FAQs for Teachers

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What is Digital Human Library (dHL)?

 

Digital Human Library (dHL) is a digital experiential learning library for modern learners. We bring people together to make a difference for kids by connecting K–12 teachers and students with hundreds of industry leaders, experts, and organizations from around the world. dHL Experts offer interactive curriculum‑based programs, mentorships, career talks, and Q&A sessions using video conferencing technologies. These experiences are complemented by over 1,800 virtual tours and virtual reality experiences. We also offer national and global social innovation projects supported by research.

Who can use Digital Human Library?

Digital Human Library is designed for K–12 educators and students.

There are no student accounts permitted at dHL. Teachers may register and subscribe to our services on the website.

Where is my information stored?

Digital Human Library is hosted on secure Canadian servers safe-guarded by Cyber Security Global Alliance (CSGA).

Can I register if I live outside of Canada?

Yes. Teachers outside of Canada can subscribe to a Premium Teacher Membership and access dHL services for one academic year.

Explore the Library

Video Conference with Experts

What does it mean to video conference with dHL Experts?

Video conferencing with dHL Experts allows teachers to access live, interactive learning experiences for students lasting 30–40 minutes. Teachers and students can search for experts by keyword, subject area, or grade level, and connect directly to request a program. Sessions are scheduled at a mutually agreed time using platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.

What is included with a FREE Teacher Membership?

Canadian teachers gain free access to:

  • Unlimited access to Video Conference with Experts
  • Hundreds of vetted experts
  • Programs, mentorships, Q&As, and career talks
  • Flexible scheduling with experts
  • Teacher resources to support every step of the process
What is included with a Premium Teacher Membership?

Teachers and districts who subscribe gain access to:

  • Unlimited access for one academic year
  • My Library to save and organize experts
  • Reviews and feedback tools
  • Ability to request new experts
  • Opportunities to share project ideas and collaborate
  • Teacher resources and email support
Why videoconference with Experts?

Video conferencing with experts extends learning by connecting students directly with people who share their knowledge, perspectives, and lived experiences. These real-time interactions provide authentic opportunities for inquiry, allowing students to ask questions, explore curriculum-connected ideas in depth, and build meaningful relationships with professionals. They can complement other learning experiences or stand on their own, helping students connect what they are learning to the world beyond the classroom and future career pathways.

How do I access the Video Conference with Experts library?

Teachers register, log in, select Video Conference with Experts, search for experts, and request a program.

How do I book a program with a dHL Expert?

Teachers can search for an expert, open the expert profile, and select “Request an Expert.” The request form allows teachers to share information about their class, learning goals, and availability before scheduling a session.

How can I keep students engaged during a live program?

Teachers can support engagement by preparing students in advance, setting expectations, encouraging participation, and providing opportunities for reflection before and after the experience.

What technology do I need to host a video conference?

Teachers need a computer with internet access, speakers, and a webcam with a microphone. A projector or SMARTBoard is recommended so that students can clearly see and hear the session.

Who are the dHL Experts?

dHL Experts are vetted professionals, organizations, and content partners with expertise in their field. They are selected for their ability to engage students in interactive, inclusive, and meaningful learning experiences.

How are dHL Experts vetted?

Experts are carefully vetted through research, interviews, verification of qualifications, reference checks, and review of their professional background and online presence.

How much does it cost to subscribe?

Digital Human Library is free for Canadian teachers. Over 95% of experts offer programs at no cost. Any fees are clearly indicated in expert profiles and paid directly to the expert.

Virtual Tours & Virtual Reality

What is the Virtual Tours & Virtual Reality library?

The Virtual Tours & Virtual Reality library is a collection of over 1,800 immersive experiences, including 360° video, panoramas, 3D environments, live cameras, and narrated tours.

Why use Virtual Tours & VR?

Virtual tours and virtual reality experiences extend learning by providing rich context and immersive opportunities for exploration. They can complement live experiences or be used independently to explore places, environments, and ideas.

How do I access the Virtual Tours & VR library?

Teachers register with Digital Human Library, log in, and select the Virtual Tours & Virtual Reality section. They can browse free tours or subscribe for full access.

Do I need to be tech-savvy to use dHL in my classroom?

Not at all! All Virtual Tours and VR experiences are browser-based—no downloads, no special equipment (eg. headsets), and no IT support required. If your students can open a browser and navigate a website, they're ready to go.

How much does it cost to subscribe?

Teachers can subscribe to access our entire library for $25 per year, which is approximately $1 per student.

CareerMentor AI

What is CareerMentor?

CareerMentor connects students to real-world career pathways related to their learning. It supports exploration, reflection, and understanding how school learning connects to future opportunities.

Why use CareerMentor AI?

CareerMentor AI extends learning by connecting students to AI-powered career conversations informed by real industry professionals. Through guided dialogue and reflection, students explore curriculum-connected ideas while gaining insight into workplace experiences and the pathways that lie ahead—deepening understanding, fostering a sense of possibility, and helping students see how their learning connects to who they are and who they might become.

How do I use CareerMentor AI?

CareerMentor AI is used the same way you would initiate a search on the internet. Students simply type in a career-related question and let the conversation guide them. Teachers support students as they reflect on what they are learning and explore how it connects to real roles, skills, and pathways.

How does CareerMentor support student learning?

CareerMentor helps students make connections between their learning and real-world applications. It supports exploration of career pathways, reflection on interests and strengths, and understanding of how knowledge and skills are used in different contexts.

How does CareerMentor fit with existing career education tools?

CareerMentor is designed to complement existing tools such as MyBlueprint, Xello, and Career Cruising. These tools support self-reflection, planning, and career awareness.

CareerMentor adds a different layer by helping students:

  • understand what careers involve day-to-day
  • recognize that people enter careers in different ways
  • see that career pathways are often non-linear

Together, these approaches support both self-understanding and awareness of possible pathways.

CareerMentor: Safety and Privacy

CareerMentor is designed as a low-risk, privacy-first tool.
CareerMentor does not require student accounts or logins. It does not collect personal data, store student input, or save conversation history.
CareerMentor does not search the internet or access external content during use. It uses pre-designed career descriptions and general knowledge built into the tool.
CareerMentor is intended to be used in a supervised classroom environment. Teachers guide how it is used and remain responsible for supporting students if questions or concerns arise.

How much does it cost to subscribe?

CareerMentor AI will launch fall/winter 2026. Stay tuned!

Design Learning

PathBuilder

What is PathBuilder?

PathBuilder AI supports educators in planning connected learning across lessons and cycles of inquiry. It helps bring together experiences, ideas, and student thinking over time.

LessonDesign AI

What is LessonDesign?

LessonDesign AI supports intentional planning by connecting curriculum expectations with experts, virtual experiences, and learning opportunities.

In the Classroom

Integrating dHL Into Classroom Programs

Can my students access dHL on their own, or does it need to be teacher-led?

Our Video Conference with Experts library is only accessible by teachers.

With a District-level subscription, our Virtual Tours & VR library may be accessed directly by students who are provided with a unique access link (no login required).

Individual teachers who subscribe have the option of finding tours for their students and sharing the links.

Can I link dHL Experts to my lesson plans and resources?

Yes. Each expert profile includes a web link that can be added to lesson plans, digital tools, websites, and resource collections. When accessed, teachers are directed to log in to view the selected expert profile.

How much class time do I need to use dHL effectively?

dHL is designed to fit into the time you already have. Most Virtual Tours, VR experiences, and Video Conference with Experts sessions can be completed within a 30-40 minute class period. Virtual tours & VR experiences are also incredibly effective as a short introductory or closing activity to engage students, spark interest, support reflection, or encourage further inquiry.

Can I use dHL across different subject areas?

Absolutely. dHL's library connects the K-12 curriculum across subject areas, grade levels, and industries. You'll find virtual experiences and dHL Experts that align with what you're already teaching.

How do I find experirences that match my curriculum?

You can browse our libraries by category, grade level, or subject area directly on the dHL platform. If you're using LessonDesign AI, it will automatically integrate dHL resources aligned to your selected curriculum outcomes—saving you time and taking the guesswork out of planning.

Student Safety & Disclaimers

Student Safety & Disclaimers

What are my responsibilities as a teacher using dHL?

Teachers are responsible for ensuring that all use of Digital Human Library aligns with school and board policies.

This includes:

  • ensuring students have permission to appear on camera
  • preparing Experts with relevant classroom context and learning goals
  • supervising student participation during live and asynchronous experiences
  • supporting student engagement before, during, and after learning experiences

Teachers are also responsible for determining how dHL tools are used in their specific classroom context.

Student Safety

Teachers play an important role in ensuring safe and appropriate use of all Digital Human Library services.
When inviting a guest into your classroom—whether in person or virtually—unexpected situations may occur. Teachers are expected to use professional judgment at all times.
Live video sessions can be ended immediately if needed by closing the browser or ending the meeting.
If any concerns arise during or after a session, teachers are encouraged to contact Digital Human Library for support.

Using Virtual Reality (VR) Safely

Digital Human Library provides access to virtual tours and immersive content that can be experienced on standard devices without the use of VR headsets.

If teachers choose to use VR headsets in their classroom, the following safety practices are recommended:

  • Students should remain seated or stationary while using VR headsets
  • A clear, open space should be used to prevent collisions or falls
  • Headset use should be time-limited and supervised
  • Students should be monitored for discomfort or motion sensitivity
  • Equipment should be used according to manufacturer guidelines

The use of VR headsets is optional and is determined by the classroom teacher. Digital Human Library does not require or provide VR equipment.

VR Headset Use and Responsibility

Digital Human Library provides access to virtual experiences through web-based content. These experiences do not require specialized equipment.

If VR headsets or third-party tools are used to access dHL content, their use is outside the scope of Digital Human Library services.

Teachers and schools are responsible for:

  • selecting and managing any additional hardware
  • ensuring safe use of equipment
  • following school or board policies related to technology use
Informing Parents

Teachers are encouraged to inform families about student participation in video conferencing or virtual learning experiences, similar to how they would communicate about field trips or guest speakers.

Digital Human Library Disclaimer

dHL does not accept liability for the content provided by our Experts, or for the contents of external links over the structure of which we have no control. This statement is valid for all of the links on the website and for all contents of the pages to which the links or banners lead.

Join Us

Start building meaningful, connected learning with Digital Human Library today!
Individual teachers may subscribe directly through our website. Schools and Districts are invited to contact us to learn more.