The Digital Human Library blog has moved to the Digital Human Library website! Please visit http://digitalhumanlibrary.com to continue following the development of this new an exciting resource for teachers that brings the field trip experience into the classroom!
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
The Digital Human Library is a free resource that connects Canadian teachers and students with organizations and experts from all over the world. K-12 teachers can browse the library’s searchable database and engage students with real experts interested in videoconferencing with their classes. Bring the field trip experience into your classroom!
Monday, 18 February 2013
Thursday, 17 January 2013
The dHL Meets with the Huron County Library Branch Managers
Today the dHL met with the Huron County Branch Managers to discuss how we might work together to bring information about their programs and events into AMDSB schools.
Huron County libraries that register with the dHL will be available to present information about their programs, upcoming events, new books, resources, and other materials for loan to entire schools reaching an audience of several hundred students at a time. My goal is to invite each library to present two sessions a year, one in the spring, and the other in the fall, which will showcase what each library has to offer students in their communities.
If every public library in Avon Maitland was reaching out to the schools in the communities they service to share information with students about their programs, imagine how many more families might visit the library? Not only do we hope to educate children about what their public libraries have to offer, we hope to bring more children and their families together to explore, learn, and have fun.
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Huron County libraries that register with the dHL will be available to present information about their programs, upcoming events, new books, resources, and other materials for loan to entire schools reaching an audience of several hundred students at a time. My goal is to invite each library to present two sessions a year, one in the spring, and the other in the fall, which will showcase what each library has to offer students in their communities.
If every public library in Avon Maitland was reaching out to the schools in the communities they service to share information with students about their programs, imagine how many more families might visit the library? Not only do we hope to educate children about what their public libraries have to offer, we hope to bring more children and their families together to explore, learn, and have fun.
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
iPads-Inspire
Please help me promote my newest campaign to raise funds to purchase a class set of iPad2's for my students! Information about my campaign can be found here http://www.indiegogo.com/iPads-Inspire.
I am asking my followers to tweet, post a message on Facebook and/or LinkedIn, and use social media to help me spread the word. And, if you would like to make a contribution, please visit http://www.indiegogo.com/iPads-Inspire
Thank you again for your support! Together we can provide students with the education they need to be successful in the 21st century.
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
I am asking my followers to tweet, post a message on Facebook and/or LinkedIn, and use social media to help me spread the word. And, if you would like to make a contribution, please visit http://www.indiegogo.com/iPads-Inspire
Thank you again for your support! Together we can provide students with the education they need to be successful in the 21st century.
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Education and Employment: Are We Doing Enough?
Earlier this week I was contacted by Jim Gilchrist, President of CAES - Career Advancement Employment Services who shared a very interesting report with me published by McKinsey and Company entitled Education and Employment. The premise of the report is that there is a disconnect between employers, graduates, and educators. Beyond technical capability, new graduates lack the "soft skills" that many employers desire, and educators are failing to address this issue due to the lack of focus on employment preparation. It suggests that, unless educators make changes to help supply what many students really want - jobs, they could be seeing even more declining enrollment. Hmmm . . .
The article is a very interesting read, and from an educator's point of view it does make me question how we prepare our students to enter the workforce. As teachers we are responsible for all kinds of learning. We provide each individual student with a variety of ways to learn the curriculum, by matching what we teach with how they learn. We promote critical thinking and problem solving. Model good citizenship and build character. Teachers foster an environment of collaborative learning, and provide students with opportunities to extend their thinking beyond the walls of the classroom. And although all of these skills contribute a student's success in the job market, according to McKinsey and Company, it's not enough.
This is not the first time I have read an article or discussed the disconnect between employers, graduates, and educators. Just now I googled "Are graduates prepared to enter the workforce?" and after taking some time to read through page after page of reports with titles like "The Ill-Prepared Workforce", and "Canada's Crisis in Advanced Skills", it's time to start making some changes.
But this isn't just a job for my post-secondary colleagues as many of the articles suggest. Elementary and secondary educators also have a responsibility to lay the foundation so students are prepared to build upon those skills by the time they reach college or university. So where do we begin?
This is not the first time I have read an article or discussed the disconnect between employers, graduates, and educators. Just now I googled "Are graduates prepared to enter the workforce?" and after taking some time to read through page after page of reports with titles like "The Ill-Prepared Workforce", and "Canada's Crisis in Advanced Skills", it's time to start making some changes.
But this isn't just a job for my post-secondary colleagues as many of the articles suggest. Elementary and secondary educators also have a responsibility to lay the foundation so students are prepared to build upon those skills by the time they reach college or university. So where do we begin?
Well, connecting with experts from the Digital Human Library is a good place to start. By providing students with opportunities to connect with experts in a wide range of fields, students learn about the variety of job opportunities that await them upon graduation. These experiences will help students make more informed decisions about the kinds of jobs that might interest them in the future.
Digital Human Library connections also give students the opportunity to ask dHL experts questions, not only about what they are learning in the classroom, but about how that learning is applied in the workplace. At the secondary level virtual visits with dHL members could specifically focus on those kinds of "soft skills" students will need in order to be successful.
And this is where CAES has also offered their help. Here is an organization committed to reducing the gap between graduates and employers by reaching out to students and adapting some of their programs to address specific needs; such as helping new graduates to understand and develop their “soft skills” in order to better prepare them for employment and to more effectively present themselves to employers. If there is an opportunity to bring the programs offered by CAES to teachers and students via the Digital Human Library, we would have access to even more experts who are trained to help our students succeed. Hmmm . . .
I hope you will consider initiating these conversations between dHL experts and your students. It's through these collaborations that students will begin to make connections between what they are learning in the classroom and how it really applies in the world of work, and we are providing our students with opportunities to develop those "soft skills" they seem to be lacking in today's job market.
Let's face it, videoconferencing is cool. The kids love it. And teachers get some free PD from the experts. It's a win-win for everyone!
Oh, and the best part is, we are providing our students with the skills they need now, to be successful in the future.
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Digital Human Library connections also give students the opportunity to ask dHL experts questions, not only about what they are learning in the classroom, but about how that learning is applied in the workplace. At the secondary level virtual visits with dHL members could specifically focus on those kinds of "soft skills" students will need in order to be successful.
And this is where CAES has also offered their help. Here is an organization committed to reducing the gap between graduates and employers by reaching out to students and adapting some of their programs to address specific needs; such as helping new graduates to understand and develop their “soft skills” in order to better prepare them for employment and to more effectively present themselves to employers. If there is an opportunity to bring the programs offered by CAES to teachers and students via the Digital Human Library, we would have access to even more experts who are trained to help our students succeed. Hmmm . . .
I hope you will consider initiating these conversations between dHL experts and your students. It's through these collaborations that students will begin to make connections between what they are learning in the classroom and how it really applies in the world of work, and we are providing our students with opportunities to develop those "soft skills" they seem to be lacking in today's job market.
Let's face it, videoconferencing is cool. The kids love it. And teachers get some free PD from the experts. It's a win-win for everyone!
Oh, and the best part is, we are providing our students with the skills they need now, to be successful in the future.
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Canadian Library Association National Conference 2013
I
just received word that the Digital Human Library has been invited to present
at the annual Canadian Library Association National Conference and Trade
Show in Winnipeg, Manitoba on May 29th - June 1st,
2013.
The Canadian Library Association/ Association Canadienne des Bibliothèques is the national public voice for Canada`s library communities. The CLA believes in the true value of libraries and free universal access to information. Diversity is a major strength or their association, and they work to inspire and support learning while strengthening the library community.
Presenting at the CLA Conference will be a great opportunity for the dHL to establish new
relationships with other library professionals, and reconnect with colleagues
in the library community!
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Thursday, 29 November 2012
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
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
Saturday, 17 November 2012
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 1st, 2012 – December 21st, 2012
Monday - Friday (All programs must be booked two weeks in advance)
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Thursday, 1 November 2012
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
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
Thursday, 25 October 2012
5...4...3...2...1... NASA!
 |
| Digital Learning Network |
Grab your helmets and put on your spacesuits!
NASA's Digital Learning Network provides science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or STEM content featuring NASA's missions and research. The DLN includes 10 NASA field centers and has reached close to 1 million students and teachers using VC (videoconferencing) and webcasts that feature NASA-related STEM instruction. Participants can take advantage of free interactive lessons and professional development events through distance learning technologies.
To learn more about the programs being offered check out NASA's DLN Event Catalogue!
The DLN also offers Special Events - interactive activities/ web-casts that are not a part of their regular catalogue and they are usually geared towards students. With these opportunties you and your students will be able to talk to and learn from NASA astronauts, scientists, engineers, and other NASA employees. Be sure to check our NASA's DLN Special Events page regularly to see what NASA has to offer!
I strongly encourage you to learn more about NASA's DLN programs by visiting their website! Not only will you be able to browse their Event Catalogue and Special Events pages, and watch exciting webcasts, but you will have access to educational resource packages to support your teaching of STEM content.
Keep shooting for the stars!
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Global Education Conference
The Digital Human Library has been selected to present at the third annual Global Education Conference, a free week-long online event bringing together educators and innovators from around the world, on Thursday, November 15th at 7:00PM EST. The Conference runs from Monday November 12 through Friday, November 16, 2012 (Saturday, November 17th in some time zones). The entire conference is held online using the Blackboard Collaborate platform (formerly known as Elluminate/Wimba) with the support of iEARN worldwide as the conference founding sponsor, who will be running their annual international conference in conjunction with this event.
The Global Education Conference is a collaborative, inclusive, world-wide community initiative involving students, educators, and organizations at all levels. It is designed to significantly increase opportunities for building education-related connections around the globe while supporting cultural awareness and recognition of diversity. Last year’s conference featured 340 general sessions and 18 keynote addresses from all over the world with over 10,000 participant logins.
The Global Education Conference seeks to present ideas, examples, and projects related to connecting educators and classrooms with a strong emphasis on promoting global awareness, fostering global competency, and inspiring action towards solving real–world problems. Through this event, attendees will challenge themselves and others to become more active citizens of the world. Participants are encouraged to learn, question, create, and engage in meaningful, authentic opportunities within a global context!
To attend this year's conference and to be kept informed of the latest conference news and updates, please join the Global Education Network.
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Educator, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
The Global Education Conference is a collaborative, inclusive, world-wide community initiative involving students, educators, and organizations at all levels. It is designed to significantly increase opportunities for building education-related connections around the globe while supporting cultural awareness and recognition of diversity. Last year’s conference featured 340 general sessions and 18 keynote addresses from all over the world with over 10,000 participant logins.
The Global Education Conference seeks to present ideas, examples, and projects related to connecting educators and classrooms with a strong emphasis on promoting global awareness, fostering global competency, and inspiring action towards solving real–world problems. Through this event, attendees will challenge themselves and others to become more active citizens of the world. Participants are encouraged to learn, question, create, and engage in meaningful, authentic opportunities within a global context!
To attend this year's conference and to be kept informed of the latest conference news and updates, please join the Global Education Network.
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Educator, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Thursday, 27 September 2012
AMDSB Presentation
Earlier this week I presented the dHL to the AMDSB and it was a huge success. Since releasing the dHL to all AMDSB elementary and secondary staff, I've had about 20 teachers register, and I hope in the coming months to see 20 more. When I was asked which member of the dHL I thought would be most popular my response was The Memory Project Speakers' Bureau. The Speakers' Bureau connects veterans and serving soldiers with students online and in classroom across the country. With Remembrance Day only a month away, teachers will be starting to discuss why we remember. I hope they consider connecting with a veteran or serving soldier this year.
There have been some new developments this week too, which I am really excited about, and the AMDSB got to hear them first! I contacted the Canadian Museums Association, who represents nearly 2000 members, and the CMA has agreed to promote the dHL to all of their members. The support of the CMA will help me gain more dHL membership from museums all across Canada.
This week I also had the pleasure of speaking with Leanne Clare from the David Suzuki Foundation. We discussed the possibility of members from the David Suzuki Foundation joining the Digital Human Library to support teachers using The Nature Challenge Teacher's Guide, Curriculum Resource for Grades 4-7, available on the David Suzuki website.
What's next? You'll just have to wait and read!
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
There have been some new developments this week too, which I am really excited about, and the AMDSB got to hear them first! I contacted the Canadian Museums Association, who represents nearly 2000 members, and the CMA has agreed to promote the dHL to all of their members. The support of the CMA will help me gain more dHL membership from museums all across Canada.
This week I also had the pleasure of speaking with Leanne Clare from the David Suzuki Foundation. We discussed the possibility of members from the David Suzuki Foundation joining the Digital Human Library to support teachers using The Nature Challenge Teacher's Guide, Curriculum Resource for Grades 4-7, available on the David Suzuki website.
What's next? You'll just have to wait and read!
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Another Fantastic Week for the dHL!
That pretty much sums it up. It has been a fantastic week. The Biosphere
http://www.ec.gc.ca/biosphere/, Sheffield Museum http://www.sheffieldmuseum.ca/, Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
http://www.bms.bc.ca/, and Science North
http://sciencenorth.ca/ are the newest members to join the dHL. Please visit the dHL website and browse the incredible variety of programs offered by these unique organizations. Be sure to book early! Some organizations can only offer a limited number of free sessions per year.
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
What can you look forward to in the upcoming weeks?
I will be chatting with the Royal Ontario Museum http://www.rom.on.ca/, the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum http://www.aviation.technomuses.ca/visit_us/at_the_museum/, the Royal Tyrrell Museum http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/, and the David Suzuki Foundation http://www.davidsuzuki.org/ to hopefully provide even more programming opportunities for you and your students!
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Saturday, 1 September 2012
What's New?!
I've been busy!
Here's the scoop on who, and what's new with the dHL.
Most recently the Art Gallery of Ontario agreed to join the dHL offering an incredible range of art programs, tours, and art history lessons for students of all ages. Check the dHL website for the AGO's fall program schedule coming soon!
In August I discussed membership with the Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Zoo, and Granby Zoo (offering programs in French and English). These organizations are currently working on their new fall educational programs as well, and they will be available to teachers and students in the next month or so.
The Digital Human Library has also had several new community members register including an optometrist, chef, graphic designer, and children's author to name a few. Please visit http://digitalhumanlibrary.com and register today to view the full library of members available to teachers this fall!
So what's next? Well, in addition to meeting new community members daily whom I hope to inspire to join the dHL, I have also been working with Parks Canada http://www.pc.gc.ca/. My goal is to secure membership from a representative at each National Park and Historic Site in Canada! Imagine the possibilities . . .
Stay tuned!
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Here's the scoop on who, and what's new with the dHL.
Most recently the Art Gallery of Ontario agreed to join the dHL offering an incredible range of art programs, tours, and art history lessons for students of all ages. Check the dHL website for the AGO's fall program schedule coming soon!
In August I discussed membership with the Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Zoo, and Granby Zoo (offering programs in French and English). These organizations are currently working on their new fall educational programs as well, and they will be available to teachers and students in the next month or so.
The Digital Human Library has also had several new community members register including an optometrist, chef, graphic designer, and children's author to name a few. Please visit http://digitalhumanlibrary.com and register today to view the full library of members available to teachers this fall!
So what's next? Well, in addition to meeting new community members daily whom I hope to inspire to join the dHL, I have also been working with Parks Canada http://www.pc.gc.ca/. My goal is to secure membership from a representative at each National Park and Historic Site in Canada! Imagine the possibilities . . .
Stay tuned!
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Back to School
It's that time of year again! Back to school is just around the corner and most teachers are busy planning and preparing for another exciting school year. What kinds of wonderful new experiences will you offer your students this year?
Well, I have a few suggestions! How about connecting with some members from the Digital Human Library? With over 100 members to choose from across the curriculum, you could offer your students the opportunity to learn something new in an exciting new way.
Visit with a farmer and learn about the fall harvest and why we celebrate Thanksgiving. Connect with a veteran from the Speakers Bureau and learn about the Second World War, the Korean War, Peacekeeping Operations and/or Canadian Forces experiences around Remembrance Day. Celebrate diversity by inviting a Passages to Canada speaker to visit your classroom to share his/her story of coming to Canada. Want to take a class trip to the North Carolina Zoo? All of these exciting new opportunities for learning are waiting for you!
Register with the Digital Human Library today and start connecting with members this fall!
Interested in giving back to your school community? Sign-up to become a member today. Visit http://digitalhumanlibrary.com to learn more about this exciting new initiative!
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Well, I have a few suggestions! How about connecting with some members from the Digital Human Library? With over 100 members to choose from across the curriculum, you could offer your students the opportunity to learn something new in an exciting new way.
Visit with a farmer and learn about the fall harvest and why we celebrate Thanksgiving. Connect with a veteran from the Speakers Bureau and learn about the Second World War, the Korean War, Peacekeeping Operations and/or Canadian Forces experiences around Remembrance Day. Celebrate diversity by inviting a Passages to Canada speaker to visit your classroom to share his/her story of coming to Canada. Want to take a class trip to the North Carolina Zoo? All of these exciting new opportunities for learning are waiting for you!
Register with the Digital Human Library today and start connecting with members this fall!
Interested in giving back to your school community? Sign-up to become a member today. Visit http://digitalhumanlibrary.com to learn more about this exciting new initiative!
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Digital Human Library Website
Now you can visit the Digital Human Library website to learn more about this exciting new initiative! Check out http://digitalhumanlibrary.com and browse the library of experts, find hundreds of virtual resources, and learn about how to get the most from your Digital Human Library experience. Register as a member today and start making a difference in the lives of our students!
I hope to see you in the classroom,
Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher, AMDSB
Founder of the Digital Human Library
Friday, 6 July 2012
The dHL Celebrates 100 MEMBERS!
It's hard to believe that only a year ago the Digital Human Library was just an idea - an idea that has now evolved into a resource for teachers that could have a huge impact on the way teachers and students interact with the curriculum. The dHL celebrates 100 members!
Each day I connect with new and exciting people who are interested in getting involved. Just yesterday I introduced myself to the Vancouver Aquarium http://www.vanaqua.org/, the Royal Ontario Museum http://www.rom.on.ca/, and The Memory Project (connecting veterans, serving soldiers, and students across the country) http://www.thememoryproject.com/speakers-bureau/. Fingers crossed!
Teachers - next year your students could take a virtual field trip under water at the Vancouver Aquarium. But wait - it get's even better . . . After your virtual deep sea dive you visit their website and experience their many activities, stunning galleries, and online exhibits. Still want more?! Your students now want to get involved in conservation - and everything you need is right at your fingertips - the information and access to the experts! With the Digital Human Library the possibilities are endless.
So, you're not a teacher. Now you might be saying to yourself, where do I fit it? I'm not a big organization with all those bells and whistles. Lots of people do what I do. The kids wouldn't find me interesting.
I'm just one person.
Well, here's the scoop. YOU are one person and it only takes ONE PERSON to make a difference. You may do the same job as a lot of other people, but you don't do your jobs the same way. Your past experiences have helped shape the person you are today - why not share those experiences with our students? This is your chance to give back, not just to your community, but to the global community.
Just think about it . . .
Each day I connect with new and exciting people who are interested in getting involved. Just yesterday I introduced myself to the Vancouver Aquarium http://www.vanaqua.org/, the Royal Ontario Museum http://www.rom.on.ca/, and The Memory Project (connecting veterans, serving soldiers, and students across the country) http://www.thememoryproject.com/speakers-bureau/. Fingers crossed!
Teachers - next year your students could take a virtual field trip under water at the Vancouver Aquarium. But wait - it get's even better . . . After your virtual deep sea dive you visit their website and experience their many activities, stunning galleries, and online exhibits. Still want more?! Your students now want to get involved in conservation - and everything you need is right at your fingertips - the information and access to the experts! With the Digital Human Library the possibilities are endless.
So, you're not a teacher. Now you might be saying to yourself, where do I fit it? I'm not a big organization with all those bells and whistles. Lots of people do what I do. The kids wouldn't find me interesting.
I'm just one person.
Well, here's the scoop. YOU are one person and it only takes ONE PERSON to make a difference. You may do the same job as a lot of other people, but you don't do your jobs the same way. Your past experiences have helped shape the person you are today - why not share those experiences with our students? This is your chance to give back, not just to your community, but to the global community.
Just think about it . . .
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
It's Official! The dHL Website is Under Construction
After meeting with Steve Howe (AMDSB Manager of Communications) and Fraser King (Computer Programmer) to discuss the development of the Digital Human Library website, construction officially began. We are a month or two away from completing the website which will be made available to teachers in the AMDSB in the fall of 2012. 80+ dHL members and counting!
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Interactive Ontario Supports the dHL
The Digital Human Library seeks a volunteer database programmer. Details in Interactive Ontario's latest newsletter:
IO Newsletter Link
IO Newsletter Link
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