131 - Kathleen, Eric and Michael - Online learning where now?

Join Kathleen, Eric, and Michael for a conversation, as they share their extensive experience in supporting international schools, leaders, and educators, with a special focus on online learning. Together they share their insights into the diverse lessons learned from online and blended learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Why some schools have embraced change in the post-pandemic era, while others have maintained their pre-pandemic practices. A look into the innovative approaches and developments that have emerged in the realm of online education since. Exploring the essential systems, mindsets, and structures that are crucial for transformative online learning. How might educators, leaders, and international schools leverage these opportunities to enhance their learning communities.

 

About Eric Hudson 

 

Eric is a facilitator and strategic advisor who supports schools in making sense of what’s changing in education. He specializes in learner-centered assessment, human-centered leadership, and strategic program design. Most recently, Eric spent a decade at Global Online Academy (GOA), first as an instructional coach and ultimately as Chief Program Officer, working with schools around the world to rethink where, when, and how learning happens. Prior to GOA, he was a teacher at the middle school, high school, and college levels. The classroom is where he developed his passion for designing learning experiences. Eric serves on the board of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). His Substack newsletter “Learning on Purpose” has been featured in The Marshall Memo and The Educator’s Notebook. He has a M.A. from University of California, Berkeley, and a B.A. from Cornell University.

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ejhudson/

 

About Kathleen Ralf 

 

Kathleen Ralf is the Blended and Online Learning Coordinator at Frankfurt International School as well as teaches Genocide & Human Rights for Global Online Academy. She is also a member of the ELMLE Steering committee which organizes a conference each year that supports teaching and learning for European Middle School educators. 

 

As the pandemic loomed, her skills and experience in designing interactive blended and online courses were vital in coaching teachers to help their students feel more empowered and in control of their learning in online spaces.  

 

She has been working in International Education for 15 years, and worked as a public school teacher for 14 in Washington state. She has a Masters in Educational Technology from Walden University.

 

LinkedIn: Kathleen Ralf

 

About Michael Nachbar

 

Michael Nachbar, Executive Director of GOA, leads a global network of schools and educators aiming to reshape learning. His work focuses on bridging foundational principles of teaching and learning with emerging technologies and innovative pedagogy.

 

Michael is a regular speaker at national and international conferences, and presents on topics such as non-profit leadership and trends in educational innovation.

 

In addition to his responsibilities at GOA, Michael serves on several educational boards, including those of Lakeside School and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). He was a founding board member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium and has served as a trustee for Summer Search, the Independent School Association Network (ISAnet) and JUMP! Foundation.

 

He holds a B.A. in both English and Psychology from Indiana University, and earned a M.A. in Education Leadership through the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College. Michael began his teaching career as a Teach For America corps member.

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-nachbar/ 

 

Resources

 

• Learning on Purpose blog: erichudson.substack.com 
• Any of GOA’s Teacher professional development offerings.
• Classroom Management in the Digital Age
• World Economic Forum 6 Work & Workplace Trends to Watch
• https://globalonlineacademy.org/insights 

 

John Mikton on Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton

Web: beyonddigital.org

 

Dan Taylor on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt 

Web: www.appsevents.com

 

Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube

 

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