Future Proofing Education: Words of Wisdom from Michael Nachbar of GOA (Ep 63)

We so enjoyed our first chat with Michael Nachbar, Executive Director of the Global Online Academy (GOA) that we asked him to come back for a second interview! And just as before, Michael tackled our questions with vigor and showed an incredible depth of knowledge. 

We are curious about the concept of “future-proofing” education, so it made sense to consider Michael’s take as a future-focused thinker. With that in mind, our guiding question was: “What does online learning look like going forward, especially given the rapid growth of AI?” 

Here are some of the topics we covered: 

  • How GOA has adapted to changes such as

    • the COVID lockdown

    • the growth of the for-profit international school sector, and the ever-growing number of international schools. 

  • How some schools are preparing for the possibility of school closure, whether due to a worldwide or local event.

  • Unpacking the term “online learning.”

  • The process of getting buy-in from stakeholders for hybrid and full-time virtual learning.

  • The future of hybrid and full-time virtual learning. 

  • The efforts of the GOA community to harness AI for their students, teachers, and partner schools.

  • Advice from author Daniel Pink on innovation in schools and his daughter Sophia’s version of hybrid learning during her 10th-grade year. 

  • Strategies to support teachers and students in growing their understanding of generative AI and how it can be used for teaching and learning.  

  • Michael reflected on his GOA Insights Blog post, “Seven Predictions for Education in 2024.

  • A few future-proofing strategies that schools can incorporate to be less reactive and more proactive, along with some guiding principles that can steer their future-proofing.

  • How GOA is working to future-proof its program offerings.

Michael is the Executive Director of Global Online Academy (GOA), where he spearheads a global network of schools and educators dedicated to transforming education. His expertise lies in integrating foundational teaching principles with cutting-edge technologies and innovative pedagogies.

A sought-after speaker, Michael regularly presents at national and international conferences on topics including non-profit leadership and educational innovation trends. His thought leadership is widely recognized and respected across the educational community.

In addition to his role at GOA, Michael serves as a Lakeside School trustee. He has served on the boards of many other organizations, including the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), as a founding board member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, Summer Search, the Independent School Association Network (ISAnet), and JUMP! Foundation.

Michael holds a B.A. in English and Psychology from Indiana University and earned an M.A. in Education Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College. His career in education began as a Teach For America corps member, laying a strong foundation for his ongoing commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and equity.

Resources Mentioned: 

Michael’s Blog PostSeven Predictions for Education in 2024.

Sophia Pink interviews on the Ed Tech Co-Op Podcast: Interviews 1 and 2

Michael’s Contact Information: LinkedIn | Global Online Academy (scroll down for contact info)

The show was recorded on July 10th, 2024

Categories: Online Learning | Pedagogy | School Life

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