Why Distance Learning?

Distance learning doesn’t fail because of tools—it falters when leadership, policy, and systems don’t align around student success. In this episode, Seth Fleischauer and Allyson Mitchell sit down with Dr. Alexandra Salas, founder and CEO of the Delmarva Digital Learning Association, to unpack what institutional readiness for digital learning actually requires.Drawing on her experience in higher education leadership, instructional design, and nonprofit systems change, Dr. Salas challenges the idea that digital learning is merely a delivery mode. Instead, she frames it as a connective infrastructure—one that can support access, belonging, wellness, and persistence when designed intentionally.The conversation moves beyond emergency remote learning to examine how organizations evaluate readiness, why frameworks matter, and what leaders must confront if digital learning is going to meaningfully support students rather than strain them.What This Episode ExploresWhy digital learning should be evaluated at the systems level—not course by courseThe difference between emergency remote teaching and sustainable digital learningHow leadership, governance, policy, and student support services shape online successWhy “online readiness” is about people and structures as much as platformsThe role of reflection frameworks (Quality Matters, OLC, ISTE, and others) in continuous improvementHow wellness, trauma-informed practices, and student belonging intersect with distance learningWhat teaching yoga online revealed about presence, connection, and learning in virtual spacesWhy distance learning is better understood as connected, accessible, future-ready learningGolden MomentDr. Salas shares an early career story from her time as an instructional designer—partnering with faculty to bring courses like anthropology, chemistry, and Arabic online before large-scale platforms made it commonplace. The moment highlights a recurring theme of the episode: trust, curiosity, and collaboration matter more than tools when innovation involves real change.Why Distance Learning?In Dr. Salas’s words, distance learning isn’t about distance at all. It’s about access, inclusion, and possibility—especially for learners in rural or underserved communities. When aligned with strong leadership and intentional systems, digital learning becomes a bridge rather than a substitute.Mentioned Work & ResourcesDelmarva Digital Learning Association — https://delmarvadla.orgUnited States Distance Learning Association - https://usdla.org/Bestemming Yoga — https://www.bestemmingyoga.com/meet-ytNumbers and Sense by Alexandra SalasQuality Matters, OLC, Blackboard, and ISTE digital learning frameworks (referenced conceptually)Host LinksDiscover more virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org with hosts Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning combines live virtual field trips with international student collaborations for a unique K12 global learning experience. See https://banyangloballearning.com/global-learning-live/

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Hope Windle, Director of SUNY COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning). Together they unpack what COIL actually is, how it works inside real courses, and why it gives all students—not just those who can study abroad—access to meaningful international collaboration. Drawing on years of experience connecting students across countries, languages, and disciplines, Hope explains why meaningful collaboration isn’t about content mastery alone, but about process, perspective, and growth.Pain PointMany educators believe that authentic global learning requires travel, study abroad programs, or well-funded international exchanges—opportunities that remain inaccessible to most students. Even when virtual connections exist, they are often superficial, short-lived, or focused on “learning about” others rather than learning with them.SolutionSUNY COIL offers a project-based, faculty-driven model that embeds international collaboration directly into existing courses. Rather than one-off calls or presentations, students work in mixed international teams on shared problems—ranging from food insecurity and data visualization to journalism, astrophysics, and app design.Throughout the conversation, Hope shares:What distinguishes COIL from “Mystery Skype”–style exchangesWhy friction, miscommunication, and failure are essential parts of cross-cultural learningHow COIL builds student maturity, humility, professional communication skills, and global awarenessWhy virtual exchange is a powerful tool for equity, access, and inclusion, especially for students historically excluded from international experiencesHow the UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a flexible, shared framework across disciplinesActionEducators across K–12 and higher education can begin rethinking global learning by:Designing short, team-based international projects within existing coursesPrioritizing process, collaboration, and reflection over perfect outcomesAllowing students to navigate real-world challenges like time zones, communication styles, and cultural differences—with guidance rather than rescueViewing virtual exchange not as a backup to travel, but as a distinct and powerful pedagogyWhy Distance Learning?For Hope, distance learning creates space for reflection, grace, and intentional response. By combining synchronous connection with asynchronous thinking time, virtual learning allows diverse voices, languages, and cultures to grow together—right now, not someday in the future.Episode LinksSUNY COIL: https://coil.suny.eduUN Sustainable Development Goals: http://sdgs.un.org/goalsHost LinksDiscover global virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students worldwide for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth turns the spotlight to co-hosts Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell to explore the work they lead at the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). For more than 30 years—long before the digital pivot of 2020—CILC has been connecting classrooms and communities to museums, zoos, aquariums, and cultural institutions through live, interactive virtual programs. But as demand grew, so did a problem: users loved the programming but struggled to find the right experience in a catalog of over 2,600 virtual field trips.To solve this, CILC redesigned everything around two clear pathways: Field Ed for PreK–12 classrooms and Rome From Home for adults and older adults. Each gives users a curated entry point rather than a maze of search results. And instead of forcing teachers or community coordinators to juggle logistics, CILC introduced bundles and fully hosted webinar series—options that reduce prep time to almost zero while improving the learner experience.What problems CILC kept hearingTeachers overwhelmed by too many choices, not enough guidanceAdults and senior-living communities needing moderated, accessible programsContent providers unsure how to adapt or refresh virtual programmingSchool budgets going unused because scheduling felt too complexWhat the redesigned model deliversField Ed: A clean K–12 catalog aligned to curriculum, standards, and CTERome From Home: Cultural and wellness programming designed for older adultsBundles: Flexible funds teachers can use anytime, without losing budgetWebinar Series: CILC handles hosting, registration, moderation, and techConsulting: Support for museums and cultural institutions building or rebooting virtual programsThe episode also explores what makes a virtual field trip truly work. Tammy and Allyson break down pacing, interactivity every few minutes, accessible visuals, and the presenter “presence” that makes a screen feel like a shared space. For older adults, the structure shifts—more narrative, slower pacing, and extended Q&A—because live virtual learning often becomes a social anchor, not just a lesson.Moments from the field bring it home: students from Nicaragua to Minnesota solving a physics challenge together in Field Ed Live, or the older adult who said, “I never thought I’d see the Smithsonian again—and I did, from my chair.” These are the access and opportunity stories that define why distance learning matters.Why distance learning?Because it brings the world to people who might never reach it—and brings it back to those who thought they’d lost it.Episode LinksCILC: Field Ed, Rome From Home, Consulting – https://CILC.orgSchedule Banyan’s Bridges of Portland Virtual Field Trip via CILC

In this special episode of Why Distance Learning, the tables turn—Seth Fleischauer steps into the guest seat as co-hosts Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell interview him about the purpose, design, and future of Global Learning Live, Banyan Global Learning’s next-generation experiential global learning program. They explore what authentic global learning really requires in today’s classrooms—and why the medium of live virtual learning matters more than ever.Most schools want to build cultural competence, empathy, and real-world communication skills, but:Finding reliable global partners is inconsistent and often falls apart mid-year.Language learners rarely get opportunities to use English in meaningful, real-world contexts.Teachers lack simple, low-prep ways to bring global learning into existing schedules.Field trips and international travel are expensive and inaccessible for most students.The result? Global learning remains an aspiration, not a system.However, Banyan's Global Learning Live is structured, scalable model that connects students worldwide through live field trips, global collaborations, and authentic showcase moments. Seth shares how 20 years of partnership with Tsai Hsing School led to the creation of an experiential cycle that prepares students not only for academic success, but for a rapidly changing, interconnected world.What the program delivers:Live Virtual Field Trips Bringing students into real places—Portland bridges, Renaissance fairs, and more—with authentic “whoa” moments that make learning unforgettable.Global Student Collaborations Cohorts, not brittle partnerships—designed to reduce dropout risk, increase diversity, and ensure ELL accessibility.Authentic Purpose for Language Learning English isn’t a worksheet—it becomes the tool students use to communicate across borders and share their original ideas.A Low-Overhead, High-Impact Design Schools can join four-week pilots with one live class per week + a showcase and asynchronous global exchange.ELL-Ready, Teacher-Friendly Materials Built to make participation meaningful for all levels, not just native speakers.Impact to date:More than 42,000 student years of distance learning delivered.Students report increased confidence expressing original ideas in English.Meaningful growth in perspective-taking, curiosity, and cultural competence.Practical steps educators can take—whether or not they join the pilot.1. Bring the world into your classroom through personal live video. Use your own life, community, or experiences as cultural text. Even small shifts build perspective-taking.2. Integrate short, purposeful global exchanges. Asynchronous collaboration—sharing artifacts, reflections, or questions—can be powerful without live schedules aligning.3. Join the Global Learning Live Spring Pilot. Schools receive a free 4-week experience including:One weekly live sessionA live virtual field tripA collaborative artifact exchangeAccess to a global cohort of classrooms across continents4. Start planning for sustained global engagement. Seth describes the future vision: a global network with diverse cohorts, built-in supports for ELL learners, and eventually a FERPA-compliant platform designed for authentic collaboration at scale.Episode LinksGlobal Learning Live – Spring Pilot Sign-UpCILC.org – Schedule Virtual Field Trips, Including Banyan's Bridges of Portland Trip

Educators often assume that clubs, activities, and school culture must happen in person—that building belonging in virtual learning is limited or even impossible. Many imagine distance learners as isolated kids behind screens, missing the social experiences that shape identity, leadership, and community.But what if that assumption is simply wrong?In this conversation, Cindy Carbajal, a 20-year veteran of Pearson Virtual Schools, shows us how vibrant, student-driven communities thrive online through thoughtful structure, flexible engagement pathways, and opportunities for real agency.Cindy oversees a global clubs and activities program serving 11,000+ students across time zones, grade levels, and cultural backgrounds. Her work demonstrates that:1. Student-Centered Design Fuels Real BelongingClubs are built with a goal that at least 50% of live time is student talk time—not passive listening.Students share, present, lead, and create—driving engagement and ownership.Broad-topic clubs (like Art Club instead of Crochet Club) help students discover unexpected interests and communities.2. Flexible Models Match Virtual Students’ Real LivesEvery offering includes both synchronous and asynchronous pathways, ensuring access regardless of schedules, time zones, or family obligations.Live sessions build community; asynchronous challenges deepen skills and allow for self-paced exploration.3. Clubs Quietly Reinforce Academic & Durable SkillsCindy calls it “stealth learning”:Math skills reinforced in esports strategies.Reading skills strengthened through participation logistics and peer review.Executive functioning, digital communication, and leadership built through planning, presenting, and collaborating.4. Data Drives Program EvolutionHer team measures:Enrollment and attendanceStudent and caregiver satisfactionWithdrawal trendsOverlap between global clubs and local school clubs These insights help fine-tune offerings and spark new opportunities—like peer tutoring, reading buddies, and esports leagues.How Educators Can Apply These Insights Today1. Start with the student experience—not the content.Ask: Where can students lead? Where can they share? How can this be theirs?2. Build broad entry points.Instead of a niche club for each interest, create umbrellas where kids can explore together.3. Don’t replicate in-person school—capitalize on what’s uniquely possible online.Global reach, time-zone diversity, virtual volunteer opportunities, and student leadership that scales across schools—these are advantages brick-and-mortar can’t match.4. Teach students how to interact online.Cindy’s programs explicitly teach:How to give feedback in writing and art clubsHow to share space respectfullyHow to show kindness online (Kindness Club!)5. Track what matters.Attendance, satisfaction, enrollment, and student stories help shape future offerings.Episode LinksPearson Virtual Schools — Learn more about their virtual school network and programs, including Cindy's Global Clubs.Host LinksDiscover more virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org with hosts Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Tami Moehring, and Allyson Mitchell welcome Cassie Bride, Director of School Programs, and Lauren Yockel, School Programs Education Specialist at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA). Together, they explore how one of the nation’s most renowned cultural institutions is transforming museum education through live virtual programming—making world-class art accessible to students anywhere.Museums have long been seen as places you must visit in person to truly experience their magic. But how can educators bring the depth, texture, and storytelling of art to students who may never set foot in a gallery? Traditional outreach—slideshows, static images, or “loan boxes”—often fails to capture the atmosphere, intimacy, and discovery of the real museum experience.Cassie and Lauren share how the MFA Boston reimagined its approach by taking students inside the galleries through interactive live video sessions. Using simple technology—an iPad on a mobile tripod—they bring artworks, curators, and educators directly to classrooms. Students not only see art up close but also hear the sounds of visitors and experience the living energy of the museum.They discuss how this approach:Deepens students’ curiosity and contextual understanding of art.Extends the museum’s mission by reaching beyond geography and accessibility barriers.Creates hybrid experiences where virtual and in-person visits enrich one another.Builds relationships—teachers and students often recognize Lauren as a “celebrity” when they visit in person!Strengthens collaboration with Boston Public Schools, ensuring alignment between curriculum, distance learning, and professional development.For educators and cultural organizations, the MFA’s model offers a powerful lesson: distance learning doesn’t replace the field trip—it multiplies it. Start small. Use simple, mobile setups. Focus on creating authentic connections rather than high-tech production. Whether you’re teaching art, science, or history, virtual access can spark awe, equity, and engagement in ways that complement, not compete with, in-person learning.Episode Links:Museum of Fine Arts, Boston – Distance Learning ProgramsHost Links:Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell and Tami Moehring welcome Pat Cassella—Executive Director of the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), VP of Worldwide Sales at VDO360, and founder of ETC Video. Pat traces the evolution of video technology in education, healthcare, government, and corporate training—and offers bold predictions about what’s next.Why This MattersEducators are flooded with tools but lack training, workflows, and staffing to use them well—especially in hybrid settings where engaging in-person and remote learners simultaneously feels impossible. K-12 systems in particular face understaffing, turnover, and abandoned tech.How to Make It WorkPat argues for purpose-built technology aligned to teacher workflows and deliberate pedagogy for virtual/hybrid environments. The big shift: infrastructure is now easy—the work is pedagogical. He also highlights flexible learning models (including micro-credentialing) that expand choice for learners across K-12, higher ed, and the workforce.“You don’t want technology for the sake of technology. It has to have a purpose—and fit the teacher’s workflow.” “Without distance learning, you’re limiting student choices. Flexibility is what today’s learners demand.”Put It Into PracticeAudit for Purpose & Fit: Map your most-used teaching routines. Keep/choose tools that reduce steps in those routines and increase engagement for both in-person and remote learners.Train for Hybrid: Treat hybrid as its own modality. Build camera/mic placement, interaction norms, and roles (e.g., a student facilitator) into lesson plans.Offer Flexible Paths: Pilot a micro-credential or short, skills-focused module to give students on-ramps that match their time, goals, and circumstances.Episode LinksUnited States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) — mission, programs, and communityNational Distance Learning Week (NDLW) — first full week of November; explore events and sessions mentioned in the episodeVDO360 — video collaboration cameras and solutionsETC Video — educational technology consultingCILC Podcast Hub — past episodes, resources, and community: cilc.org/podcastHost LinksDiscover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

Many people think of distance learning as impersonal—a screen separating students from real connection. But at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it’s doing the exact opposite. It’s bringing students face-to-face with legends, life lessons, and the values that make great teams—and great people.In this episode, Jerry Csaki, Senior Director of Youth, Education, and Leadership at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, shares how he’s turned virtual learning into a front-row seat to greatness. Through the award-winning Heart of a Hall of Famer series, students across nearly every state connect live with NFL icons to talk about character, integrity, and perseverance. What began as a local field trip program has become a global platform for teaching leadership and belonging.Jerry reveals how distance learning expands access to stories that inspire—stories that remind students that greatness isn’t about fame or stats, but about resilience, teamwork, and heart.Listeners will learn:How the Pro Football Hall of Fame uses live virtual programs to teach life values through sports.Why distance learning is about access—to people, perspectives, and purpose.How technology transformed the Hall of Fame’s programs from local field trips to global connections.What makes stories of perseverance and leadership so powerful when shared directly by the legends who lived them.If you believe distance learning can only go so far, Jerry Csaki’s story will expand your definition of what’s possible when technology connects classrooms to character.Episode LinksPro Football Hall of Fame – Youth & Education ProgramsHeart of a Hall of Famer Series – Connected by Extreme NetworksHost LinksExplore virtual learning resources and programs at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson MitchellDiscover global learning experiences at Banyan Global Learning with Seth FleischauerWant to help us reshape distance learning? Share this episode with a colleague, reflect on your own “why,” and remember: the power of distance learning lies in the connections it creates—between students, stories, and the human spirit.

Many adults assume that kids only tolerate online learning—that it’s isolating, transactional, and never as “real” as learning in person. But what if students themselves told a different story? What if distance learning could be creative, inspiring, and a place to make authentic friendships?In this episode, we meet Maddie (11) and Ella (13), co-hosts of The Recess Rundown, a podcast created entirely by and for self-directed learners. What started as homeschooling and a love of writing, journaling, blogging, and gaming has grown into a vibrant collaboration fueled by Recess.gg, the online community where they found not only peers but also mentors and their closest friends. Through their podcast, they amplify the projects of other young creators, from coders and artists to bloggers and novelists—and in the process, they discover their own voice.Maddie and Ella remind us that kids don’t just consume digital culture—they shape it. They share what they’ve learned about podcasting, what inspires them from fellow students, and how distance learning has built their confidence and community.Listeners will learn:How self-directed learners find their passions through creative outlets like journaling, podcasting, and blogging.Why online friendships can be just as authentic—and even more motivating—than in-person ones.How communities like Recess.gg create a “safe bubble” that grows confidence, connection, and curiosity.Why peer inspiration is one of the most powerful forces in education—and how it drives new projects and ambitions.What it looks like when kids, not adults, set the agenda for their learning.If you’re a parent, educator, or school leader wondering whether online learning can truly spark joy, curiosity, and belonging, this episode will challenge your assumptions—and let Maddie and Ella show you what’s possible when kids lead.Episode LinksThe Recess Rundown Podcast – Student-created show about self-directed learningRecess.gg – Where young learners connect, collaborate, and createInterview with Recess.gg founder Ben Somers - Why Distance Learning #65: Turning Virtual Learning into a Multiplayer ExperienceHost LinksExplore virtual learning resources and programs at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson MitchellDiscover global learning experiences at Banyan Global Learning with Seth Fleischauer

In this episode of the Why Distance Learning? Podcast, hosts Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring revisit one of their most popular episodes as they welcome Mandy Perry, a virtual school principal and president of the Blended and Online Learning Discovery (BOLD) of Florida Executive Board. Mandy shares her timeless 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 FloridaPinellas Virtual SchoolHost Links:Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning leverages technology to enhance cultural competence and educational outcomes for teachers and students alike.

Many educators associate virtual learning with isolation, disengagement, and students passively staring at screens. But what if the opposite were possible? What if distance learning could be thrilling, social, even addictive—in all the right ways?In this episode, we meet Ben Somers, founder and CEO of Recess.gg, an online platform transforming virtual education into an e-sports-style, team-based experience where students show up because they want to. With live academic games, mentorship, and a thriving virtual economy, Recess builds belonging, identity, and motivation into every challenge. But behind the fun is a serious vision: empowering self-directed learners with the tools—and freedom—they need to thrive.Ben draws from deep experience scaling Synthesis (born from Elon Musk’s experimental school) and brings a philosophy rooted in Papert, Dewey, and Montessori to his product design. He argues that engagement is not just a tactic, but an ecosystem built on freedom, community, and purpose.Listeners will learn:Why removing humans from digital learning can kill engagement—and how to bring community back.How Recess balances spontaneity and structure to guide students toward long-term goals.What a “job board for kids” looks like—and how it helps them become creators, not consumers.How AI is being used not to replace human reflection, but to support deeper reflection and mentorship.What it means to design an environment where math is learned like French: fluently, through immersive experience.If you’re a virtual school leader, edtech entrepreneur, homeschool parent, or anyone wondering how to make distance learning work better, this episode will challenge your assumptions and show what’s possible when engagement is student-driven and purpose-aligned.Episode Links - Recess.gg – Where student agency meets academic gameplay - Seymour Papert – The educational theorist Ben credits as a major influence - Kerbal Space Program – The game teaching kids rocket science and orbital mechanics - Oxford Kids Conference – Where Recess students presented their podcastHost Links - Explore virtual learning resources and programs at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell - Discover global learning experiences at Banyan Global Learning with Seth FleischauerWant to help us reshape distance learning? Share this episode with a colleague, reflect on your own “why” for virtual education, and remember: the future of learning might look a lot more like Recess than a lecture.

Many educators (and parents) believe that teaching kindergarten online is impossible. Young children are assumed to lack the attention span, tech skills, or maturity to thrive in a virtual setting. During the pandemic, even seasoned teachers struggled to keep their youngest students engaged.In this episode, Nancy Grim, a veteran early childhood educator from Tucson Unified Virtual Academy, brings a burst of energy and creativity to bust that myth wide open. With a background in theater and a deep understanding of child development, Nancy shares how she transforms her virtual classroom into a joyful, engaging, and student-centered space for kindergartners and second graders. From puppets and props to emoji-based emotional check-ins and student-led tech tutorials, Nancy shows how virtual learning can be more than effective—it can be magical.Listeners will learn:Why puppets, costumes, and unexpected props boost engagement and emotional connection for young learners.How to build tech independence and classroom culture—even in kindergarten.How second graders can lead peer learning and contribute to a thriving virtual community.How embracing creativity and play helps students make academic and cultural connections from home.If you’re an early elementary teacher, school leader, or curriculum designer wondering how to support younger learners online, Nancy’s practical strategies will spark ideas and shift your thinking. Share this episode with a colleague, try one new engagement prop in your next session, and remember: joy is a tool, not a luxury, in digital classrooms.Episode LinksTucson Unified Virtual AcademyHost LinksDiscover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

Too often, educational change is approached with a top-down, impersonal strategy—especially in virtual settings. Leaders are handed new tools, frameworks, and mandates but given little space for reflection, values alignment, or the flexibility needed to make change stick. The result? Burnout, survival mode, and disjointed systems that don’t serve students or educators.In this episode, Dr. Tovah Sheldon—school design strategist at Michigan Virtual and leader of the Leadership Coaching for Innovation initiative—unpacks how true transformation begins with the adults in the system. With warmth, insight, and a deep coaching mindset, she guides us through what it really means to center leadership development around the human experience. From redefining change through “rugged flexibility” and allostasis, to bridging the gap between personal and organizational values, Dr. Sheldon makes the case for slower, deeper, more reflective innovation. She shares stories of golden moments, challenges us to pluralize transformation, and gives us a clear pathway toward leading with clarity, purpose, and empathy.If you’re leading innovation—especially in virtual or hybrid environments—listen in for insight on:Why “rigid” systems fail in dynamic environments, and how to lead with adaptive stability.How to help leaders and teams surface their core values and use them to drive sustainable change.The habits and actions that define innovators—and how they play out differently in virtual spaces.Why going deep before wide is essential for lasting, scalable impact.How “small-i” innovations build momentum toward big transformation.Episode Links:Leadership Coaching for Innovation at Michigan VirtualBrad Stulberg on Rugged Flexibility and AllostasisHenry Ford Innovation Hub – Phil Grumm’s WorkAdditional People and Concepts to Link:Brad Stulberg Referenced for the concepts of allostasis and rugged flexibility. 🔗 https://www.bradstulberg.comPhil Grumm and Henry Ford Learning Institute / Innovation Hub Credited as the origin of the Habits and Actions of Innovators framework.🔗 https://inhub.thehenryford.org/Dr. Jay Marks Mentioned for his insight: “Lots of little moments lead to momentum.”🔗 https://www.nuatc.org/about-us/mentors/jay-b-marks-ph-d/Ellen Langer Referenced for her ideas on mindfulness, scientific uncertainty, and contextual truth. 🔗 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Langer3P Learning (Project-, Problem-, and Place-based Learning) Discussed in relation to innovation in virtual programs. 🔗 Resource from Michigan.GovCynthia Coburn Cited for the depth before breadth concept in educational change. 🔗 https://sesp.northwestern.edu/people/faculty/cynthia-coburn.html Host Links:Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

Too often, distance learning gets dismissed as fragmented or disjointed, seen as a patchwork of tech tools rather than a cohesive educational system. Teachers feel pulled in too many directions, and programs struggle to sustain impact beyond the novelty of going virtual.In this episode, Dr. Chris Harrington - leader of the EmpowerEd Research Institute, AccredVEd, and Digital Learning Works - shares how real transformation happens when virtual education is approached as a system. From curriculum to leadership to parent engagement, Chris lays out what it means to create a student-centered, coherent virtual learning ecosystem. He introduces specialized accreditation processes, discusses how to build systems around people - not tech - and shares inspiring stories from the field, including how one virtual program helped a struggling student graduate against the odds.If you’re building - or rebuilding - a distance learning program, listen in for insights on:Why cohesion is the key to long-term success in virtual education.How to lead systems change with clarity, equity, and community buy-in.The power of specialized accreditation to elevate—not just evaluate—program quality.What it really means to put relationships at the center of digital learning.Episode Links:Digital Learning WORKSEmpowerEd Research InstituteAccredVEdHost Links:Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

Can hands-on career training truly happen online? Skeptics argue that virtual education falls short when it comes to preparing students for high-touch, high-stakes professions—especially in healthcare.Amanda Bell, a visionary CTE leader and creator of High STEP Virtual Academy, proves otherwise. In this episode, Amanda shares how she’s revolutionizing health science education for rural and under-resourced schools through virtual reality, AI simulations, and hybrid learning models. From virtual cadaver labs to soft skills AI bots, Amanda walks us through how her students are getting certified, career-ready, and more self-aware—all without ever stepping into a physical clinic.Discover how immersive technology can elevate CTE and make career exploration more equitable, accessible, and personalized. Amanda also offers practical insight into building community online, teaching empathy virtually, and using tech to strengthen—not replace—the human side of healthcare education.Episode Links:High STEP Virtual AcademySouth Central Service CooperativeCenter for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC)Host Links:Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth Fleischauer, Tami Moehring, and Allyson Mitchell welcome Alan Tang, founder of Collaboration Laboratory, to explore the power of play as a core instructional strategy in live virtual learning. They dig into what happens when games aren’t the reward—but the curriculum itself. Alan shares how CoLab uses escape rooms, missions, and collaborative challenges to build communication, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking for kids around the world.The conversation covers how CoLab builds safe, judgment-free cohorts that span cultures, how facilitators become coaches, and why giving students agency and space to fail leads to deeper learning. From “Elemental Escape” to avocado-themed risk challenges, this episode reveals a vibrant new model of education—where learning is playful, purposeful, and profoundly human.Key Topics Discussed:Why distance learning is uniquely suited for global, collaborative playHow CoLab designs challenges that teach soft skills in high-stakes gamesThe coaching model that blends structure and autonomy for kids aged 7–15Creating psychological safety in virtual cohorts from 25+ countriesHow feedback from students and facilitators drives content innovationAlan’s vision for future adult and school-based applications of CoLabThe role of play in building empathy, leadership, and resilienceEpisode Links:Collaboration Laboratory WebsiteConnect with Alan Tang on LinkedInHost Links:Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, your hosts sit down with Desiré Mosser, a veteran instructional coach supporting over 125 virtual educators at Pasco eSchool and Vice President of BOLD (Blended Online Learning Discovery of Florida). A former brick-and-mortar science teacher turned online education leader, Desiré brings over two decades of hands-on virtual teaching experience, systems thinking, and heartfelt coaching into a conversation that dives deep into what it really takes to make virtual schools thrive—not just for students, but for teachers too.The episode explores how Desiré transitioned into virtual learning out of necessity, only to become a cornerstone of educator support in Florida’s online education community. From dispelling myths about teacher isolation to building sustainable systems of care, Desiré shares stories, strategies, and moments of growth that challenge the notion that distance learning limits connection. Her experience reveals how personalized, human-centered leadership—and a dash of humor—can transform virtual teaching into a deeply rewarding career.Pain Point: Many educators—especially high-performing ones from traditional classrooms—struggle with the transition to virtual teaching. They face feelings of professional disorientation, burnout, and isolation, often exacerbated by the misconception that online teaching is less personal or impactful.Solution: Desiré combats these challenges with a highly personal, relationship-first approach to coaching and systems design. She builds trust from day one, treating teachers as whole people with lives beyond their screens. Her tools include visual boundaries for home life, proactive calendar management, and “kudos files” to keep morale high. Importantly, she systematizes this approach through a team of lead teachers who carry these same values into their smaller groups, making large-scale support both scalable and heartfelt.Action: Educators and school leaders can apply Desiré's strategies by:Building proactive onboarding that prioritizes relationship-building.Encouraging staff to design personal schedules that protect work-life balance.Modeling vulnerability and curiosity in coaching interactions.Instituting a “kudos file” system to celebrate small wins and sustain motivation.Training household members (yes, even toddlers) on virtual work boundaries.These simple but powerful actions help foster longevity, well-being, and excellence in the virtual teaching profession.🔗 Episode LinksBOLD – Blended Online Learning Discovery of FloridaSOS Strategies for Online Survival by Desiré Mosser🎙️ Host LinksDiscover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

How can distance learning meet the vastly different needs of students who are disengaged, displaced, or underserved—and still deliver equity, engagement, and academic excellence?In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Dr. Lori Wiggins, principal of Pasco eSchool, shares how her team runs 12 distinct programs under one virtual roof using a tiered system of support. She walks us through how they combine asynchronous learning, live sessions, adaptive tools, and in-person days to respond to every learner’s academic and emotional needs. Lori emphasizes data-informed decisions, social presence, and the importance of building team capacity to identify and address gaps early and effectively.Learn how to design flexible virtual models that start with student need, not system convenience. Discover how to use AI as a teacher tool, build roadmaps for intervention, and sustain a human connection that keeps students showing up—even when the learning isn’t easy.Episode Links: 🎧 Listen: https://cilc.org/podcast 🔗 Pasco eSchool: https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/eschoolHost Links:Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Joe Titus, founder and CEO of Hiveclass, to reimagine what physical education can look like in the digital age. They explore how Hiveclass brings inclusive, skill-based movement instruction to students who are often left out of traditional PE—whether due to cost, confidence, access, or classroom logistics.Joe shares how his platform breaks down barriers to participation by offering bite-sized video lessons across 19+ sports and activities, including dance, yoga, and tennis—many of which require no special equipment. Designed to meet national standards, Hiveclass supports both virtual and brick-and-mortar schools in delivering wellness education that’s engaging, equitable, and empowering for all learners.This episode challenges the myth that physical education can’t be done well online—and makes a compelling case for why it must be.Key Topics Discussed:Why PE is the most skipped class—and how digital tools can change that.Building student confidence through choice, differentiated instruction, and accessible content.Supporting overburdened teachers and addressing PE teacher shortages.Bringing equity to sports access by removing geographic and financial barriers.How wellness-focused instruction can build lifelong skills and resilience.The future of digital PE: partnerships, growth, and rebranding physical education for what it truly is—whole-child wellness.Guest Bio: Joe Titus is the founder and CEO of Hiveclass, an award-winning digital platform that brings high-quality physical education to learners everywhere. A former finance executive turned edtech entrepreneur, Joe’s mission is to make movement education engaging and accessible for all students—regardless of ability, background, or setting. Hiveclass serves hundreds of schools with standards-aligned video content across 19+ disciplines, empowering students to build confidence, health, and lifelong fitness habits.Episode Links:Learn more: hiveclass.coConnect with Joe on LinkedIn: Joe TitusSee CILC.org/podcast for more episodesHost Links:Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this special episode of Why Distance Learning, the hosts become the guests. Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring step out from behind the mic to share their personal journeys into distance learning, their current work in the field, and why this podcast exists. From museum basements to prairie dresses to viral Mets fandom, this episode dives into the stories that shaped their passion for virtual education.They discuss the unique mission of the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) and Banyan Global Learning, the challenges and triumphs of distance learning, and the surprising golden moments that define their purpose. It’s a candid, insightful, and at times comedic conversation that reminds us why distance learning matters—and what’s possible when it’s done with care, creativity, and connection.Episode Highlights:Allyson’s early roots in museum education and her passion for virtual learning that began in 2007.Tami’s journey from prairie dresses to pioneering history education online—and a logging lesson kids never forget.Seth’s origin story as the Sad Mets Fan and how it intersects with the founding of Banyan Global Learning.The role of CILC as a global connector for educators, institutions, and learners across every stage of life.Golden moments from remote Canada to Taiwanese seniors preparing for U.S. colleges—real stories of virtual learning done right.Why this podcast was created: to challenge misconceptions, amplify untold stories, and advocate for the power of live virtual learning.Episode Links:Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC)Banyan Global LearningMake It Mindful PodcastHost Bios:Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and a longtime advocate for teaching global competencies through live virtual programs. He’s also the internet’s original Sad Mets Fan.Allyson Mitchell is the Director of Partnership and Engagement at CILC. With deep roots in museum education, she’s a passionate voice for live virtual learning and co-creator of Why Distance Learning.Tami Moehring is the Director of Member Relations at CILC, bringing 10+ years of expertise in supporting educators and institutions in delivering impactful virtual experiences.