Why Distance Learning?

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/Wqe0Tt5Lcl9xDuTroj9CVHost Links:Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.orgSeth's  Banyan Global Learning prepares students for real life with live virtual learning experiences in Character Education: banyangloballearning.com

Show Notes

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


Creators & Guests

Host
Allyson Mitchell
SF
Host
Seth Fleischauer
TM
Host
Tami Moehring

What is Why Distance Learning??

The Why Distance Learning? podcast is for educators who are engaged with live virtual learning experiences, whether they be content providers who produce and facilitate or educators who want to complement their curriculum and learn more about the medium. We interview content providers, industry professionals, field experts and educators who love and use live virtual learning.


Dive deep with Seth, Allyson, and Tami into the rapidly growing world of synchronous virtual and online education. Through in-depth interviews, explore how educators are leveraging videoconferencing, interactive virtual learning, and other education technologies like virtual field trips to revolutionize remote and distance learning. Discover the benefits and challenges of teaching at a distance. Learn how virtual engagement can enhance traditional instruction. Hear from distance learning experts using the latest EdTech tools to create unique remote learning opportunities for students and teachers alike. From content providers to administrators to EdTech entrepreneurs, this podcast reveals the human stories and innovative technologies shaping the future of virtual and online education. For anyone interested in transforming classrooms and learning through remote digital platforms, Why Distance Learning? charts a path forward.

Hosted by Seth Fleischauer of Banyan Global Learning and Allyson Mitchell and Tami Moehring of the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration.