Distance Learning Archives

May 02 2022

Five Reasons Students Should Own the Assessment Process

By John Spencer Creativity, Distance Learning, Empowering Students, Mindsets, Podcast 2 Comments

For years, I held a very teacher-centered view of assessment. I would grade student work and use that to modify lessons and pull small groups. Students would receive a grade, which would then motivate them to work harder. Later, I started realizing that my feedback…

Sep 14 2021

Dr. Kristen Mattson on Redefining Digital Ethics and Digital Citizenship

By John Spencer Distance Learning, Podcast, Technology and Media Literacy No Comments

In this podcast interview Dr. Kristen Mattson shares a bold vision for how we define digital citizenship and digital ethics. She also provides practical strategies that teachers can use in the classroom and integrate into their curriculum. Listen to the Podcast If you enjoy this…

Oct 29 2020

Building an Empowered Community in Distance Learning Courses

By John Spencer Distance Learning, Podcast 4 Comments

During this pandemic, many students have described feeling lonely and isolated as they shifted into online environments. This disconnect is amplified when distance learning courses are designed with only individual work in mind. This occurs when students access an asynchronous class and watch videos, read…

Oct 12 2020

The Real Issue Isn’t Student Engagement

By John Spencer Distance Learning, Podcast 6 Comments

The shift toward virtual and hybrid learning can be challenging; especially around student engagement. However, sometimes the real challenge isn't one of student engagement so much as student empowerment. In this article, we explore how teachers can design distance learning with student self-direction at the…

Sep 29 2020

What can food trucks teach us about virtual and hybrid learning?

By John Spencer Distance Learning, Innovation, Podcast 4 Comments

When we think of innovative companies, it's easy to imagine an open-air tech startup with ping pong tables and free drinks and huge windows and chairs so modern you're not sure how you're supposed to sit in them or look at them. Sometimes I look…

Sep 23 2020

Using Scavenger Hunts to Get Students Moving in Virtual Learning

By John Spencer Distance Learning, Podcast 6 Comments

When we hear the terms "virtual learning" or "remote learning," it's easy to imagine students spending eight hours a day in front of a screen. However, as educators, we know that this approach isn't developmentally appropriate. Children need to move around and interact with their…

Sep 15 2020

5 Models for Making the Most Out of Hybrid Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Distance Learning, Podcast 11 Comments

In the 1960's, cities built multipurpose stadiums for football games, baseball games, and concerts. These were supposed to be sleek, modern, and broad enough to encompass the needs of every entertainment industry. They were designed to be all things to all people. However, the multipurpose…

Sep 09 2020

The Power of Student Check-Ins During Distant Learning and Hybrid Courses

By John Spencer Distance Learning, Podcast 11 Comments

In my last article, I wrote about ways that we can get to know our students in virtual and hybrid courses. I also did a webinar on building a community online. You can watch it on replay here. One of the best ways to build…

Aug 24 2020

5 Ways to Get to Know Your Students in Virtual and Hybrid Environments

By John Spencer Distance Learning, Empowering Students, Podcast 6 Comments

As an educator, you are a community builder. From day one, you getting to know your students on a relational level. It’s often in the little things, like sending an email the first time they miss a virtual class session. It’s what happens when you…

Aug 12 2020

How to Make Virtual Meetings More Interactive for Students

By John Spencer Distance Learning, Podcast 11 Comments

Video conferences can be exhausting. You might notice that students who are highly engaged during an in-person session suddenly disengage in a virtual meeting. Often, there are challenges with video lag or simply the inability to see the room entirely. I created the following visual…