Reinventing Interactive Education

"Every semester students in my oceanology course on Long Island get to spend an afternoon completing an applied learning project at Alley Pond salt marshes in Queens, NYC. However, since March 2020, all my courses have been taught "online/remotely". Teaching remotely is challenging. And bringing experiential learning into the remote classroom is even more challenging. Thanks to SAA I was able to have my students experience what it is like to work on marine turtle conservation in Costa Rica. Claudio Quesada, the science director for the Pacuare reserve in Costa Rica "joined" my NY remote class through zoom from his office in Costa Rica. He gave an excellent presentation on marine sea turtles biology and conservation. Claudio brought his own experience in marine turtle conservation to give my students detailed feedback on the reality of on the ground conservation work. Thank you Claudio for bringing your real life conservation experience to my students.

Christine Tuaillon

Professor, Biology Department, Nassau Community College

"I have learned so much from the Costa Rican ecologist and due to the presentations, he gave I have found myself more interested in marine turtles as well as Costa Rica itself. My overall rating of the program presented by the guest speaker is a 10/10 because it was exciting to learn about a topic from a person who actually experiences the teachings on a day to day basis. Having a guest speaker also gives a twist to the class and allows for students to have some variety with online learning."

Christine Tuaillon

Professor, Biology Department, Nassau Community College

"Christian coordinated an amazing live Zoom lecture from Costa Rica for our students! Marvin, Costa Rican guide, led the lecture from Monteverde Cloud Forest to discuss local culture, renewable energy, geography and biodiversity. Students were able to participate in the discussion and ask questions. Marvin was very knowledgeable and led an engaging lecture. Marvin also included a special guest speaker who was an expert on the Monteverde Cloud Forest. During the lecture students were able to see an example of a tree that has over 600 species living on it. This virtual experience was a nice option for students to gain international experience when travel is not an option!"

Kim Simpson

Global Initiatives Program Coordinator, Polk State College

"Being able to experience the 360 GLE was a-lot of fun. Unfortunately, because of COVID19, my 2020 Europe trip was canceled but thankfully for the program I kind of felt like I was in Europe, just virtually. I was excited to roam around and see the areas that I will be visiting next year when I go to Europe"

Roselynn

Student, College of Central Florida

"I greatly enjoyed the experience, enough so that I was let down that it ended so soon. I could have done this for another hour, easily, and wish there was a longer version of the tour so we could spend more time visiting sites, learning about the history and culture of Rome, and really immersing myself. I think an entire course on the coliseum alone would be well worth the investment of time, as there is definitely enough material on that great historical monument to justify a deeper dive. And this is only one of many sites in Rome that could be the subject of their own virtual study course."

Tom Tolios

Bookstore Inventory Control, Joliet Junior College

"The 360 Global Learning Material (GLM) virtual trip was a surreal journey across places that I may never have a chance to visit and if I do, I will have so much hands-on information that will make me familiar with my surroundings. Incredible!"

Lisa

Student, Medaille College

"I think this was the best thing invented since sliced bread. It was so immersive and educational, would love to see more countries virtually."

Heather

Student, College of Central Florida

"The quality of the tours and live video has been fantastic. The local guides really know their stuff, and are highly engaging."

Tim White

Director, New Jersey City University Honors Program