Why Distance Learning?

Valary Oleinik describes herself as part artist, part geek, and wholly dedicated to enhancing live virtual learning experiences. Her unique approach, blending curiosity, gameful experiences, and technology, positions her as a key influencer and innovator in the field.Valary's dedication to breaking traditional education molds is evident as she explains her methodologies for making distance learning more engaging and effective. By leveraging her "MacGyver mindset," she encourages educators to utilize available resources creatively and to rethink their approaches to teaching and learning in virtual environments. Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of curiosity, creativity, and the use of technology to foster engaging learning experiences that cater to diverse learning journeys.Throughout the conversation, Valary shares anecdotes and examples from her work, including her innovative "in and out of the box" thinking exercises and her commitment to volunteerism within the learning community, particularly through her roles at the US Distance Learning Association (USDLA). Her strategies for overcoming challenges in distance education, such as fostering engagement and addressing the fears and reservations of educators new to the virtual format, resonate with the overarching theme of the podcast.Valary's insights into gamification, the power of choice in learning, and the necessity of adapting to learners' needs underscore the transformative possibilities that distance learning offers. The discussion serves as an inspiration for educators seeking to navigate and excel in the realm of live virtual learning, reinforcing this podcast's mission to explore the medium's dynamic capabilities.Guest links:Valary With A Why - https://www.valarywithawhy.com/Host links:Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at Tami Moehring and Allyson MItchell's CILC.orgSeth 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

Show Notes

Valary Oleinik describes herself as part artist, part geek, and wholly dedicated to enhancing live virtual learning experiences. Her unique approach, blending curiosity, gameful experiences, and technology, positions her as a key influencer and innovator in the field.

Valary's dedication to breaking traditional education molds is evident as she explains her methodologies for making distance learning more engaging and effective. By leveraging her "MacGyver mindset," she encourages educators to utilize available resources creatively and to rethink their approaches to teaching and learning in virtual environments. Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of curiosity, creativity, and the use of technology to foster engaging learning experiences that cater to diverse learning journeys.

Throughout the conversation, Valary shares anecdotes and examples from her work, including her innovative "in and out of the box" thinking exercises and her commitment to volunteerism within the learning community, particularly through her roles at the US Distance Learning Association (USDLA). Her strategies for overcoming challenges in distance education, such as fostering engagement and addressing the fears and reservations of educators new to the virtual format, resonate with the overarching theme of the podcast.

Valary's insights into gamification, the power of choice in learning, and the necessity of adapting to learners' needs underscore the transformative possibilities that distance learning offers. The discussion serves as an inspiration for educators seeking to navigate and excel in the realm of live virtual learning, reinforcing this podcast's mission to explore the medium's dynamic capabilities.

Guest links:
Valary With A Why - https://www.valarywithawhy.com/

Host links:
Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at Tami Moehring and Allyson MItchell's CILC.org

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


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.