Mr. Dayka has been a teacher at PA Distance for six years, starting in the English department before becoming certified to teach web design, cyber security, and computer science. He also instructs a Cultural and Literary Studies class with Mr. Mysels.
His extensive technology and digital experience has allowed him to organize an A/V Club at PA Distance Learning Charter School after a number of his students expressed interest in streaming, broadcasting, and being able to produce content.
“If we can meet them where they’re already interested, then let’s use that as a jumping-off point for a class where we can cover the technical aspects of what’s going on, how it all works, and how they want to present their information,” he said.
The A/V Club is also in charge of the PA Distance Weekly Announcements. Members organize the layout and content of each presentation slide containing upcoming activities at the school. Then, they broadcast a video version for all students and staff.
Mr. Dayka explained how his students become more confident throughout the year. “They really started owning it. They talk to each other; they don’t just talk to me in Live Learning. They’re the ones who had the idea of writing their own scripts, and even designed their own rubrics about how they want to be graded on their artistic abilities.”
Mr. Dayka aims to implement a research project along with the current A/V Club activities. The goal of the project will be for students to explore their hometown and record the parts that make it unique to them. They will also examine its history before developing a 10+ minute video to present their work.
“The goal is to have these spotlights grow over the years and have a whole PA Distance video repository of towns that our students call home,” explained Mr. Dayka.
Additionally, club members plan to work with the Community Engagement team next semester to conduct on-the-field reporting at in-person events.
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Mr. Dayka also oversees the Esports Club, an organization dedicated to competitive video gaming.
“ESports has become more of a team here at PA Distance rather than a club. The kids are great; they have so much fun and form a bond with each other, which is amazing to see.”
Members compete in games such as Valorant, Rocket League, Overwatch 2, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate each semester. Finals are held in person in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
The Esports Club meetings are held after school, where students are developing a YouTube channel for streaming content.
When asked what he most enjoys about being a teacher at PA Distance, Mr. Dayka responded, “The school does an amazing job at encouraging staff to experiment with new activities that are in the best interest of students. Just like we tell our kids every day—don’t be afraid to try new things, because it may yield amazing results.”