It's Been An Exciting Few Weeks!

So here's the exciting news!  In the last few weeks the Digital Human Library has grown to include Oregon Caves National Monument, Bamfield Marine Sciences Center, Ontario Science Center, and the Biosphere, Environment Museum.  Each of these unique organizations is now offering a variety of STEM educational programs via videoconferencing for Canadian students. To learn more about the newest dHL members, and how you can get involved visit http://digitalhumanlibrary.com.

And I'm still working on the list I posted a few weeks ago for the New Year. If you missed it, here it is again!  The organizations in bold have recently joined the dHL.  Organizations in italics have expressed interest.

Agriculture:
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre


Canadian National Parks:
Alberta Tourism Parks and Recreation
Cypress Hill Provincial Park, Alberta & Saskatchewan


Museums:
Royal Ontario Museum

Publishing Companies:
Penguin Books Speakers' Bureau


U.S. National Parks:
Biscayne National Park, Florida
Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
Death Valley National Park, California
Everglades National Park, Florida
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, Washington DC
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Oregon Caves National Monument, Oregon


More great things to come!

Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library

Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo is currently testing its Distance Learning Pilot Program in an effort to determine if there is a need for internet based video conference programming in grades K-12. The programs provided in this pilot test incorporate multiple biological and environmental concepts all which correlate with grade specific curriculum standards.  During the duration of this testing period all distance learning programs will be provided free of charge provided that the academic institution has the proper video conferencing equipment on hand.   Attached to this post is a short survey inquiring about your schools current use of video conference technology as an educational aid, as well as the desire or need for programs such as ours to be added to your curriculum.  Please email any questions, comments, and completed surveys to sansaldi@torontozoo.ca .  Your help in determining the need for programming such as this is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Also attached are some brief descriptions of the program topics being offered, but the experts at the Toronto Zoo are available to create customized programming as well.  The expertise of the Toronto Zoo Education Department revolves around the inner workings of ecology and environmental education at a K-8 grade level.  If it is found in nature, they can find a way teach about it.  Login or Register with the Digital Human Library and book your virtual visit to the Toronto Zoo today!

Distance Learning Pilot Program Duration:

November 1^st, 2012 – December 21^st, 2012

Monday - Friday  (All programs must be booked two weeks in advance)

Toronto Zoo Distance Learning Pilot Programs

Video Conference Survey

Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library

November News

October ended with a bang!  The Digital Human Library has partnered with Aerin and Jimmy Guy of SpaceRace, a progressive digital agency "connecting the planet through visionary technologies". So what does that mean?  Our mission is to bring the dHL to school boards across Canada to provide 21st century learning opportunities for teachers and students by connecting you with your people and your audiences. In other words, we want to connect you - the teachers - with the best educational videoconferencing resources available to enhance your classroom programs and inspire your students.  Visit my blog in the coming weeks to learn more about our mission!

Who is on the dHL contact list this month?  Here is a short list of the connections I plan to make in the next few weeks to provide even more VC opportunities for you and your students!

Agriculture:
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre

Canadian National Parks:
Alberta Tourism Parks and Recreation
Cypress Hill Provincial Park, Alberta & Saskatchewan

Publishing Companies:
Penguin Books Speakers' Bureau

U.S. National Parks:
Biscayne National Park, Florida
Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
Death Valley National Park, California
Everglades National Park, Florida
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, Washington DC
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Oregon Caves National Monument, Oregon
Sitka National Historical Park, Alaska

Until next time . . .

Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library