In this episode of "Why Distance Learning," we delve into the transformative role of Shared Studios' immersive technology in global education. Our guests, Dr. Brandon Ferderer, Head of Programming at Shared Studios, and Ross Phillips, a dedicated social studies teacher from Winnacanet High School, discuss the impact of full-body virtual interactions that connect students worldwide, fostering genuine human connections and empathy. This technology transcends traditional video conferencing, allowing users to engage deeply with diverse cultures and global issues, to enhance understanding, and to promote global citizenship.

The discussion highlights real classroom impacts, such as Ross Phillips' integration of these tools into his curriculum, which has significantly enhanced students' understanding of complex issues like immigration and cultural diversity. We also explore the storytelling power of Shared Studios, where participants share their experiences in unique and impactful ways. This episode provides a compelling look at how innovative technologies can transform educational environments into global forums for cultural exchange, preparing students to navigate and influence an interconnected world effectively.

Guest Links:
Shared Studios: https://www.sharedstudios.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

As a companion to episode #29A - Teaching Culture Across Cultures with Wendy Lee - this episode features six seventh-grade students from Tsai Hsing School in Taipei, Taiwan. Each student responds to the question, "Why Distance Learning?"

The students are part of a daily distance learning program called Learning Live, a collaboration between Tsai Hsing School, where Wendy teaches and serves as the Director of Research and Development, and Banyan Global Learning, founded by this podcast's co-host, Seth Fleischauer.

This episode was recorded as part of a teaching unit on podcasting. Students were asked the question, "Why Distance Learning?"; their most thought-provoking answers are featured in this episode. Seth recorded his interviews with these students live during their Learning Live class periods, while their classmates observed the recording process and discussed the experience afterwards.

Common observations from the students included their enjoyment of the recording platform, Riverside.fm, and the realization that podcasting was more involved than they had imagined. Tune in to hear these insightful young voices share their unique perspectives on the value and importance of distance learning in today's interconnected world.

Guest links
1. Tsai Hsing School - http://english.thsh.tp.edu.tw/
2. World of 8 Billion - https://www.worldof8billion.org/


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

We welcome Wendy Lee from Tsai Hsing School in Taipei, Taiwan who discusses the multifaceted roles of local teachers in a global distance learning language program called Learning Live. She highlights the challenges and responsibilities these educators face daily, emphasizing their need to be detail-oriented, capable of multitasking, and flexible to handle the unexpected. Key responsibilities include managing student behavior, ensuring comprehension in a non-native language (English), facilitating group projects, and providing on-site technical support.

Wendy explains that the program collaborates with teachers from Banyan Global Learning - who provides the lead teachers over live, virtual conference - to deliver a curriculum that not only teaches English, but also integrates cultural awareness. Original curricula cover various stories and themes, such as following a Taiwanese student named Luna as she travels in America and Latin America, with each unit tied to a U.N. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and including significant group projects.

The conversation also touches on cultural sensitivity in teaching, particularly around topics like gender equity. Wendy shares an instance where categorizing adjectives by gender proved challenging for Taiwanese students due to cultural differences in gender perception. This leads to discussions on how to redesign activities to better address and teach gender equity, highlighting the importance of cultural context in educational content.

Wendy advocates for strong communication and cooperation between local and distance learning teachers to enrich students' learning experiences and foster global perspectives. She stresses the long-term benefits of understanding and empathy in educational settings, which can significantly impact students' development and worldview.

Guest links
1. Tsai Hsing School - http://english.thsh.tp.edu.tw/
2. Bridges to Prosperity - https://bridgestoprosperity.org/

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