S03 EP10 - Online Learning with Allison Powell
SYS Presents: Adventures in Online Education
Release Date: 10/28/2022
SYS Presents: Adventures in Online Education
Show Notes Peter Drake is Associate Professor of Computer Science at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. He teaches a variety of courses including Software Development and AI & Machine Learning. His research has involved building artificially intelligent programs to play the classical Asian game of Go, using deep neural networks to analyze photographs of clouds, and creating video games to teach people about earthquake preparedness. In today’s episode. Peter talks about learning management systems, knowing your purpose as a student, and helping high schoolers learn the...
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Guest Bio Maddy Dahl has been teaching online for 8 years. During her tenure, she has taught a wide range of classes from basic high school writing and grammar to AP English courses. When she isn’t teaching, you can usually find her playing board games or exploring Oregon. Episode Summary Maddy teaches us about how to create an online AP course for students, how to help students earn college credits while in high school, and provides invaluable advice to teachers just getting started on their AP journey. Timestamps Maddy’s exciting news! [2:13] How do you create...
info_outlineSYS Presents: Adventures in Online Education
Show Notes Matt Miller is the author of five books, including Ditch That Textbook. His Ditch That Textbook blog reaches thousands of educators in more than 100 countries with inspiration and practical teaching ideas. He's a keynote speaker, podcast host, and the creator of the Ditch That Textbook Digital Summit. In today’s episode, we talk about not just ditching textbooks, but finding your educational hammer. Timestamps 2:02 The mission behind the work 3:23 Saving teachers time and helping equip them to level up their teaching 4:32 A lot of edtech principles are based on good,...
info_outlineSYS Presents: Adventures in Online Education
Nate is a tech-loving history teacher from Indianapolis, Indiana and author of two books on teaching. Don’t Ditch That Tech: Differentiation in a Digital World, and Breaking the Blockbuster Model: Using Edtech and Accessibility to “See What’s Next” in Classrooms. He was the Indiana Connected Educator of the Year in 2020 and his work has been featured in such publications as the New York Times and Washington Post. He also holds a Master’s Degree in History from the University of Indianapolis. In today’s episode, Nate talks about old pedagogical models and new ones, and he...
info_outlineSYS Presents: Adventures in Online Education
Guest Bio - Christine Voelker is the K-12 Program Director for Quality Matters, a global non-profit dedicated to quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. QM provides a scalable quality assurance system for online and blended learning used within and across organizations grounded in research and driven by best practices. Summary - Today Chris is going to teach us about what QM does and how their work supports the national standards for quality online education. Timestamps - Career transitions over the...
info_outlineSYS Presents: Adventures in Online Education
Edi Cox serves as the Director for Low Country Virtual, an online school in South Carolina. She began her career as a high school teacher who was recognized for her innovative work. In her most recent role she served as the Executive Director of Online Learning and Instructional Technology in one of the largest school districts in South Carolina. She is credited with launching one of the first district-led virtual programs in the Palmetto State. In 2013 Ms. Cox was instrumental in the writing and submission of a Gates Foundation Grant designed to help a district launch...
info_outlineSYS Presents: Adventures in Online Education
Dr. Allison Powell is the former Vice President for State and District Services/New Learning Models of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), which provides expertise and leadership in K-12 Blended, Online, and Competency-based Learning. Working at iNACOL, Allison helped write the National Standards for Quality and several other reports to expand and improve the field of K-12 online, blended and competency-based learning. Allison taught in both face-to-face and online K-8 environments. She has been working in the field of online learning for over 15 years,...
info_outlineSYS Presents: Adventures in Online Education
Pete Wharmby is an autistic speaker, writer, tutor and parent, who is working to improve autism acceptance in society by sharing insights and experiences of autism to the widest possible audience. He has spoken at many conferences and events, often as the keynote speaker, on topics such as autism in education, the experience of autistic students and teachers, the importance of monotropism and special interests and much more. In today’s episode, Pete talks about valuing our autistic student’s strengths, like hyperfocus and clear communication. He tells us to encourage student...
info_outlineSYS Presents: Adventures in Online Education
Traci has worked in special education for over 20 years. She has been a Teacher, Autism Specialist and currently works as a Student Services Professional Development Coordinator. Her professional work includes working with students from age 3-21, their families and their teachers. You can reach her at . In today’s episode, Traci talks about supporting students with autism, in the online classroom and the brick and mortar setting. She also discusses the societal view of autism, and centering autistic voices in discussions. Timestamps 2:41 What kind of students tend...
info_outlineSYS Presents: Adventures in Online Education
Dr. Novak is an internationally renowned education consultant, an author, adjunct professor at UPenn, and a former Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts. Dr. Novak has more than 19 years of experience in teaching and administration, a doctorate in curriculum and teaching, and is the author of 8 published books, including the best-selling education books, . Episode Summary In this greatest hits episode, we wind back to season two, where Katie Novak and I talk about intrapersonal variability and facing the skill-breakdown that often comes with starting on your UDL...
info_outlineDr. Allison Powell is the former Vice President for State and District Services/New Learning Models of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), which provides expertise and leadership in K-12 Blended, Online, and Competency-based Learning. Working at iNACOL, Allison helped write the National Standards for Quality and several other reports to expand and improve the field of K-12 online, blended and competency-based learning.
Allison taught in both face-to-face and online K-8 environments. She has been working in the field of online learning for over 15 years, starting as a K-8 blended teacher for Odyssey Charter Schools in Las Vegas, NV. After teaching in a blended environment, the Clark County School District asked her to help start the Virtual High School in the fifth largest school district in the country. In her role as an administrator for the program, she helped with training teachers, building courses, overseeing technology and educating leaders on the benefits of online learning.
Allison was charged with starting an online professional development program for the school district to allow all administrators, teachers, and district staff to meet their training needs in a more flexible environment.
Allison regularly shares her expertise in K-12 online education by speaking at various education and policy meetings and events around the world. She has served on several boards for various schools and organizations. Allison completed her doctorate in educational technology from Pepperdine University.
In today’s episode, Allison talks about the importance of groups such as the Digital Learning Collaborative, Quality Matters and the Evergreen group. She reminds us that online instruction works best when everyone has equitable access, and relationships are strong.
Timestamps
3:34 Allison’s roles in the Digital Learning Collaborative, DLAC, and the Evergreen group
5:35 How does the DLC do their research?
8:10 What is DLAC like?
11:00 Allison’s time with iNACOL and how she got involved with online learning
13:27 The process of creating an online high school program
15:50 Stories from the early days
19:21 What have been some of the most positive changes in the world of virtual education over the past 15 years?
21:21 It’s common to form stronger relationships online than in brick and mortar schools
23:39 Some of the new things coming to online learning
29:19 What would Allison give to every teacher in the U.S.?
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