ChatGPT is the latest viral tool for generating text, and many people are scrambling to come up with ways to address what this is going to mean for educators around the world. In this episode, we are joined by Mia Chmiel from CESA 9, Ellie Rumney from Rhinelander School District, Jamie Averbeck from Ashwaubenon School District, and Melissa Emler, the statewide systems coach for Universal Design for Learning from CESA 3.

Kim Edwards, Deanna Wiatt, and Ryan Ourada join this week's podcast to talk about how their rural districts got started with online education and how it has helped them to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Music:

Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Larissa Zompolas from WVS and Allyssya Gossett from Indiana Online join the podcast today to talk more about how online programs help students succeed when they need additional accommodations.

Transcript

Music:

Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

New WVS partner, Pathways High School, joins the podcast this week to talk about their programming that offers project-based learning for students on their Milwaukee campus.

Sarah Maule and Kim Taylor are our special guests.

Episode Transcript

Cindy Hamblin, Director of the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance, joins the podcast this week to discuss the state of virtual learning across the United States and trends we are seeing with virtual learning around the country.

https://www.virtuallearningalliance.org/

https://www.nsqol.org/

https://www.qualitymatters.org/

April and May are big times for students to take Advanced Placement exams. Join WVS Associate Directors Annette Walascek and Jon Oestreich in this podcast discussion to share more information about how online learners can be prepared for these types of tests, and what they need to have in order to be successful. We will also share resources for AP exam test prep.

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/

https://www.albert.io/

Music:

Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Just like in a traditional, brick and mortar, classroom, students participating in online learning environments need a strong system of support in order to be successful. While students may be physically isolated from their schools, caring adults are vital to students thriving in online courses. Sarah Engstrom-Yde from Hudson School District, and Todd Ostrader from Richland join the podcast to share their experiences about what kinds of support work well for students in their areas, and how the structure of support including coach, teacher, and administration really works to help students meet their potential.

Music:

Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Wisconsin Virtual School is launching a new pilot program this fall to support programs looking to offer virtual instruction to middle school students while still providing scaffolding to help keep students on track. Michele Nickels joins the podcast for a brief discussion about what the program will look like, the WVS approach to synchronous Middle School instruction, and where potential partners will be able to find more information.

Learn more about our Middle School program at https://www.smore.com/up7rk

Music:

Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

The students and teachers in our Elementary pilot celebrated Read Across America week from February 28th through March 4th. In this episode, Shawna Stueck joins the podcast to share some of the fun authors and activities everyone enjoyed.

Read Across America Week - WVS - 2022

Spirit Week Outline

Career Day Community Helper Hats

Magical Yet Writing Extension Activity 

PJ and Fort Day Planning Resources

Quackers Extension Activities - Writing and Illustration

Music:

Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In support of digital learning across the state of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Digital Learning Collaborative provides regular professional development opportunities for Wisconsin educators at low or no cost. In this episode, Jennifer Jaworski from iForward joins Meri and Jason on the podcast to talk about her upcoming micro course, Designing Online Experiences for Student Success.

Registration/Info for the micro-course

"What’s the appeal of Xbox? Exploring The Problem of Student Engagement" topic kickoff session (last slide is the recording): 

Music:

Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3788-funkorama

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license