
Online learning is no longer a novelty that’s all about checking boxes and “getting through the material.” Because of innovations in technology, there are so many possibilities to create truly engaging learning experiences and to foster a joy of learning for both students and teachers.
This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Shaunak Roy, CEO of Yellowdig where they’re helping K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporations create truly experiential learning experiences and active learning opportunities for all.
Born out of a desire to create educational transformation, Shaunak’s online learning tools are helping to build community within an asynchronous environment where students are rewarded for asking questions and taking risks, rather than regurgitating the “right” answers. Because human nature is to be creative, and online has the potential to grow students’ creativity without the limitations of time in a classroom.
Tune in to be inspired and see how half a million students at more than 130 schools and organizations are currently enjoying the growth that’s possible with the right online learning tool.
About Shaunak Roy:
Shaunak is the founder and CEO of Yellowdig. Yellowdig is a community-driven active learning platform adopted by over 130 colleges and universities, K12 schools, and corporate training clients. Yellowdig’s mission is to transform every classroom into an active, social, and experiential learning community. Shaunak graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from IIT Bombay and completed his graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to founding Yellowdig, Shaunak spent a decade advising global companies on technology, strategy, and growth.
Jump in the Conversation:
[1:28] – Where school transformation began for Shanauk
[3:07] – Kids learn best when they’re active and engaged
[4:09] – The best way for students to learn is to use the digital tools they have intentionally
[5:15] – What we need to build engagement online
[6:50] – Constructivism is a model for discovery learning
[7:21] – How Yellowdig is creating an online experiential experience
[9:15] – Shifting the roles for teachers
[10:48] – Adding in a live component to asynchronous learning
[13:56] – Grading posts and comments defeats the purpose of engagement
[14:27] – Learning how to “do school” doesn’t translate into real life
[17:28] – Human nature is to be creative; we need to use that in the virtual classroom
[20:12] – Advice for parents and young adults exploring online education
[20:38] – A big advantage of online learning is that there’s no time restriction
[21:58] – Turbo Time
[23:25] – What people need to know about engagement in learning
[24:25] – Shaunak’s passion in Yellowdig
[25:53] – Shaunak’s Magic Wand
[27:10] – Maureen’s Takeaways
Links & Resources
- Yellowdig
- Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
- Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance – TED Talk with Angela Duckworth
- Email Maureen
- Maureen’s TEDx: Changing My Mind to Change Our Schools
- The Education Evolution
- Facebook: Follow Education Evolution
- Twitter: Follow Education Evolution
- LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution
- EdActive Collective
- Maureen’s book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids
- Micro-school feature on Good Morning America
- The Micro-School Coalition
- Facebook: The Micro-School Coalition
- LEADPrep
Transcript:
Leading Like a Teacher with Miriam Plotinsky
The further away administrators get from their roots as teachers, the more they forget what it’s like to be in the trenches. The result is often either a real or perceived lack of empathy for teachers. Both teachers and administrators have vital roles in the school,...
Following the Evidence for Effective Policy with Darleen Opfer
We all want what’s best for our learners, but oftentimes biases get in the way of having productive conversations about what learning should look like in the classroom. Instead, we need to have evidence- and research-based conversations that support what truly works...
Early Life Nutrition is Key to Wellness with Cynthia Jackson
Hopefully we all know the importance of nutrition early in life, but not enough schools offer nutrition education. And since children often do what their parents do, adults’ poor food choices get passed down generation after generation. This week on the podcast, I’m...
Why Isn’t Educational Change Happening?
School change is so much harder than I thought! When I did my doctoral research on school innovation and created a hands-on learning school-within-a-school in the 90s, I had no idea that I’d spend the next few decades making tiny changes. Changes that often...
Instilling a Practice of Gratitude in Uncertain Times
Thanksgiving looks different this year. Traditions are being shattered in 2020 and new realities are emerging. Thanksgiving is no exception. After Canada’s Thanksgiving in October, COVID statistics jumped, reminding us that, sadly, the pandemic isn’t taking a break...
Building Interdisciplinary Learning into Traditional Classrooms
A traditional classroom setting is just that...traditional. Teachers must teach specific subjects for a required amount of time, often using prescribed curriculum materials that may be a decade old. There’s little consideration for the individual learner--their...
Related Posts
Following the Evidence for Effective Policy with Darleen Opfer
We can all be active in policy making, starting at our own schools level. Parent and teacher involvement is vital in ensuring that we focus on overall coherence in our schools.
Early Life Nutrition is Key to Wellness with Cynthia Jackson
Tune in to discover how education and practical programs are transforming lives by providing access to nutritious food and empowering young learners to develop lifelong healthy eating habits.
Creating More Meaning for Students with Michael Strong
In our conversation, Michael and I talk about why student choice is so important, why psychological safety matters more than test scores, and when parents should search for other options for their children.