#15 Connecting Students to the Sea with Darin Trobaugh of the Alaska SeaLife Center

Why Distance Learning?

In this episode of Why Distance Learning, hosts Seth, Tami, and Allyson interview Darin Trobaugh, an Education Specialist at the Alaska SeaLife Center. They discuss Darin's diverse background in environmental engineering and teaching, which allows him to bring unique content to each of the over 2,000 educational programs he's taught. Darin shares how he combines his passion for animals with opportunities to share science with learners of all ages. A highlight is Darin's perspective on the importance of using distance learning to share a little piece of Alaska with students who can't visit in person. He touches on how Alaska itself becomes a character in many programs, and the value of teaching Alaskan culture broadly. Darin also discusses benefits and challenges of broadcasting live from the SeaLife Center rather than a studio, including keeping the animals cooperative. Other topics include terminology, designing programs for young learners, and grant funding for distance learning initiatives. Throughout the conversation, Darin emphasizes that distance learning allows the SeaLife Center to fulfill its mission of inspiring conservation of the marine environment in creative new ways.
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Guest bio:
As an Education Specialist at the Alaska SeaLife Center, Darin Trobaugh enjoys combining his passion for animals with the opportunity to share fun science with audiences of all ages. After studying environmental engineering at the University of Illinois and Oregon State University, Darin spent 2 years teaching high school in Papua New Guinea with the U.S. Peace Corps. His diverse background allows the conversation to meander a bit during his education programs, so even after teaching over 2,000 programs he still brings in unique content each time. Darin’s favorite aspect of distance learning is being able to share a little bit of Alaska with people who can’t easily reach the state in person – hopefully that inspires them to make the effort and get there someday!
Links:
Check out the Alaska Sea Life Center at https://www.alaskasealife.org/

Browse amazing virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org

Seth's Banyan Global Learning provides live virtual learning series in Character Education to schools in North America at banyangloballearning.com