Introducing the Digital Human Library

The Digital Human Library

I would like to introduce you to an exciting new resource that we are creating for the students and teachers of the Avon Maitland District School Board called, The Digital Human Library.

Community members - just like you - have expertise in a variety of subject areas that could be shared with students to help enrich our classroom programs.  Field trips and guest speakers are expensive, and as a result, students are only offered a few of these experiences over the course of the school year. The Digital Human Library is a resource that provides students with unlimited access to these unique learning opportunities, not otherwise available from any other type of classroom resource.

Our goal is to create an online database of people who have agreed to share their expertise, knowledge, skills and experiences with students in our classrooms using Skype (free video calling software). Teachers will be able to access the Digital Human Library database, and connect with community members who are willing to teach lessons, lead activities, and answer questions to engage with our students.  The Digital Human Library brings the field trip experience into the classroom!

If you are unfamiliar with Skype, or don’t have access to a computer, we can help! We will assist you with everything you need to get started – all you need is a desire to work with students in our school communities.  The teachers that contact you will work with you to plan your Skype classroom visit, and help you prepare to work with the students. We will find creative ways to link your knowledge and skills to the Ontario Curriculum.

Every community member has something valuable to contribute.  You are one of these people.  We’re looking for you to get involved!

Do you want to learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of our students?

If you would like more information about the Digital Human Library project please contact me by email leigcass@fc.amdsb.ca.

The dHL database will be made available to teachers in the fall of 2012.  dHL participants will be contacted by email to confirm their registration before the database is made public.

Thank you for your interest,

Leigh Cassell

Elementary Teacher

Avon Maitland District School Board