titles from influential voices featured in our latest blog—authors who are rethinking education, student engagement and the classroom experience. Check out the latest work from Flower Darby, Jessamyn Neuhaus, Susan Blum and more!

See which books (and podcasts) made the cut 👇

Looking for teaching inspiration this summer? Check out our reading and listening list on topics ranging from student engagement to mental health.

04/27/2026

As the semester comes to a close, the real impact of teaching is just beginning.

To the instructors who sparked curiosity, challenged thinking, and made learning stick, this is your moment, too. Because students leave with more than knowledge. They leave with confidence, questions and possibility.

Here's a small reminder of the impact educators make every single day — with love from Top Hat.

04/23/2026

AI is changing learning. Shouldn’t assessment change, too?

Join Dr. Susan Blum (author of "Ungrading") for a live webinar on April 30 to explore fresh, alternative approaches that boost student engagement and deepen learning.

✨ Rethink traditional grading
✨ Discover authentic assessment strategies
✨ Walk away with practical ideas you can use right away

⏰ Don’t miss it—this session won’t be recorded. Sign up: https://tophat.com/events/higher-learnings-alternative-assessment/?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=higher-learnings&utm_content=blum-video

04/15/2026

Reading isn’t just about keeping up with coursework—it might be one of the last places students can actually slow down and think. In a world of constant pings, scrolls, and notifications, that’s not easy.

In our latest episode of Higher Listenings, Jim Lang (author of "Small Teaching" and "Distracted") reframes reading not as a requirement—but as a gift. One that can bring focus, clarity, and even a bit of calm in an otherwise fragmented day.

The challenge is, how do we help students experience that? Give it a listen: https://tinyurl.com/rpyppb5x

04/13/2026

Are traditional grades still serving learning—or holding it back?

Join us on April 30 at 2 PM ET for “Alternative Assessment or the End of Learning,” featuring Dr. Susan D. Blum, author of "Ungrading." Together, we’ll explore how instructors are rethinking assessment in the age of AI—shifting the focus back to meaningful learning and engagement. 🧠

Register now: https://lnkd.in/gYvT9c6X

04/08/2026

AI isn’t the end of assignments—it’s a chance to make them better. ✨

In this video and practical post, Dr. Jessa Roisen at St. Ambrose University shares ready-to-use AI assignment ideas that spark deeper thinking, engagement and meaningful learning in any classroom.

Get inspired here:

Explore 7 practical strategies for using AI as a thinking partner—not a shortcut—in your college classroom. Includes adaptable activities for any discipline.

04/02/2026

Education was built to deliver information. The future demands something more.

This week, Tawnya Means joins us explores the need to design learning that develops human potential, deepens thinking, and uses AI as a partner in discovery. Because in an AI-infused world, what matters most aren’t just answers—but adaptable, conscientious thinkers who ask better questions.

🎧 Listen now: https://tophat.com/teaching-resources/podcast/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=higher-listenings

03/27/2026

Attention, motivation, memory—psychology shapes how students learn. But what happens when those principles are brought to life in the classroom?

At McMaster University, Michelle Cadieux is doing exactly that—turning psychological insights into dynamic, interactive learning experiences… and driving an incredible 90% attendance rate.

Read now:

Read how one McMaster University professor increased student engagement and reached 90% attendance in a large psychology course with Top Hat.

03/19/2026

Are you teaching students, leading a team, or working alongside colleagues? This conversation will change how you show up. Because the real issue isn’t apathy or disengagement—it’s the feeling of insignificance.

Bestselling author Zach Mercurio ("The Power of Mattering") shares practical, research-backed ways to help people feel seen, valued and needed.

Don't miss this one. Listen now: https://tophat.com/teaching-resources/podcast/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=higher-listenings