Why Do Students Need the Digital Human Library?

The "more opportunities students are given to relate their knowledge and skills in all subject areas to wider contexts, both across the curriculum and in the world beyond the school, the more students will be motivated to learn and to become lifelong learners" (Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum Documents, 1998 - 2009).

Students using the dHL will engage in 21st century social learning which is supported through conversation and collaborative inquiry with dHL participants. Many of our students are motivated users of ICT in its' various forms, so incorporating the dHL into our classroom programs provides students with (1) a safe environment to explore ICT; (2) access to experts in all curriculum subject areas; and (3) opportunities to communicate their learning, share their knowledge, experiences and worldviews with people in their own communities and abraod, bringing the local and global community into the classroom.  In other words, students gain a sense of connectedness to the global society in which they live which motivates them to seek out new opportunities for academic learning both in and out of the classroom.  As they engage in interactive tasks which stimulate their interests, there is an increase in student engagment and participation, which also improves the classroom learning environment, promoting greater enjoyment of academic learning, and improved academic success.

References:

Ontario Ministry of Education (2009). The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8: The Arts. Toronto: Queen's Printer for Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Education (2006). The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8: Language.Toronto: Queen's Printer for Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Education (2005). The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8: Math.Toronto: Queen's Printer for Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Education (2004). The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8: Social Studies.Toronto: Queen's Printer for Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Education (1998). The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8: Science and Technology. Toronto: Queen's Printer for Ontario.