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:

• Virtual field trips offer dynamic and interactive learning experiences, transcending traditional teaching methods.
• They facilitate engagement with experts and promote critical thinking skills in students.
• Such trips help overcome geographical, cultural, and economic barriers, making education more accessible and equitable.
• Implementing virtual field trips poses challenges, but with adequate support and resources, these can be overcome.
• Tracy Rowley's role in advocating for and supporting innovative teaching practices is pivotal in the successful integration of technology in education.

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:

• The art of maintaining learner engagement through smooth transitions and a well-thought-out flow in virtual programs.
• The importance of creating connections and transitions between topics in virtual learning.
• Insights into the benefits of collaborations with other content providers in enhancing educational experiences.
• The significance of reflection and evaluation in continuously improving virtual learning programs.

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. 

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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.  

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Check out the Hybrid Logistics Project: https://thelearningcounsel.com/pages/hybrid-logistics-project/

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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.

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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.

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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!"

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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

• Virtual teaching requires adapting your communication style - how to come across as engaging without in-person cues
• Tips for using body language, eye contact and vocal variety to connect with remote students
• Keeping energy and student participation high during virtual sessions
• Portraying enthusiasm and passion through the camera
• The importance of entertainment and "golden moments" in education, virtual or in-person

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.

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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.


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.