GOAL Digital Academy Science Teachers Share Innovative Virtual Learning at National Conference

Four GOAL Digital Academy educators took their innovative approach to online science education to the national stage last week, presenting at the Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC), in Atlanta, Georgia. Their presentation demonstrated how creativity, collaboration, and real-world experiences can transform student engagement in a virtual learning environment.

GOAL science teachers Katie Batten, Kelly Crosby, Emily Detwiler and Kyleigh Holtsberry presented “Elevating Engagement Through Authentic Learning,” showcasing how the district’s Science Stream Team has transformed traditional online lessons into interactive, hands-on experiences that connect students with the world beyond their screens. The presentation addressed a challenge familiar to online educators: How can schools move students beyond passively watching lessons and encourage them to actively participate in their learning?

GOAL’s Science Stream Team developed an approach that combines live experiments, interactive demonstrations, and virtual field experiences to make science accessible and engaging for students learning from home. What began with simple kitchen science experiments, including making butter in a jar, creating elephant toothpaste, and exploring chemical reactions, has evolved into live broadcasts via “GOAL Goes Live” from destinations throughout Ohio and beyond. Students have virtually explored state parks, visited science museums, learned about wildlife, and participated in real-time experiments alongside their teachers.

The program has also expanded beyond science, encouraging collaboration across academic subjects by incorporating mathematics, physical education, history, art, and social-emotional learning into interactive experiences. For GOAL students, many of whom benefit from flexible learning environments, these opportunities provide meaningful connections with teachers and classmates while bringing academic concepts to life.

Student feedback shared during the presentation reinforced the value of these experiences. In a survey of 131 students, 54.2% reported having attended a special science live lesson. Students identified opportunities to explore new places, engage with scientific topics, and interact with their teachers as reasons for participating. One student shared, “The lives are fun, interesting and educational which gives me a way to take a break from school work while still learning.”

“The survey results reinforce what we see firsthand: our students love exploring new places and discovering new things alongside their teachers. These experiences open up a world of learning beyond the traditional classroom while giving us opportunities to engage with students, build relationships, and make science come alive,” said Katie Batten, GOAL Digital Academy Science Teacher.

The team also outlined plans to expand its programming through curriculum-connected virtual expeditions, with potential destinations including the Everglades, Kennedy Space Center, Yellowstone National Park, and the Redwood forests.

“When students get to see their own teachers exploring real places in real time, everything changes,” said Kelly Crosby. “We’re working to rethink distance learning by bringing our students along on these journeys, both through live experiences and connections to their everyday curriculum. Our dream is to travel to iconic places around the country, teaching directly from the field to bring those experiences right back home to our kids.”

Through their presentation at DLAC, GOAL’s educators shared practical strategies and lessons learned with fellow digital learning professionals, contributing to broader conversations about student engagement, accessibility, and innovation in online education.

“The presentation by our science team highlighted the incredible potential of immersive digital learning at GOAL Digital Academy," said Amanda Waggoner, K-8 Director and Delaware Learning Lab Principal at GOAL Digital Academy. “Through virtual field trips, we can break down physical barriers, bring real-world experiences into our classrooms, and create meaningful connections that enrich learning and expand opportunities for our students.”