What is Digital Human Library (dHL)?
Digital Human Library creates opportunities for K-12 students to learn with the largest network of professionals (dHL Experts) by offering hundreds of interactive 1:1 video conferences and live streamed educational programs, and the largest collection of educational virtual tours and virtual reality on the web. Our experts and digital content are sourced by teachers for teachers in all curriculum subject areas, and can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
Video Conference with Experts
Why should I register as a dHL Expert?
One of the greatest ways you will give back to the school community is to get involved in education. Your contributions to this resource not only bring communities around the world together, but have a profound effect on the lives of our students. By agreeing to be a dHL Expert, you are making a commitment to help educate our children, and strengthen the relationships between our communities and schools.
Family Transition Place joined the Digital Human Library as a way of reaching youth that are not within our geographical area. We are hoping to continue to inspire youth to have and maintain healthy relationships so that they can feel good about who they are on a daily basis. We are grateful to be connected to the Digital Human Library to allow us to continue to do the work we do.
Family Transition Place
Who are the dHL Experts?
dHL Experts are content partners who offer educational programs to K-12 students in their classrooms using video conferencing technology. dHL Experts are dynamic, engaging, and professional, with comprehensive knowledge and skill sets in their field of work/ area of specialization based on years of experience and/or research. Experts lead with empathy and interact with students in ways that are professional and personable, positive, inclusive, and equitable. With a focus on empowering students as leaders in their own learning, Experts create opportunities for students to ask questions, share ideas, make connections, collaborate, solve problems, think critically, create and learn.
Note: In specific fields of work, the definition of expert is well established by consensus and therefore it is not always necessary for dHL Experts to have academic qualifications.
How much does it cost to be listed as a dHL Expert?
It’s 100% FREE to register as an Expert and list your programs with Digital Human Library. Organizations who charge a fee for their programs are required to provide a minimum number of free programs each academic school year in support of dHL’s mission.
What are my responsibilities?
dHL Experts connect with teachers and students to support youth and learning. Registering for Digital Human Library involves creating a profile which includes information like your areas of expertise, program information, web links, and preferred method(s) of contact. By registering you are agreeing to receive and respond to requests from classroom teachers who are interested in connecting their students with you. It is always up to you to decide if, and when you would like to work with teachers who contact you. Teachers understand you may not always be available.
What information is provided to me when I’m contacted by a classroom teacher?
Teachers who contact you will provide you with all of the information you need, including the curriculum (subject area content), grade level, learning goals, learning needs, and any other relevant information to ensure the video conference is a success. It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher to help you prepare for the video conference. The classroom teacher will work with you to decide on the format for the video conference, whether it’s an interview, demonstration, presentation, lesson, Q&A, as well as how to make the video conference as interactive and engaging as possible. Since you are the Expert, you will decide how much preparation is required for the video conference.
How much time am I committing to the dHL if I agree to register?
The amount of time you commit to the dHL is entirely up to you. You decide how many sessions you are willing to offer each year. You can update your profile anytime to reflect your current offerings.
Why do I need to add Tags to my profile?
Tags are important key words that teachers may use to search for Experts in the library. It’s important to include as many tags as you can think of related to your areas of expertise and program offerings.
ATTENTION: Virtual Researchers and Corporate Experts
Remember to add the tags assigned to you in the Expert Invitation you received. If you have any questions please contact us.
What technology do I need?
All you need is a computer with internet access, speakers, and a webcam with a microphone. Since most computers are equipped with a webcam, microphone, and speakers, you probably already have everything you need!
The video conferencing platform you use for your video conference depends on your preferred way to connect (Zoom, Skype, Google+ Hangouts, …). If you don’t have a preferred way to connect, there are several free options. We also recommend asking the teacher you are working with if s/he prefers a specific platform.
How do I know if my occupation and/or expertise would be of interest to teachers and students?
“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” ~Bill Nye
EveryONE has something valuable to offer. With such a broad range of topics explored in grades K-12 across the curriculum, teachers and students will find connections between your occupation and area(s) of expertise, and the inquiry happening in the classroom.
How do I develop an educational program for students?
Collaborating with the teacher is the best place to start. Teachers are full of creative ideas. Ask lots of questions and plan together. Remember, you are have the expertise and the teacher knows how to engage the students. Together you will design a program that meets the needs of all learners. If you find you need additional support, please contact us!
I have enjoyed the opportunity to FaceTime and Skype from the barn back to the classroom! It’s rewarding that I have been able to educate tomorrow’s consumers about where their food comes from.
Krall Poultry Farms
What program formats are available to me as a dHL Expert?
Experts may choose to offer educational programs, career talks, Q&As, and/or mentorships. Choose what works for you! You can update your profile anytime to add new offerings. Learn more…
How do I modify my existing educational programs so they can be delivered virtually? Will my program still be engaging?
In most cases the content in your program can be delivered in an engaging way just as it would if you were presenting in person. Consider how much time you spend talking, showing multi-media, allowing for questions and answering questions when you present. You can still lead activities, read books, show pictures, artifacts, play videos, music, conduct an experiment… The only difference is, you aren’t standing directly in front of your audience. They won’t be able to touch or handle the artifacts for example, but your audience can see those artifacts up close – sometimes in greater detail than can be seen by the naked eye! And when you plan with the classroom teacher, maybe you plan for the students to have the same artifacts you’re using during your program. Students start off engaged because they get to see you on the BIG screen. Involve them in your session like you would in person, and you will have a captivated audience.
If you have any questions, please contact us!
I have registered as a dHL Expert, but I can’t view other Expert profiles. Why?
In order to protect the privacy of our Experts, the only users that have access to complete dHL Expert profiles are registered teachers and librarians.
How do I view my Reviews/Feedback?
Experts can access their Reviews/ Feedback from the profile dashboard when logged into dHL.
Questions?
We hope you found the answers you were looking for. If you have further questions, or would like additional information about any of our services, please contact us anytime.
This post is also available in: Français (French)
