S03 EP10 - Online Learning with Allison Powell

Dr. Allison Powell is the former Vice President for State and District Services/New Learning Models of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), which provides expertise and leadership in K-12 Blended, Online, and Competency-based Learning. Working at iNACOL, Allison helped write the National Standards for Quality and several other reports to expand and improve the field of K-12 online, blended and competency-based learning.

Allison taught in both face-to-face and online K-8 environments. She has been working in the field of online learning for over 15 years, starting as a K-8 blended teacher for Odyssey Charter Schools in Las Vegas, NV. After teaching in a blended environment, the Clark County School District asked her to help start the Virtual High School in the fifth largest school district in the country. In her role as an administrator for the program, she helped with training teachers, building courses, overseeing technology and educating leaders on the benefits of online learning.

Allison was charged with starting an online professional development program for the school district to allow all administrators, teachers, and district staff to meet their training needs in a more flexible environment.

Allison regularly shares her expertise in K-12 online education by speaking at various education and policy meetings and events around the world. She has served on several boards for various schools and organizations. Allison completed her doctorate in educational technology from Pepperdine University.

In today's episode, Allison talks about the importance of groups such as the Digital Learning Collaborative, Quality Matters and the Evergreen group. She reminds us that online instruction works best when everyone has equitable access, and relationships are strong.

Timestamps

3:34 Allison's roles in the Digital Learning Collaborative, DLAC, and the Evergreen group

5:35 How does the DLC do their research?

8:10 What is DLAC like?

11:00 Allison's time with iNACOL and how she got involved with online learning

13:27 The process of creating an online high school program

15:50 Stories from the early days

19:21 What have been some of the most positive changes in the world of virtual education over the past 15 years?

21:21 It's common to form stronger relationships online than in brick and mortar schools

23:39 Some of the new things coming to online learning

29:19 What would Allison give to every teacher in the U.S.?

Resources

Allison's twitter

allison@evergreenedgroup.com

Allison's LinkedIn