Bloomberg American Health Initiative
Bloomberg American Health Initiative
Bloomberg Fellows Spotlight: Mary Odell
Bloomberg Fellows Spotlight: Mary Odell
Bloomberg Fellows Spotlight: Mary Odell
Tuesday 23rd March 2021
Mary Odell shares how Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School adapted to virtual learning during the pandemic on 'The American Health Podcast'.
14 minutes
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Bloomberg American Health Initiative
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Get the buttons here!Mary Odell's Mission: Virtual Learning Adventures with Outward Bound
Mary Odell: "Social and emotional skills are essential for academic learning. So typically, as educators, we look to body language or vocal contribution as cues that our students are engaged with the activity, and online we've been learning to give students lots of different options- how they can engage, just because being on camera and on video doesn't work for all of our students."
Imagine the challenge of transforming outdoor expeditions into engaging virtual experiences. That's exactly what Mary Odell, an instructor at Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School, tackled head-on during the pandemic. In this episode of 'The American Health Podcast', Mary shares her journey of adapting traditional Outward Bound programs to an online format, ensuring students still get the thrill and learning of outdoor adventures from their homes. Mary dives into the nitty-gritty of how they restructured their curriculum.
The virtual program includes four units, each broken down into three sessions, plus an orientation and a graduation ceremony. Packed with interactive games, group challenges, and thoughtful discussions, these sessions aim to keep students engaged and connected. Mary highlights the importance of fostering social and emotional skills even in a virtual environment, a cornerstone of Outward Bound's philosophy. One particularly heartwarming story involves a group of eighth graders who co-created a virtual learning agreement.
This agreement set the tone for their online interactions, emphasizing mutual respect and shared values. It’s a testament to how educators are finding innovative ways to build community and maintain student involvement despite physical distance. Mary also touches on the flexibility required in virtual learning. Recognizing that not all students thrive on camera, they've developed multiple ways for kids to participate. This inclusive approach ensures that every student can engage in a manner that suits them best.
The episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in education, youth development, or simply looking for inspiration on how to adapt in challenging times. It showcases the resilience and creativity of educators like Mary Odell and underscores the ongoing commitment to student well-being and learning. Tune in to hear more about how Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School is navigating these unprecedented times and continuing to make a difference.