{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Why Distance Learning?","title":"#70 How Virtual Clubs Transform School Culture with Pearson's Cindy Carbajal","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2291,"description":"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...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/2eKPm8ob1eS5Ju0DBuhPXRKuQv7Vx4cWT0c4uWSYbCQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82MmFh/MmQyYTc4NzdkNGJh/MzIzZWU5MmI3MzRk/MjQwYy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}