Why Distance Learning?

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Liz Huson, Distance Learning Specialist at Erie 2 BOCES, for a dynamic discussion on the transformative power of virtual education. Liz shares how her passion for student engagement, differentiated instruction, and equity informs her role in curating live virtual experiences that break down classroom walls and spark curiosity in students across New York State. This episode highlights how distance learning creates meaningful connections, challenges traditional assumptions, and fosters empathy among students.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Differentiation in Distance Learning: Liz explains how virtual experiences can address diverse student needs through choice boards, interest-based field trips, and collaborative learning opportunities.
• Student Engagement: Liz recounts a "golden moment" when a high school Mystery Skype session connected students in New York and Poland, fostering empathy and shattering stereotypes.
• The Role of Distance Learning Specialists: Liz discusses how she supports educators by providing access to high-quality programs, sharing practical advice, and encouraging teachers to embrace innovative tools.
• Overcoming Myths About Distance Learning: Liz challenges misconceptions stemming from pandemic-era experiences, emphasizing how interactivity and simplicity can transform virtual education into a powerful tool.
• The Transformative Power of Distance Learning: From exposing students to global perspectives to inspiring lifelong curiosity, Liz underscores why virtual education is essential in today's interconnected world.

Guest Bio:

Liz Huson is a Distance Learning Specialist at Erie 2 BOCES, where she supports educators across 22 school districts in leveraging live virtual learning experiences to enrich curricula, engage students, and provide equitable access to transformative educational opportunities. A former middle school English teacher, Liz brings her passion for differentiation and creative teaching strategies to her current role, ensuring that students and teachers alike benefit from the possibilities of distance learning.

Host Bio:

Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring are dedicated to exploring the question, "Why distance learning?" through interviews with educators, content providers, and field experts who are transforming virtual education. Together, they highlight innovative uses of technology to enhance learning, build cultural competence, and connect classrooms around the world.

Episode Links:

• Learn more about Erie 2 BOCES: https://www.e2ccb.org/
• Listen to past episodes: cilc.org/podcast

Host Links:

• Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
• Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning uses technology to enhance digital and cultural competence in teachers and students.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning?, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring are joined by Dr. Kimberly Berens, founder of Fit Learning and CEO of Fit Learning Online, to discuss the critical role of behavior science in education. Dr. Berens shares her journey from establishing Fit Learning in a small closet to growing it into a global network of centers that use science-based methods to produce dramatic academic gains for students in just 40 hours of training. The conversation delves into why many traditional educational practices don’t align with the science of learning, as well as how Fit Learning’s approach to measurable skills, immediate feedback, and fluency training can revolutionize student outcomes. Dr. Berens also addresses the adaptation of her program to online learning, emphasizing accessibility and the importance of skill mastery in a virtual environment.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The foundation of Fit Learning and Dr. Berens’ mission to improve educational practices worldwide.
• How behavior science informs Fit Learning's methods, focusing on measurable outcomes and frequent reinforcement.
• Differences between cognitive science and behavior science in education.
• Challenges in traditional education and how belief-based practices hinder student success.
• The concept of “fluent” learning, emphasizing skill mastery before moving to complex applications.
• Online learning’s role in making behavior-based education more accessible.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Kimberly Berens is the founder of Fit Learning and CEO of Fit Learning Online. With over two decades of experience, she has created a system of instruction grounded in behavior science that consistently delivers rapid academic growth. Her work has expanded to include centers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia, along with Fit Learning Online to reach learners in underserved areas. Her book, Blind Spots: Why Students Fail and the Science That Can Save Them, explores the limitations of traditional educational practices and advocates for science-based methods.

Guest Links:

1. Fit Learning – fitlearning.com
2. Fit Learning Online – fitlearningonline.com
3. Dr. Kimberly Berens’ Personal Website – drkimberlyberens.com

Host Links:

• Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
• Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning uses technology to enhance digital and cultural competence in teachers and students.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Jillian Luciow from the Butterfly Pavilion in Denver (Jillian from the Pavilion!). They explore how live virtual learning programs bring invertebrates like butterflies, tarantulas, and crabs into classrooms through engaging, curriculum-aligned content.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Butterfly Pavilion Overview: Jillian shares how the Pavilion is the world’s first AZA-accredited invertebrate-only zoo, showcasing diverse species beyond butterflies.
• Live Virtual Programs: From close-up encounters with tarantulas to life cycle lessons, Jillian explains how Butterfly Pavilion’s virtual offerings align with educational standards and bring unique learning opportunities to classrooms worldwide.
• Technology & Innovation: The conversation dives into how high-definition cameras, and digital microscopes bring these tiny creatures to life in a digital environment.
• Memorable Moments: Jillian shares stories of “golden moments” when students’ curiosity sparks during live animal interactions.
• De-Ickification of Invertebrates: The goal is to help students appreciate the importance of often-overlooked creatures like cockroaches and tarantulas, fostering a love for nature.

Tune in to this episode to discover how virtual field trips and hands-on experiences with invertebrates can transform learning. Explore more about Butterfly Pavilion's offerings at butterflies.org.

About the Guest:

Jillian Luciow is the virtual and school programs coordinator at the Butterfly Pavilion, where she develops and leads engaging educational content. With a background in history and public engagement, she brings a unique perspective to connecting students with the natural world through live virtual learning.

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning builds cultural and digital competencies in students to prepare them for an interconnected and changing world.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Maddie Roach, the Distance Learning Specialist at the National World War II Museum. Maddie shares her experiences building engaging virtual programs that connect learners to history in unique ways, discusses how the museum adapted post-Katrina, and explores how distance learning makes education accessible across the globe.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Maddie's journey from museum volunteer to distance learning specialist.
• The development of digital exhibits and synchronous virtual field trips.
• Operation Foot Locker, a program that ships World War II artifacts to classrooms.
• The museum’s mission to preserve history and teach lessons of tolerance.
• Golden moments when students connect personally with history, including stories from underrepresented groups.
• The importance of balancing synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences.

In-depth insights for educators:
Maddie explains how distance learning bridges physical gaps and brings the museum to students worldwide. She discusses how their programs meet the needs of diverse audiences, from K-12 classrooms to lifelong learners, and shares strategies to create meaningful connections through primary sources and oral histories.

Call to Action:
Tune in to this episode to discover how Maddie and her team use technology to make history come alive. Learn how virtual programs like Operation Foot Locker and interactive webinars are transforming history education. Check the show notes for links to the National World War II Museum’s virtual offerings and explore how to bring these experiences into your classroom.

About today’s guest:
Maddie Roach is the Distance Learning Specialist at the National World War II Museum. With a background in history and public history from the University of New Orleans, Maddie blends her love of technology and education to develop engaging, meaningful virtual programs for learners around the world.

See the museum's promo video, featuring Maddie and mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QBMSd7fLxs

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning has performed over 40k live virtual teaching periods while improving students' language, digital, and cultural competencies.

In this episode of the Why Distance Learning? Podcast, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Mandy Perry, a virtual school principal and president of the Blended and Online Learning Discovery (BOLD) of Florida Executive Board. Mandy shares her journey in virtual education, her leadership role in BOLD, and how virtual schools in Florida are evolving to meet the needs of students across the state.

Key topics discussed include:

• The Birth of BOLD: Mandy shares the origins of BOLD, an organization created to support virtual school leaders in Florida. She explains how it has grown to become a vital resource for 67 public virtual school districts, offering collaboration, professional development, and legislative advocacy.
• Virtual Schools vs. State Virtual Schools: Mandy explains the differences between district and state virtual schools in Florida, emphasizing how they work together to provide a wide range of courses to students. She highlights the flexibility and choice that virtual schools offer, particularly in subjects like foreign languages and specialized courses.
• Building Relationships in a Virtual Environment: Mandy discusses the importance of relationship-building not just between students and teachers, but also among administrators and educators. She shares how BOLD facilitates these connections to enhance the virtual learning experience.
• Challenges and Misconceptions of Online Learning: Mandy addresses common misconceptions about online learning, including the differences between emergency remote learning during the pandemic and quality online education. She also talks about the traits that make a good online learner and how virtual schools can adapt to meet diverse student needs.
• Innovations in Virtual Education: Mandy highlights some of the innovations at Pinellas Virtual School, such as separating student and parent orientations to better tailor the learning experience and improve student success.

This episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of virtual education, the importance of collaboration among educators, and how virtual schools can provide students with unique opportunities and skills for the future.

For more insights and practical advice, tune into this episode and explore the work of BOLD and Pinellas Virtual School. Links to their resources are available in the show notes.

About today’s guest: Mandy Perry is the principal of Pinellas Virtual School and president of the Blended and Online Learning Discovery (BOLD) of Florida Executive Board. She is a leader in virtual education advocacy at both the state and national levels, dedicated to improving and expanding virtual learning opportunities for students.

Episode Links:

• Blended and Online Learning Discovery (BOLD) of Florida
• Pinellas Virtual School

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning leverages technology to enhance cultural competence and educational outcomes for teachers and students alike.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Jeff Young, editor, reporter, and host of the EdSurge podcast, to discuss the intersection of technology, education, and podcasting. Jeff shares his experiences covering education for over 20 years and reflects on how podcasting has emerged as a powerful tool for professional development, storytelling, and education journalism.

Key topics discussed include:

• Podcasting plays a crucial role in education by reaching and engaging learners who may not have access to traditional learning formats.
• Authenticity and storytelling are key elements in creating impactful podcasts that resonate with listeners.
• Surprise and delight can make learning experiences more memorable and engaging.
• Podcasting allows for the exploration of diverse voices and perspectives, bringing new ideas and insights to the forefront.
• Distance learning has the potential to transform education by providing access to learning opportunities for individuals who cannot attend traditional classrooms.

This episode provides valuable insights into the evolving world of education, podcasting, and distance learning, offering educators and listeners a thoughtful perspective on the future of learning.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

02:56
The Evolution of Education

08:49
The Role of Podcasting in Education

17:50
Balancing Education, Journalism, and Entertainment

25:01
The Impact of Podcasting

31:46
The Power of Authenticity and Surprise

38:03
Why Distance Learning?

For more insights and practical advice, tune into this episode and explore Jeff Young’s work with EdSurge. Links to his resources are available in the show notes.

About today’s guest:
Jeff Young is an editor, reporter, and podcaster at EdSurge, where he covers how technology is reshaping education. He also hosts the EdSurge podcast, which focuses on the future of learning. Jeff has over 20 years of experience in education journalism and has written for publications like The New York Times, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal.

Episode Links:

• EdSurge Podcast: https://www.edsurge.com/research/guides/the-edsurge-on-air-podcast

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning leverages technology to enhance cultural competence and educational outcomes for teachers and students alike.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome three special guests: Julie Silverbrook from the National Constitution Center, Jocelyn Kho from the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and Andrea (Ang) Reidell from the Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics. Together, they discuss an exciting upcoming event for Constitution Day that brings together these prestigious organizations to engage students in a unique virtual learning experience centered around the U.S. Constitution and the inspiring story of Ms. Opal Lee.

Key topics discussed include:

• Constitution Day Collaboration: Julie, Jocelyn, and Ang share how their organizations came together to create a Constitution Day program that combines resources from the National Constitution Center, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and the Annenberg Public Policy Center. The program will feature a live webinar where students can engage with the story of Juneteenth and the U.S. Constitution, highlighting the significance of freedom and civic engagement.
• The Role of Opal Lee: The guests discuss the impact of Ms. Opal Lee, known as the "grandmother of Juneteenth," and how students will have the unique opportunity to interact with her during the event. They also explore how her story ties into the broader themes of the Constitution and American history.
• Virtual Learning Advantages: The conversation touches on the benefits of virtual learning, including the ability to bring diverse voices and perspectives into the classroom. The guests explain how technology allows students to engage with primary sources, such as portraits and historical documents, in ways that are not possible in a physical classroom.
• Nonpartisan Civic Education: The importance of teaching civics in a nonpartisan manner is emphasized, with insights into how the National Constitution Center and its partners strive to present multiple perspectives on constitutional issues, fostering civil dialogue and critical thinking among students.

This episode provides an in-depth look at how educational organizations can collaborate to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences for students, especially on important topics like the Constitution and civic responsibility.

For more insights and practical advice, tune into this episode and explore the work of the National Constitution Center, Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, and Lenore Annenberg Institute for Civics. Links to their resources are available below.

About today’s guests:

• Julie Silverbrook is the Vice President of Civic Education at the National Constitution Center, where she leads initiatives to educate the public about the U.S. Constitution and civic engagement.
• Jocelyn Kho is the Student Programs Coordinator at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, where she manages educational programs that bring art and history to life for students.
• Ang Reidell is the Director of Outreach and Curriculum at the Lenore Annenberg Institute for Civics, with a focus on creating educational resources that promote civic education and engagement.

Episode Links:

1. National Constitution Center
   • National Constitution Center
2. Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
   • Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
3. Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics
   • Annenberg Public Policy Center
4. Annenberg Classroom (for films and educational resources)
   • Annenberg Classroom
5. Constitution Day Event Registration via CILC
   • Register for Constitution Day Event on the CILC Events Calendar.

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning leverages technology to enhance cultural competence and educational outcomes for teachers and students alike.

About today’s guest

Dr. Jennifer Williams is the founder of Teach SDGs and co-founder of the nonprofit organization Take Action Global. She is a thought leader in using educational technology to promote global perspectives and social good. As an educator and author of Teach Boldly: Using EdTech for Social Good, Dr. Williams champions the role of technology in fostering equity, diversity, and social action in education. Connect with Dr. Williams on X (formerly Twitter) at @JenWilliamsEDU.

In this episode, Seth, Allyson, Tami and Dr. Williams discuss:

• How educational technology (EdTech) can be harnessed for social good, particularly in the context of global education and climate action.
• The work of Take Action Global (TAG), a nonprofit dedicated to climate education and social impact, and its programs that connect teachers and students in over 160 countries.
• The role of connection in EdTech, emphasizing how global collaborations can help build identity and foster social impact among educators and students.
• The importance of community-driven initiatives, such as Climate Action Day, where students, educators, and global leaders come together to focus on climate education and action.
• How TAG’s community programs offer resources, frameworks, and support for educators interested in integrating climate education into their classrooms.
• The unique challenges and learning opportunities that arise when educators and students from diverse cultural backgrounds engage in virtual exchange and distance learning.

Key takeaways:

• Educational technology offers powerful tools for global connection and social impact, enabling educators and students to collaborate on important issues like climate action.
• Take Action Global’s community-driven approach supports teachers in integrating climate education into various content areas, fostering a sense of global citizenship among students.
• Programs like Climate Action Day and the Earth Project app provide accessible entry points for educators looking to engage their students in meaningful, action-oriented learning experiences.
• Cross-cultural collaboration in distance learning requires careful instructional design and a focus on equity and access, but it also offers profound opportunities for shared learning and empathy.

Learn more:

• Visit Take Action Global to explore the organization’s programs and resources.
• Check out the Earth Project app to start tracking climate actions and engaging students in climate education.
• Explore the Climate Action Project and other community programs to get involved in global learning initiatives.
• Subscribe to Why Distance Learning for more insights into how technology is transforming education. Available on all major podcast platforms.

Episode Links:

1. Dr. Jennifer Williams on X (formerly Twitter): @JenWilliamsEDU
2. Take Action Global: takeactionglobal.org
3. The Earth Project App: Available on App Store and Google Play
4. Climate Action Project: takeactionglobal.org/climate-action-project
5. Build the Change (Lego Group Partnership): lego.com/en-us/sustainability/build-the-change
6. Teach Boldly: Using EdTech for Social Good (Book by Dr. Jennifer Williams): Available on Amazon

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Learn how Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning leverages technology to enhance educational outcomes for teachers and students alike.

“Geography should not keep us from learning and creating together.”

Music education thrives on real-time collaboration—but for years, online instruction has struggled with one major roadblock: latency. For music teachers, conductors, and performers, even a slight delay makes synchronous playing nearly impossible. What if that problem disappeared completely?

In this episode, Why Distance Learning hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell and Tami Moehring welcome Terry Lowry, a composer, conductor, and founder of Musical Overture, to discuss how Gig Room, his breakthrough low-latency music platform, is revolutionizing virtual music collaboration.

Terry shares the hidden challenges of online music performance, the technical breakthroughs behind real-time distance collaboration, and how tools like Gig Room are not just replicating in-person learning—but enhancing it.

And now, this technology is paving the way for something even bigger: Stars Align, an ambitious global project aiming to connect a billion students in real-time music performance. Imagine students around the world—led by renowned musicians, astronauts in space, and global changemakers—joining together for a live, synchronized song that transcends borders and brings the world together through music.

Key Topics Discussed:

• 🎼 The #1 barrier to online music learning—and how to eliminate it

• 🎧 How Gig Room achieves ultra-low latency for real-time collaboration

• 🏆 The first-ever “E-Concert” and what it proved about distance music learning

• 🎵 How distance learning can make students better listeners

• 🚀 The future of global music education—can a billion students perform together?

Key takeaways:

• Conducting and teaching share similarities in preparation, communication, and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Musical Overture and Gig Room bridge geographical gaps, enabling musicians to collaborate and perform together in real time.
• Technology like Gig Room can enhance music education by providing opportunities for virtual rehearsals and performances, leading to greater confidence and preparedness among musicians.
• Innovative projects like Stars Align demonstrate the potential of virtual platforms to create large-scale, impactful musical events that unite people worldwide.

Learn more:

• Visit Musical Overture to explore the platform and Gig Room.
• Watch the documentary “Hear Us” on Apple TV and Amazon Prime to learn about the world’s first e-concert and its impact.
• Subscribe to the podcast to hear more inspiring stories from educators and industry professionals leveraging technology in virtual learning.

Guest Bio:

Terry Lowry is a Steinway Artist, conductor, and composer with over 200 works. He is the host of the Tone Poem podcast, the conductor of the Carroll Symphony Orchestra, and the co-founder/CEO of Musical Overture. His work in low-latency music technology has helped musicians worldwide perform together in real-time—no matter where they are.

Host Links:

 1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.

 2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

Subscribe to Why Distance Learning for more engaging interviews and insights into the evolving landscape of virtual education. Available on all major podcast platforms. Visit Be Podcast Network to learn more about the network and discover other educational podcasts.

In this exciting episode of "Why Distance Learning," we delve into the fascinating world of Virtual Excursions Australia with co-founders Karen Player and Ben Newsome. Their stories highlight the transformative power of digital technologies in education, providing insight into how virtual excursions can bridge gaps in access and enrich learning for students across diverse geographies.

Karen and Ben share the origin story of Virtual Excursions Australia, born from a casual conversation at a tech conference and fueled by a shared passion for enhancing educational outreach through technology. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of their journey, emphasizing the critical role of technology in facilitating impactful learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.

Throughout the episode, both guests reflect on the dramatic shifts in educational practices prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the surge in demand for virtual learning solutions. They explore how this shift has not only persisted but evolved, with more educators embracing digital tools to complement and extend their teaching.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the mechanics of running successful virtual programs, including the importance of interactive content, technical reliability, and engaging presentation skills. The episode also delves into the specific strategies for enhancing participant engagement and ensuring educational content is both accessible and impactful.

This episode is a testament to the innovative spirit that drives educational technology forward, making it a must-listen for educators and technology enthusiasts alike.

Guest Links
Virtual Excursions Australia - https://dartlearning.org.au/provider/virtual-excursions-australia/

Host Links:
1. Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell's CILC.org

2. 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