A Case for Well-Designed Virtual Field Trips (with Seth Fleischauer)

A Case for Well-Designed Virtual Field Trips (with Seth Fleischauer)

From De Facto Leaders by Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan

February 18, 2026 · 1h 7m · Episode 252

About this episode

Seth Fleischauer discusses the benefits of well-designed virtual field trips in enhancing learning experiences.

While virtual learning has become more prevalent since 2020, the founders of Banyan Global Learning have been offering digital learning experiences for over 20 years. Some people are excited about the possibilities technology offers. Others are backpedaling or worrying that tech does more harm than good. Like most things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. The outcomes depend on how experiences (both virtual and in-person) are designed and how learners are asked to engage. Passive consumption rarely leads to meaningful learning, but well-structured virtual experiences can support problem solving, perspective-taking, and authentic connection across contexts. Not as a replacement to in-person experiences, but as an additional option to provide opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. That’s why I invited Seth Fleischauer to De Facto Leaders to talk about how to use virtual field trips to connect with peers and learn about cultures and experiences worldwide. Seth Fleischauer is the President of Banyan Global Learning, which he founded in 2008 after teaching elementary school with NYC Teaching Fellows. Banyan pioneered daily international EFL distance learning and has…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan

Guest: Seth Fleischauer

Topics covered

  • virtual learning
  • field trips
  • digital education
  • cultural competencies
  • engagement strategies

Keywords

  • virtual field trips
  • digital learning
  • education technology
  • problem solving
  • cultural experiences

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Banyan Global Learning

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