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Wednesday 26 October 2011

Digital Human Library Information Night

First Nations Cree Students Performing for Stephen Central P.S.
A Digital Human Library School Presentation

The grade 2/3 class has been using Skype (free video calling software) to connect with Cree students at Chief Poundmaker School on Poundmaker Native Reserve in Cutknife, Saskatchewan.  As part of our social studies curriculum, the students have been learning about First Nations people in Canada.  In order to compliment these curriculum expectations, my students and I have been working with one of the participants in my Digital Human Library to bring the field trip experience into the classroom!

The culminating activity for our unit will be a celebration of traditional Cree songs and dances which will be performed via Skype by students in all grades at Chief Poundmaker School.  Elders from the Poundmaker Native Reserve Community will also be participating in this performance.

Our class would like to extend an invitation to all students and family members in Huron County to attend this performance which will take place at Stephen Central P.S. in the gym, on Thursday, November 17th beginning at 11:30AM.  Come and experience the Digital Human Library!

Leigh Cassell
Elementary Teacher
Avon Maitland District School Board

What is the Digital Human Library?

What is the dHL?
The Digital Human Library (dHL) is an online database of people who have agreed to share their expertise, knowledge, skills and experiences on a wide range of topics in a variety of subject areas.  Using only a computer, a webcam, and Skype (a free software application), people in our community and communities around the world are connecting with teachers and students in classrooms to share their ideas, teach lessons, answer questions, and collaborate with educators to build a classroom program that better meets the needs of our children.  Think of the  Digital Human Library as you would a library, but instead of books, the resources that can be signed-out are the participants (people).  These participants have agreed to be contacted by classroom teachers to collaborate on an activity, lesson, or presentation that would then be shared at an agreed upon time using Skype.  So, in addition to the use of books and other classroom resources, students will now be able to engage with real people in real time using video calling software to learn curriculum based concepts and skills in a new and exciting way. The  Digital Human Library brings the field trip experience into the classroom!