Can hands-on career training truly happen online? Skeptics argue that virtual education falls short when it comes to preparing students for high-touch, high-stakes professions—especially in healthcare.

Amanda Bell, a visionary CTE leader and creator of High STEP Virtual Academy, proves otherwise. In this episode, Amanda shares how she’s revolutionizing health science education for rural and under-resourced schools through virtual reality, AI simulations, and hybrid learning models. From virtual cadaver labs to soft skills AI bots, Amanda walks us through how her students are getting certified, career-ready, and more self-aware—all without ever stepping into a physical clinic.

Discover how immersive technology can elevate CTE and make career exploration more equitable, accessible, and personalized. Amanda also offers practical insight into building community online, teaching empathy virtually, and using tech to strengthen—not replace—the human side of healthcare education.

Episode Links:

• High STEP Virtual Academy
• South Central Service Cooperative
• Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC)

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth Fleischauer, Tami Moehring, and Allyson Mitchell welcome Alan Tang, founder of Collaboration Laboratory, to explore the power of play as a core instructional strategy in live virtual learning. They dig into what happens when games aren’t the reward—but the curriculum itself. Alan shares how CoLab uses escape rooms, missions, and collaborative challenges to build communication, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking for kids around the world.

The conversation covers how CoLab builds safe, judgment-free cohorts that span cultures, how facilitators become coaches, and why giving students agency and space to fail leads to deeper learning. From “Elemental Escape” to avocado-themed risk challenges, this episode reveals a vibrant new model of education—where learning is playful, purposeful, and profoundly human.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why distance learning is uniquely suited for global, collaborative play
• How CoLab designs challenges that teach soft skills in high-stakes games
• The coaching model that blends structure and autonomy for kids aged 7–15
• Creating psychological safety in virtual cohorts from 25+ countries
• How feedback from students and facilitators drives content innovation
• Alan’s vision for future adult and school-based applications of CoLab
• The role of play in building empathy, leadership, and resilience

Episode Links:

• Collaboration Laboratory Website
• Connect with Alan Tang on LinkedIn

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, your hosts sit down with Desiré Mosser, a veteran instructional coach supporting over 125 virtual educators at Pasco eSchool and Vice President of BOLD (Blended Online Learning Discovery of Florida). A former brick-and-mortar science teacher turned online education leader, Desiré brings over two decades of hands-on virtual teaching experience, systems thinking, and heartfelt coaching into a conversation that dives deep into what it really takes to make virtual schools thrive—not just for students, but for teachers too.

The episode explores how Desiré transitioned into virtual learning out of necessity, only to become a cornerstone of educator support in Florida’s online education community. From dispelling myths about teacher isolation to building sustainable systems of care, Desiré shares stories, strategies, and moments of growth that challenge the notion that distance learning limits connection. Her experience reveals how personalized, human-centered leadership—and a dash of humor—can transform virtual teaching into a deeply rewarding career.

Pain Point:
Many educators—especially high-performing ones from traditional classrooms—struggle with the transition to virtual teaching. They face feelings of professional disorientation, burnout, and isolation, often exacerbated by the misconception that online teaching is less personal or impactful.

Solution:
Desiré combats these challenges with a highly personal, relationship-first approach to coaching and systems design. She builds trust from day one, treating teachers as whole people with lives beyond their screens. Her tools include visual boundaries for home life, proactive calendar management, and “kudos files” to keep morale high. Importantly, she systematizes this approach through a team of lead teachers who carry these same values into their smaller groups, making large-scale support both scalable and heartfelt.

Action:
Educators and school leaders can apply Desiré's strategies by:

• Building proactive onboarding that prioritizes relationship-building.
• Encouraging staff to design personal schedules that protect work-life balance.
• Modeling vulnerability and curiosity in coaching interactions.
• Instituting a “kudos file” system to celebrate small wins and sustain motivation.
• Training household members (yes, even toddlers) on virtual work boundaries.

These simple but powerful actions help foster longevity, well-being, and excellence in the virtual teaching profession.

🔗 Episode Links

• BOLD – Blended Online Learning Discovery of Florida
• SOS Strategies for Online Survival by Desiré Mosser

🎙️ Host Links

• Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
• Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

How can distance learning meet the vastly different needs of students who are disengaged, displaced, or underserved—and still deliver equity, engagement, and academic excellence?

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Dr. Lori Wiggins, principal of Pasco eSchool, shares how her team runs 12 distinct programs under one virtual roof using a tiered system of support. She walks us through how they combine asynchronous learning, live sessions, adaptive tools, and in-person days to respond to every learner’s academic and emotional needs. Lori emphasizes data-informed decisions, social presence, and the importance of building team capacity to identify and address gaps early and effectively.

Learn how to design flexible virtual models that start with student need, not system convenience. Discover how to use AI as a teacher tool, build roadmaps for intervention, and sustain a human connection that keeps students showing up—even when the learning isn’t easy.

Episode Links:
🎧 Listen: https://cilc.org/podcast
🔗 Pasco eSchool: https://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/eschool

Host Links:

• Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
• Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Joe Titus, founder and CEO of Hiveclass, to reimagine what physical education can look like in the digital age. They explore how Hiveclass brings inclusive, skill-based movement instruction to students who are often left out of traditional PE—whether due to cost, confidence, access, or classroom logistics.

Joe shares how his platform breaks down barriers to participation by offering bite-sized video lessons across 19+ sports and activities, including dance, yoga, and tennis—many of which require no special equipment. Designed to meet national standards, Hiveclass supports both virtual and brick-and-mortar schools in delivering wellness education that’s engaging, equitable, and empowering for all learners.

This episode challenges the myth that physical education can’t be done well online—and makes a compelling case for why it must be.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why PE is the most skipped class—and how digital tools can change that.
• Building student confidence through choice, differentiated instruction, and accessible content.
• Supporting overburdened teachers and addressing PE teacher shortages.
• Bringing equity to sports access by removing geographic and financial barriers.
• How wellness-focused instruction can build lifelong skills and resilience.
• The future of digital PE: partnerships, growth, and rebranding physical education for what it truly is—whole-child wellness.

Guest Bio:
Joe Titus is the founder and CEO of Hiveclass, an award-winning digital platform that brings high-quality physical education to learners everywhere. A former finance executive turned edtech entrepreneur, Joe’s mission is to make movement education engaging and accessible for all students—regardless of ability, background, or setting. Hiveclass serves hundreds of schools with standards-aligned video content across 19+ disciplines, empowering students to build confidence, health, and lifelong fitness habits.

Episode Links:

• Learn more: hiveclass.co
• Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: Joe Titus
• See CILC.org/podcast for more episodes

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

In this special episode of Why Distance Learning, the hosts become the guests. Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring step out from behind the mic to share their personal journeys into distance learning, their current work in the field, and why this podcast exists. From museum basements to prairie dresses to viral Mets fandom, this episode dives into the stories that shaped their passion for virtual education.

They discuss the unique mission of the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) and Banyan Global Learning, the challenges and triumphs of distance learning, and the surprising golden moments that define their purpose. It’s a candid, insightful, and at times comedic conversation that reminds us why distance learning matters—and what’s possible when it’s done with care, creativity, and connection.

Episode Highlights:

• Allyson’s early roots in museum education and her passion for virtual learning that began in 2007.
• Tami’s journey from prairie dresses to pioneering history education online—and a logging lesson kids never forget.
• Seth’s origin story as the Sad Mets Fan and how it intersects with the founding of Banyan Global Learning.
• The role of CILC as a global connector for educators, institutions, and learners across every stage of life.
• Golden moments from remote Canada to Taiwanese seniors preparing for U.S. colleges—real stories of virtual learning done right.
• Why this podcast was created: to challenge misconceptions, amplify untold stories, and advocate for the power of live virtual learning.

Episode Links:

• Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC)
• Banyan Global Learning
• Make It Mindful Podcast

Host Bios:

• Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning and a longtime advocate for teaching global competencies through live virtual programs. He’s also the internet’s original Sad Mets Fan.
• Allyson Mitchell is the Director of Partnership and Engagement at CILC. With deep roots in museum education, she’s a passionate voice for live virtual learning and co-creator of Why Distance Learning.
• Tami Moehring is the Director of Member Relations at CILC, bringing 10+ years of expertise in supporting educators and institutions in delivering impactful virtual experiences.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, Seth Fleischauer, Allyson Mitchell, and Tami Moehring welcome Yuliya Kosko, founder of Svitlo Education, to explore how live virtual learning becomes a lifeline in the darkest of times. They discuss the founding of Svitlo School during the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how distance learning has supported nearly 2,000 Ukrainian students with free, high-quality instruction amidst trauma, displacement, and daily threats to safety. Yuliya shares how her all-volunteer team, spanning multiple continents, builds meaningful community and resilience through online education—even when students are logging in from bomb shelters.

This powerful conversation makes the case that when done intentionally, virtual learning can create stability, connection, and even joy in crisis.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Founding an online school during wartime and scaling it to serve thousands.
• The role of distance learning in supporting displaced, traumatized, and underserved students.
• Building emotional safety and student engagement in a virtual community.
• Supporting volunteer teachers and maintaining a strong international team.
• Why culture, structure, and creativity matter even more in crisis.
• The importance of equipping students not just with knowledge, but with hope and vision for the future of Ukraine.

Guest Bio:
Yuliya Kosko is the founder and director of Svitlo Education, a free online school for Ukrainian children affected by war. A former primary school teacher in London and co-founder of EducAd Consulting, Yuliya has used her deep experience in international education to create a thriving virtual community that supports both academic growth and emotional healing. Svitlo means “light” in Ukrainian—a name given by one of her first students, and a mission Yuliya embodies every day.

Episode Links:

• Learn more or get involved: svitloschool.com
• Connect with Yuliya on LinkedIn: Yuliya Kosko
• See https://cilc.org/podcast for more episodes

Host Links:

1. Discover more virtual learning opportunities and resources at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.
2. Seth Fleischauer’s Banyan Global Learning provides meaningful global learning experiences that prepare students across the globe for success in an interconnected world.

This is a special crosspost episode of host Seth Fleischauer's other podcast, Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Learning.

In this episode of Why Distance Learning?, host Seth Fleischauer welcomes Heather Rhodes, founder of Highgrove Education and former leader of Harrow School Online. Together, they explore how international online schools can foster academic excellence, cultural competence, and learner autonomy—challenging the perception that online learning lacks rigor, community, or real-world readiness.

Heather shares how her journey began with a desire to support English learners beyond summer programs, and evolved into leading some of the most academically successful online schools in the UK. She explains how Highgrove Education builds a vibrant online culture, prioritizes independent learning, and prepares students not just for exams—but for adulthood.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why international community building is at the heart of online learning

• How online education reduces prejudice and creates a more inclusive environment

• Practical ways to build belonging, including student-led clubs, house systems, and real-time feedback

• The flipped classroom model and the secret to student agency and academic success

• How conflict is addressed through cultural awareness and shared expectations

• What kind of young adult emerges from this model—and why they thrive at university and beyond

Guest Bio:

Heather Rhodes is the founder of Highgrove Education, an academically rigorous international online school. With over a decade of experience in online education, she previously led Harrow School Online and continues to redefine what’s possible in virtual learning. Heather’s mission is to develop globally minded leaders through inclusive, high-impact education.

Episode Links:

1. Highgrove Education
2. Highgrove Speaker Series – A public-facing program of expert-led talks that anyone can attend, not just enrolled students.