Why Distance Learning?

In this episode of "Why Distance Learning," we delve into the transformative role of Shared Studios' immersive technology in global education. Our guests, Dr. Brandon Ferderer, Head of Programming at Shared Studios, and Ross Phillips, a dedicated social studies teacher from Winnacanet High School, discuss the impact of full-body virtual interactions that connect students worldwide, fostering genuine human connections and empathy. This technology transcends traditional video conferencing, allowing users to engage deeply with diverse cultures and global issues, to enhance understanding, and to promote global citizenship. The discussion highlights real classroom impacts, such as Ross Phillips' integration of these tools into his curriculum, which has significantly enhanced students' understanding of complex issues like immigration and cultural diversity. We also explore the storytelling power of Shared Studios, where participants share their experiences in unique and impactful ways. This episode provides a compelling look at how innovative technologies can transform educational environments into global forums for cultural exchange, preparing students to navigate and influence an interconnected world effectively. Guest Links: Shared Studios: https://www.sharedstudios.com/ Host links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at Tami Moehring and Allyson MItchell's CILC.org Seth Fleischauer's Banyan Global Learning helps schools leverage technology for teacher and student wellness including AI literacy PD for teachers and, for students, live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

As a companion to episode #29A - Teaching Culture Across Cultures with Wendy Lee - this episode features six seventh-grade students from Tsai Hsing School in Taipei, Taiwan. Each student responds to the question, "Why Distance Learning?" The students are part of a daily distance learning program called Learning Live, a collaboration between Tsai Hsing School, where Wendy teaches and serves as the Director of Research and Development, and Banyan Global Learning, founded by this podcast's co-host, Seth Fleischauer. This episode was recorded as part of a teaching unit on podcasting. Students were asked the question, "Why Distance Learning?"; their most thought-provoking answers are featured in this episode. Seth recorded his interviews with these students live during their Learning Live class periods, while their classmates observed the recording process and discussed the experience afterwards. Common observations from the students included their enjoyment of the recording platform, Riverside.fm, and the realization that podcasting was more involved than they had imagined. Tune in to hear these insightful young voices share their unique perspectives on the value and importance of distance learning in today's interconnected world. Guest links 1. Tsai Hsing School - http://english.thsh.tp.edu.tw/ 2. World of 8 Billion - https://www.worldof8billion.org/ Host links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell's CILC.org Seth Fleischauer's Banyan Global Learning helps schools leverage technology for teacher and student wellness including AI literacy PD for teachers and, for students, live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

We welcome Wendy Lee from Tsai Hsing School in Taipei, Taiwan who discusses the multifaceted roles of local teachers in a global distance learning language program called Learning Live. She highlights the challenges and responsibilities these educators face daily, emphasizing their need to be detail-oriented, capable of multitasking, and flexible to handle the unexpected. Key responsibilities include managing student behavior, ensuring comprehension in a non-native language (English), facilitating group projects, and providing on-site technical support. Wendy explains that the program collaborates with teachers from Banyan Global Learning - who provides the lead teachers over live, virtual conference - to deliver a curriculum that not only teaches English, but also integrates cultural awareness. Original curricula cover various stories and themes, such as following a Taiwanese student named Luna as she travels in America and Latin America, with each unit tied to a U.N. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and including significant group projects. The conversation also touches on cultural sensitivity in teaching, particularly around topics like gender equity. Wendy shares an instance where categorizing adjectives by gender proved challenging for Taiwanese students due to cultural differences in gender perception. This leads to discussions on how to redesign activities to better address and teach gender equity, highlighting the importance of cultural context in educational content. Wendy advocates for strong communication and cooperation between local and distance learning teachers to enrich students' learning experiences and foster global perspectives. She stresses the long-term benefits of understanding and empathy in educational settings, which can significantly impact students' development and worldview. Guest links 1. Tsai Hsing School - http://english.thsh.tp.edu.tw/ 2. Bridges to Prosperity - https://bridgestoprosperity.org/ Host links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell's CILC.org Seth Fleischauer's Banyan Global Learning helps schools leverage technology for teacher and student wellness including AI literacy PD for teachers and, for students, live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

In this episode, the WDL crew welcomes Jen Sayre, Director of Applied Technology at Fairfield County ESC, Ohio. They delve into the essence of high-quality online learning experiences and the genesis of InnevAto EDU, a comprehensive online course catalog for grades 6-12. Jen shares inspiring stories of students who leveraged online learning to chase their dreams, underscoring the urgency of reconceptualizing educational time and space. They also discuss InnevAto's collaboration with CareerTech, aiming to offer career-specific electives alongside practical experiences. Throughout the conversation, Jen underscores the critical needs of teachers and course developers in adapting to online education. She stresses the significance of integrating SEL, ADA compliance, and DEI principles into digital learning environments. Jen advocates for robust training for educators, emphasizing web accessibility and the effective incorporation of SEL and DEI into online curricula. Highlighting the customized nature of online assessments, she calls for a fresh approach to educational logistics. Jen's insights underline the unparalleled accessibility and adaptability of online learning, framing it as a cornerstone for future educational endeavors. Guest Links: InnevAto Edu: https://www.innevatoedu.org/ Host links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at Tami Moehring and Allyson MItchell's CILC.org Seth Fleischauer's Banyan Global Learning helps schools leverage technology for teacher and student wellness including AI literacy PD for teachers and, for students, live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

Valary Oleinik describes herself as part artist, part geek, and wholly dedicated to enhancing live virtual learning experiences. Her unique approach, blending curiosity, gameful experiences, and technology, positions her as a key influencer and innovator in the field. Valary's dedication to breaking traditional education molds is evident as she explains her methodologies for making distance learning more engaging and effective. By leveraging her "MacGyver mindset," she encourages educators to utilize available resources creatively and to rethink their approaches to teaching and learning in virtual environments. Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of curiosity, creativity, and the use of technology to foster engaging learning experiences that cater to diverse learning journeys. Throughout the conversation, Valary shares anecdotes and examples from her work, including her innovative "in and out of the box" thinking exercises and her commitment to volunteerism within the learning community, particularly through her roles at the US Distance Learning Association (USDLA). Her strategies for overcoming challenges in distance education, such as fostering engagement and addressing the fears and reservations of educators new to the virtual format, resonate with the overarching theme of the podcast. Valary's insights into gamification, the power of choice in learning, and the necessity of adapting to learners' needs underscore the transformative possibilities that distance learning offers. The discussion serves as an inspiration for educators seeking to navigate and excel in the realm of live virtual learning, reinforcing this podcast's mission to explore the medium's dynamic capabilities. Guest links: Valary With A Why - https://www.valarywithawhy.com/ Host links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at Tami Moehring and Allyson MItchell's CILC.org Seth Fleischauer's Banyan Global Learning helps schools leverage technology for teacher and student wellness including AI literacy PD for teachers and, for students, live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

In this episode, Seth and Allyson interview Michelle Carlisle, an expert, experienced distance learning educator. They discuss Michele's world language program in Ohio, which offers several languages that would not be available were it not for live virtual instruction. Michelle shares the history and development of the program, as well as the challenges and successes of teaching languages remotely. They also explore the importance of building relationships in distance learning and how teachers can create connections with their students. Finally, they discuss Go Learn, a platform that allows school districts to offer and access additional courses through live virtual instruction. The conversation explores the implementation of hybrid learning models and the importance of preparing students for the future workforce. It also discusses innovative teaching methods and the benefits of distance learning. Takeaways Host Links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning prepares students for real life with live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

In this episode, the team interviews Adam Bair, a parent whose daughter participates in CILC's Community of Learning events. Adam shares his journey and the impact of distance learning on the education of his daughter Emma who is deaf. They discuss the importance of exposure to new content for children with hearing loss and the impact of using American Sign Language (ASL) on learning methods and outcomes. Adam also highlights the evolution of accessibility features in video conferencing and the funding opportunities available for accessibility initiatives. Mention is made that as people age and their hearing is reduced similar accomodation supports their continued mental health. The conversation emphasizes the power of distance learning to provide equitable access to education. Takeaways Episode links: deafchildren.org/Host links: The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) offers free Memberships and interactive virtual learning programs and resources: cilc.org/ Tune-in to the CILC Community of Learning education series that airs every Tuesday -Friday at 1PM. Select programs have live American Sign Language (ASL Interpretation), thanks to Emma and the American Society for Deaf Children. Check out the full schedule and register for FREE here: cilc.org/community.Check out Banyan Global Check out Learning Live virtual programs for character education at https://banyangloballearning.com/live-virtual-field-trips/.

This episode's guest is Emily Kotecki, the principal and founder of High Beam Strategies. With a wealth of experience in online learning, including crafting audio tours and developing apps for museums, Emily shares her expertise in creating compelling digital learning experiences. Drawing from her work with clients and her publication The Distance Learning Workbook, she emphasizes the importance of building a robust foundation for distance learning initiatives. Through a detailed discussion, Emily addresses the challenges and opportunities of engaging digital visitors, expanding museum audiences, and innovative revenue models through digital platforms. She underscores the significance of distance learning in extending the reach of museums beyond their local communities, fostering global connections, and democratizing access to cultural education. The episode further explores the nuances of professional development in the digital age, pondering the design differences between asynchronous and synchronous sessions, and strategies to enhance teacher engagement with professional development. Emily's insights into creating live virtual field trips and her model for virtual field trip creation are particularly compelling, offering listeners a blueprint for inspiring and implementing digital learning projects. The conversation culminates in a playful yet enlightening round of Museum Buzzwords Alphabet, alongside a reflective question on the overarching importance of distance learning. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for educators, museum professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of culture, education, and technology, providing actionable strategies and thought-provoking perspectives on the future of digital learning and museums. Guest link: High Beam Strategies: https://highbeamstrategies.com/. Click through to download "The Distance Learning Workbook." Host links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at Allyson & Tami's CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning provides teacher Professional Development in AI Literacy and special event live virtual learning for students.

In this episode, our hosts delve into the world of distance learning with a focus on the experiences of students and teachers from Ghana. The episode features engaging interviews with three inspiring students: Shelter, a high school student aspiring to be an obstetrician; Annabel, a junior high student who dreams of becoming a journalist; and Rashida, who aims to be a fashion designer. Each student shares her unique 'golden moments' of using live video conferencing while highlighting the impact of distance learning on their personal and academic growth. The conversation also invites Godfred, a dedicated educator and facilitator at Osagyefo Leadership International School in Accra, to share his perspective. Godfred brings a wealth of knowledge in teaching Science and Mathematics. His passion for making learning fun and accessible shines through as he discusses the flexibility of distance learning and its transformative role in providing quality education. A key part of the discussion revolves around how distance learning enables these students and teachers to share and correct misconceptions about Ghanaian culture. They explore the collaborative process of developing workshops that showcase different elements of their culture, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among global audiences. The episode also delves into the technological aspects of distance learning, with a particular focus on the hardware used -- video conferencing equipment, green screens, and more. The guests express their excitement and fascination with these tools, emphasizing how they enhance the learning experience. This leads to a discussion on the future of education technology, with a nod to the impact of Cisco equipment. Bertram, the Oiada Ambassador, filmmaker, actor, and writer, also joins the conversation, bringing insights from his experience in Public Relations Management. Overall, this episode highlights the power of distance learning in bridging cultural gaps and empowering students and teachers in Ghana. Guest Links: Oiada International - https://www.oiadaintl.org/ Host links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning prepares students for real life with live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

In this episode, Tracy Rowley, the Senior Director of Instructional Technology and Online Education for the Tucson Unified School District, delves into the transformative role of virtual field trips in education. Tracy highlights the distinctive experiences these trips offer, such as a golden moment she describes with a virtual trip to the Smithsonian, which particularly resonated with English Language Learners through live interactions with experts. She emphasizes the difference between virtual field trips and mere website visits, underscoring the value of active engagement with field experts. Tracy also addresses the challenges in implementing these innovative teaching methods, discussing the protocols for distance learning developed in Tucson and how she supports teachers through resources, professional development, and technology. The podcast not only showcases her role in the classroom and her advocacy for practical technology use, but also her efforts in building community connections and balancing asynchronous and synchronous learning experiences. The episode further explores how virtual field trips can break down geographical, economic, social, and cultural barriers, providing equitable access to educational opportunities. Tracy shares her insights on the importance of teachers trying new technologies, like esports, and the role of instructional technology in enhancing learning. She speaks about her involvement in helping national parks design their virtual field trips and the technical aspects of integrating these experiences into the classroom. The discussion also covers how she differentiates between fleeting tech trends and lasting tools, and the strategies she employs to encourage teachers to innovate and connect with each other. Key Takeaways: Show links: Learning LIVE: Designing Meaning Virtual Experiences to Enhance Curriculum - https://wakelet.com/wake/Wqe0Tt5Lcl9xDuTroj9CV Host Links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning prepares students for real life with live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

Dive into the captivating world of live virtual learning with our latest episode featuring Karin Davidson-Taylor, a seasoned School Programs Officer at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ontario. With her rich background of over 17 years in teaching, Karin has transformed RBG into a hub for interactive virtual learning, reaching audiences across North America and beyond. In this episode, Karin shares her inspiring journey and the golden moments of using live video in education. She tackles the persistent challenges of distance learning and reveals how she makes the wonders of plants come alive on screen. Explore how Karin balances in-studio with garden programs, and discover her unique approach to customizing content for diverse international standards. Delve into the art of making plants exciting over live video and learn about her innovative use of document cameras to zoom in on the natural world. We also discuss the importance of plants in our daily lives, their role in the environment, and how Karin addresses the common belief that nature is best learned outdoors. Key Takeaways: Join us for this enlightening conversation with Karin Davidson-Taylor and gain valuable insights into the world of live virtual learning, where nature meets technology in the most engaging ways. Guest Links: See Royal Botanical Gardens' amazing Live Virtual Programs: https://www.rbg.ca/things-to-do/courses-camps-programs/virtual-field-trips/ Host Links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning prepares students for real life with live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

In this episode, we delve into the world of live virtual learning with our special guest, Mary Schlegelmilch, an expert in distance learning (DL) and former classroom teacher who now works on a broader scale in the field. Mary shares her journey from being deeply involved in the classroom to addressing the challenges of DL at a systemic level. She discusses the evolution of her role, as her focus shifted from hands-on classroom teaching to strategic planning for the widespread adoption of DL technologies. Mary, now responsible for preparing all K-12 schools in the nation to use Cisco as a solution for DL, sheds light on the hurdles schools face in adopting DL, and how the pandemic has reshaped the landscape of distance education. Her insights are not only profound, but also showcase the transformative power of DL in education today. The episode is not just an interview but a treasure trove of information and inspiration for educators and content providers engaged in live virtual learning. Mary's story is a testament to the potential of DL in addressing current educational challenges, such as the teacher shortage, through innovative solutions like the hybrid logistics project. This project exemplifies a new, hybrid model of education where active learning and great teaching converge. Moreover, Mary's emphasis on teaching students how to find and discern information, rather than just imparting knowledge, highlights a significant shift in educational paradigms. --- Guest Bio: Mary Schlegelmilch joined Cisco’s Education team in 2011. With her extensive knowledge in distance, blended and online learning, Mary is dedicated to education and implementing technology in today’s education environments. Hybrid teaching and learning and enabling the student experience is a main focus as we re-imagine education campuses and learning models. She has worked in both rural and urban schools, as an early childhood educator, an elementary teacher and a middle school science teacher. She has been an elementary school principal, district administrator, and a post-secondary instructor. She has served as president of the Nebraska Distance and Digital Learning Association and other board positions for the past 17 years. Mary’s recent publications include Digital Media in Teaching and its Added Value and The Digital Revolution in Higher Education: How the Internet of Everything is Changing Everything. Mary continues to publish blogs (https://blogs.cisco.com/author/maryschlegelmilch) pertaining to technology and education. Mary was awarded the Hurley Private Sector Champion Award by CoSN, for her work in fostering conversations and workshops with district leadership about solutions that enable Secure Hybrid Learning Environments for school districts. Most recently she is the 2023 EDTECH LEADERSHIP AWARD winner. --- Check out the Hybrid Logistics Project: https://thelearningcounsel.com/pages/hybrid-logistics-project/ --- Host links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning prepares students for real life with live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

The episode features an interview with Adam Mangana and Dan Sturdevant of Optima Online Academy, the world’s first all-VR school. Optima aims to merge classical education in the liberal arts and humanities with cutting-edge virtual reality technology. Optima offers a classical curriculum based on great books and stories to prepare students to be their most human in an age of AI. The founders argue that VR is not bleeding-edge tech but rather the inevitable evolution of technology, just as books were initially criticized yet ultimately transformed learning. A key challenge Optima faces is building school culture and overcoming loneliness in a virtual environment. They use techniques like virtual scavenger hunts based on classics like The Scarlet Pimpernel, designing naturalistic social spaces, and activities drawn from canonical stories to foster student connection. Specific learning activities highlighted include Latin classes in preparation for computer science and coding, the concept of VR as a "memory palace." The overall focus is equity of access to high-quality education. Optima seeks to leverage the immersive properties of VR to ground students in classical education and culture. As the internet transforms into three dimensions, the school aims to maintain the best of humanities-based learning while expanding access with virtual technology. Dan and Adam argue this fusion will optimize preparation for the future of learning and human-AI collaboration. --- Guest Bios: Dan Sturdevant Upon graduation from Wheaton College (IL), Dr. Sturdevant moved to Charlotte, NC to teach at Providence Day School. Within a few years he married Christa (also Dr. Sturdevant) and they moved to Raleigh, where he continued teaching and earned a Duke masters focused on skills for student success. He later earned a UNC doctorate in Educational Leadership, completing a dissertation evaluating NC charter schools’ efficiency. Dr. Sturdevant believes in experiential education, student success and healthy school cultures. He has over a decade of classroom experience and has led schools at all levels. He firmly believes in Optima Academy Online’s mission to shape the next generation with its classically aligned, virtual reality education. Outside of school, the Drs. Sturdevant have two wonderful daughters and enjoy spending time together hiking, biking, and exploring new places. Adam Mangana Adam Mangana is a respected figure in education, known for integrating virtual reality into the classroom. As Founder of Optima Ed, he has created VR curriculum solutions that cater to modern learners. Previously, Adam served as Head of School at Benedict Day, where he established the first-ever VR Lab in the Pine Belt. He has also worked as Director of the Extended Reality Lab at Jackson Prep. Adam is passionate about curating the best VR educational experiences and empowering student content creation. Adam has spoken at various conferences including NAIS and SAIS, and co-hosts the “Ready Teacher One” podcast on VR’s role in the future of learning. With degrees from Brown and Vanderbilt in Independent School Leadership, and as a Teach for America alum and Albert Bennett award recipient, Adam has a foundation in both education and technology. His expertise in VR education has supported numerous schools to deliver exceptional learning experiences. Guest links: Optima Online Academy: https://www.optimaacademy.online/ Host links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at Tami and Allyson's CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning prepares students for real life with live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: www.banyangloballea

This episode of the Why Distance Learning podcast features an interview with Brandon Hall from Learn Around the World, a content provider that uses live virtual learning to facilitate cross-cultural connections. Brandon discusses the opportunities virtual classrooms provide for cross-cultural communication, and what teachers should keep in mind when facilitating these interactions. He shares his go-to tools for encouraging student engagement and interactivity during lessons. As an educator entrepreneur running Learning Around the World, he talks about the business side of managing a thriving virtual learning program. Brandon’s core message is that distance learning provides awesome opportunities to transform the learning experience when educators fully leverage the available technology. --- Guest bio: Brandon Hall grew up in a small town in rural North Carolina and wasn’t exposed to many cultures outside of his home state, much less the country. His world view started to expand while working at summers camps during his college years. During those summers, he worked with and made life long friendships with staff members from around the world. As an adult, Brandon has had the privilege of teaching, living, and learning around the world. To this day, each new experience continues to shape him as a global citizen. Brandon founded Learn Around The World with the dream of exposing students to new cultures, histories, and natural wonders around the world no matter their background or physical access to these places. Brandon strives to live by the words he often says during his virtual field trips, "It's a big world out there, so keep exploring!" --- Guest links: Learn Around the World: https://learnaroundtheworld.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-hall-2218b752/ Host links: Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning prepares students for real life with live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

We are excited to welcome master communications expert Michael Allosso to the podcast. Michael coaches CEOs and executives on dynamic presentations and effective leadership. He's led award-winning workshops worldwide and is a top-rated speaker for Vistage International, winning Speaker of the Year four times. When he's not speaking, Michael is directing plays and films. Michael joins us to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of virtual teaching. Distance learning exploded out of necessity during the pandemic, but many educators are still figuring out how to maximize its potential. Michael will share his insights on communicating effectively through the screen, which is also simply about reaching learners in general with truth, specificity, and positivity. Key Points Michael offers great advice for educators on finding their personal brand, the power of making people feel seen, and finding the right roles for people whether it be in the classroom, casting a play, or building your business’s leadership team. Overall, the episode covered practical tips for impactful virtual teaching while highlighting the profound impact of an authentic, personalized approach to the teacher-student relationship. --- Guest bio: MICHAEL ALLOSSO is a master communications expert who coaches CEOs and other high level executives both in dynamic presentations as well as effective day to day leadership. He has led award winning workshops for leaders and sales teams all over the world and is a much sought after personal coach and keynote speaker. Since he started in 2004, Michael has been a top rated speaker for Vistage International. During that time he won “The Lifetime Achievement” Award, the Vistage Top Performer Award for 2020, an unprecedented four “Speaker of the Year” Awards, the “Millennium” Award, two “Members’ Choice” Awards, the “Above and Beyond Award, and “Speaker of the Year” for TEC Canada. Michael is also an actor and award winning professional director/choreographer of countless plays, films, videos and live events. Audiences have seen Michael in the film, Pink Panther II, with Steve Martin. Above all, his crowning accomplishment is that he is an avid Boston Red Sox fan. --- Links: Michael Allosso's website: https://michaelallosso.com/ Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning provides live virtual learning series in Character Education to schools at banyangloballearning.com

Join us as we speak with Dr. Lance Ford, a veteran educator and pioneer in the field of distance learning. Dr. Ford has been integrating video conferencing technologies in classrooms for over 20 years. He focuses on how video conferencing can enable authentic engagement between teachers and learners, regardless of location. Dr. Ford shares insights from training over 20,000 teachers worldwide on effectively using tools like Zoom. He discusses common misconceptions teachers have before embracing video conferencing, as well as the biggest benefits and value-adds they experience after adopting these technologies. Dr. Ford also explores hardware considerations, the nuances of teaching music virtually, overcoming engagement challenges, differentiating instruction, and fostering community in a distance learning environment. He shares creative ideas and "golden moments" that emerge when teachers and students start leveraging the interactive capabilities of video platforms. This inspiring discussion is a must-listen for any educator who wants to learn more about how to use video conferencing to create effective and engaging virtual learning experiences. --- Guest bio: Dr Ford is a Zoom Rooms Educator/Teacher. Lance has been a classroom teacher for over 30 years. As a Zoom Educator, Lance has had the opportunity to train over 20K teachers from Afghanistan to Australia and Canada to Brazil in the effective implementation of video technologies in the classroom. He teaches as an adjunct instructor for Carl Albert State College in Poteau (POTO), OK where he leverages a variety of tools to engage learners both live and on-demand. He completed his PhD in Educational Administration, Curriculum and Supervision in 2009 from the University of Oklahoma. Although he has been teaching via synchronous remote video for over 20 years, Lance’s focus is not the technology. Instead he is focused on how tools become the transparent conduit for authentic engagement regardless of geo-location. Links: Dr. Lance Ford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-ford-00856849/ Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning provides live virtual learning series in Character Education to schools at banyangloballearning.com

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth, Tami, and Allyson interview Darin Trobaugh, an Education Specialist at the Alaska SeaLife Center. They discuss Darin's diverse background in environmental engineering and teaching, which allows him to bring unique content to each of the over 2,000 educational programs he's taught. Darin shares how he combines his passion for animals with opportunities to share science with learners of all ages. A highlight is Darin's perspective on the importance of using distance learning to share a little piece of Alaska with students who can't visit in person. He touches on how Alaska itself becomes a character in many programs, and the value of teaching Alaskan culture broadly. Darin also discusses benefits and challenges of broadcasting live from the SeaLife Center rather than a studio, including keeping the animals cooperative. Other topics include terminology, designing programs for young learners, and grant funding for distance learning initiatives. Throughout the conversation, Darin emphasizes that distance learning allows the SeaLife Center to fulfill its mission of inspiring conservation of the marine environment in creative new ways. --- Guest bio: As an Education Specialist at the Alaska SeaLife Center, Darin Trobaugh enjoys combining his passion for animals with the opportunity to share fun science with audiences of all ages. After studying environmental engineering at the University of Illinois and Oregon State University, Darin spent 2 years teaching high school in Papua New Guinea with the U.S. Peace Corps. His diverse background allows the conversation to meander a bit during his education programs, so even after teaching over 2,000 programs he still brings in unique content each time. Darin’s favorite aspect of distance learning is being able to share a little bit of Alaska with people who can’t easily reach the state in person – hopefully that inspires them to make the effort and get there someday! Links: Check out the Alaska Sea Life Center at https://www.alaskasealife.org/ Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning provides live virtual learning series in Character Education to schools in North America at banyangloballearning.com

In this podcast episode, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Courtney Dayhuff from Banyan Global Learning. The episode delves into Courtney’s decade of experience teaching over live video and her insights about the power of the medium. Of particular interest is her ability to get students to share their own stories over live video, especially within the context of teaching character education (in this case, SEL, Digital Citizenship, and Global Citizenship). Courtney discusses Banyan’s method of running live virtual field trips in the “real world” with teachers live and on location in real places -- Queenstown, Los Angeles, and Taipei to name a few. The discussion also explores the concept of global citizenship in an internet-connected world, along with the benefits of long-term virtual engagements versus one-off sessions. Personal practices for educator character development conclude the enlightening conversation. --- Courtney Dayhuff is the Director of International Programming for Learning Live, Banyan Global Learning's daily distance learning program for Taiwan and China. Originally from Montana, she is now based in Ridgefield, Washington. After graduating with a degree in Multilingual/Multicultural Education, Courtney taught in various ESL/EFL classrooms in the United States, Costa Rica, Taiwan, and China. When Courtney is not in the classroom, she enjoys playing music, traveling, creating, all types of adventurous outdoor activities, and spending time with her family, friends, and four-legged friend Wallace. --- Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth and Courtney's Banyan Global Learning provides live virtual learning series in Character Education to schools in North America.

In this episode, Seth, Allyson, and Tami welcome Paul Hieronymus, chairman of the Ohio Distance Learning Association (OhioDLA). We discuss golden moments, the current state of distance learning in Ohio, and persistent challenges in distance learning that may account for why the medium is not more popular than it is. He explores strategies for engaging non-tech-savvy learners (and teachers), and shares insights on converting more individuals to this educational approach, emphasizing the pivotal role Ohio DLA plays. The conversation touches on ongoing issues in distance learning, post-pandemic enrollment trends, and the virtual vs. in-person schooling debate. Throughout, Paul masterfully underscores the enduring relevance and importance of distance learning in today's educational landscape. Paul Hieronymus is in his third year as the chairman of the Ohio Distance Learning Association (OhioDLA). He is one of the founding members of the organization, initially serving on their board when they formalized as a state chapter of USDLA. Paul is the Director of Information,Technology & Integration for the North Ridgeville City Schools. Prior to OhioDLA and North Ridgeville, Paul served as president of ISTE’s Special Interest Group for Interactive Video Distance Learning and as a core volunteer for ISTE’s National Conference, running video operations from 2008-2013. He has been very active with Google Apps for Education and was one of Ohio’s first Google Certified Educators. Since 2004, he has worked with teachers from the US, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia to establish classroom to classroom collaborations. Relevant links: 1. Laura Tarshis's I Survived Series 2. John Chen's Engaging Virtual Meetings Get to know more about Ohio DLA here: https://ohiodla.org/ Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning provides live virtual learning series in Character Education

In this episode, Seth, Allyson, and Tami sit down with Eric Jones, a driving force behind Oiada International. With a dynamic career in distance learning that spans decades, Eric’s unwavering commitment to cultivating 21st century global citizens and leaders using distance will leave you awestruck! The group delves into the rich history of Oiada to unpack best practices for using distance learning to create a successful cultural exchange program that shares perspectives, boosts participants' self-esteem, and instills a sense of unity among global peers. Eric also takes time to talk about his time in a leadership role in the United States Distance Learning Association, discussing the challenges USDLA is determined to overcome, and the different ways the Association revolutionizes the way students learn! Get to know more about Oiada International here: https://www.oiadaintl.org/ Keep up with the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) here: https://usdla.org/ Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org Seth's Banyan Global Learning provides live virtual learning series in Character Education.