April 1, 2024: Gamification expert Valary Oleinik gives us insight into “Why Distance Learning?” Don’t miss the podcast
Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio
The Art of Gamification
Gamification expert Valary Oleinik, president-elect of the US Distance Learning Association, shares anecdotes and examples from her work, including innovative "in and out of the box" thinking exercises and her commitment to volunteerism within the learning community.
Monday Morning Magic from Inkandescent® PR + Publishing Co. — Part artist, part self-proclaimed geek, and wholly dedicated to enhancing live, virtual learning experiences, USDLA President-Elect Valary Oleinik shares her wisdom this week on the popular podcast Why Distance Learning?
“Valary’s approach is unique, blending curiosity, gameful experiences, and technology,” shares podcast co-host Allyson Mitchell, Director of Partnerships & Engagement at the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). “She is a key influencer and innovator in distance learning.”
In fact, 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 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. Scroll down to learn more about the podcast.
And don’t miss Valary’s interview on USDLA.tv with the hosts during a March webinar with Allyson Mitchell, Director of Partnerships & Engagement at the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC), and Tami Moehring, Director of Member Relations.
Until next Monday: Hoping the sunshine of Spring brings you new insights and joys. — Hope Katz Gibbs, founder and president, Inkandescent® Inc. Inkandescent.us
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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.
Hosted by Seth Fleischauer of Banyan Global Learning and Allyson Mitchell and Tami Moehring of the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration, these leaders take a deep dive into the rapidly growing world of synchronous virtual and online education:
- 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 who use the latest EdTech tools to create unique remote learning opportunities for students and teachers.
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.
Check out Allyson and Tami’s webinar on USDLA.tv. And, be sure to tune in for our May 30 webinar featuring Seth, who will talk about the space where AI meets EQ.