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Meet the practitioner

Technology works best when it brings people together.

Holly Owens, NextGround practitioner

Holly Owens

Instructional designer, higher education adjunct instructor, and host of the EdUp L&D podcast.

The route so far
  1. High School Social Studies Teacher
  2. Universities
  3. EdTech
  4. Corporate learning
  5. Graduate faculty
  6. Podcast host

Teaching, designing, and podcasting.

Holly Owens is an instructional designer, higher education adjunct instructor, and lifelong learner passionate about the intersection of technology, education, and human connection. She holds two master's degrees in Instructional Technology and Distance Learning and has more than 15 years of experience teaching in higher education. Holly also hosts the EdUp L&D podcast, exploring emerging trends and innovations in learning and development, particularly AI and human-centered learning.

A favorite teaching memory.

One of Holly's favorite teaching memories (and one that might make her feel a little old!) is watching students use a classroom Smart Board to play educational games and teach each other how to use the technology. At the time, it was groundbreaking and reinforced something she still believes: technology is most powerful when it brings people together and makes learning more engaging.

Outside of work.

Outside of work, Holly enjoys podcasting, traveling, and exploring new technology. She's also a Disney adult, Taylor Swift fan, and avid Baltimore Orioles supporter. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students build confidence, discover their potential, and realize what's possible for their futures.

Technology is most powerful when it brings people together and makes learning more engaging.

Working with Holly

What Holly can help you prepare for.

  • Moving from the classroom into instructional design
  • Designing learning for adults
  • Building a portfolio hiring managers want to see
  • Speaking the language of EdTech and L&D
Instructional designAdult learningLearning technologyAI in learningHuman-centered design
Started as
High school social studies teacher
Teaching in higher education
15+ years
Degrees
Two master's degrees
Podcast
Host of EdUp L&D
Request a session with Holly

Next stop

Routes open in small cohorts. Public registration opens Sunday evening. Drop your email and we'll send you the link.