OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETYOHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY DISTANCE LEARNING DISTANCE LEARNING

PROGRAMSPROGRAMS

An Alternative to An Alternative to Traditional In-house and Traditional In-house and

Outreach ProgramsOutreach Programs

What is Distance Learning?What is Distance Learning?

Where did DL take us this year?Where did DL take us this year?

A total of 153 presentations 69 presentations in the state of Ohio 80 were out of state and one international New York (50 presentations) Michigan (11 presentations) Maryland (7 presentations) Texas (4 presentations) First time audiences were in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maryland,

New Hampshire Internationally – Alberta, Canada

What do teachers have to say?What do teachers have to say?

“We have seen quite a few content providers and this program stood out above others. The period costume helped to set the stage. Asking students to select the Underground Railroad conductor at the end helped to focus the students’ attention throughout the whole presentation.”

4th grade teacher from New York

“The eyes of the students were on the presenters 100% of the time….I wish I could achieve that!”

4th grade teacher from Ohio

“It’s a valuable experience. It actually made the children feel as if they were involved in history, thus learning about major events, first hand.”

5th grade teacher from New York

“The Ohio Historical Society offers wonderful programs aligned to standards as well as encouraging the students to use critical thinking to come to conclusions. They are entertaining as well as informational. Great visuals and loved the interactivity of the presentation.”

5th grade teacher from Michigan

What do teachers have to say?What do teachers have to say?

StrengthsStrengths

Increases your reach to a vast area. Allows for a wide variety of programming. Facilitates interaction with participants. Provides for singular focus and analysis of a

subject/topic. Provides for interaction with “experts.” Allows for unique sharing of collections and

primary resource materials with minimal risk. Provides programming for a wide age range The world is at your doorstep… if you want.

WeaknessesWeaknesses

Limited to 45 minutes. Cost per program is a factor. Not everyone has “connect-ability.” Technology is wonderful WHEN it works! Technology is constantly changing. Staffing, technology and presentation are areas

of concern. Students cannot touch and handle the artifact or

primary resource.

OpportunitiesOpportunities

Less expensive per student than a field trip. Multiple classes can be accommodated for one

price. Program can be tailored to be class/location

specific. Flexibility of program allows for use by preschool

to assisted living centers. Technology allows us to “take” participants

anywhere in time or location. Material can be easily adapted during the

program to audience response.

ThreatsThreats

Technology may not be available/compatible to all .

The participants may not be well prepared even though advance material is available.

Programs may need to be rescheduled due to unforeseen problems or rescheduling may not be possible.

Quality of the program is always an issue depending upon the technology of the receiver.

The time delay factor with Distance Learning programs, needs to be considered although not a major stumbling block.

SummarySummary

Distance Learning programs offer presentation opportunities for a museum both on a national and international scale.

DL provides an opportunity to share collections, primary resources, and present history in a virtual manner that is both entertaining and educational

The initial investment to start a DL program is high, however, the opportunity for return on the investment is also high.

Understanding what makes a good DL program is key. Content, technology, presenter, format, and flexibility are the major factors in having a successful Distance Learning program