ED023-02
The Ocean Online: Using Virtual Visits to Keep STEM in the Classroom
The Ocean Online: Using Virtual Visits to Keep STEM in the Classroom
Thursday, 10 December 2020: 07:04
Virtual
Abstract:
The University of Victoria’s Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) monitors Canada’s three coasts using cabled observatories to continuously deliver data in real-time for scientific research that helps communities, governments and industry make informed decisions about our future. ONC regularly engages with students at both the K-12 and postsecondary levels to educate on ocean-related topics such as hydrothermal vents and ocean warming. This presentation will focus on the virtual education materials created by Ocean Networks Canada’s Learning and Engagement Team in response to the sudden, systemic changes induced by COVID-19 mitigation measures. To support students, teachers, educators, and lifelong learners during this challenging time, our team compiled and created resources to keep students connected to the Big Blue: our oceans. Resources have included activities, labs, instructional videos, webinars, and virtual presentations for all levels of audiences.
Moving STEM education online meant that our presentations needed to become more dynamic and engaging in ways that maximized the use of virtual educational tools, with concentrated efforts focused on getting students to connect with the presenters, materials, and actionable outcomes for each presentation. Slide decks evolved from dry blocks of text, to immersive storytelling platforms to hold the viewers’ attention. No longer able to “read the room” and tailor the experience on the fly, our presentations had to engage students and elicit feedback and responsiveness from students in new and innovative ways.
This presentation will share our experiences developing, refining, and assessing our efforts to implement virtual visits and online sessions. We will highlight lessons learned from multiple perspectives (students, participants, developers, and mentors) with the intent of informing future education and outreach initiatives in these uncertain times. Links, materials and data will be openly available for all participants.
Moving STEM education online meant that our presentations needed to become more dynamic and engaging in ways that maximized the use of virtual educational tools, with concentrated efforts focused on getting students to connect with the presenters, materials, and actionable outcomes for each presentation. Slide decks evolved from dry blocks of text, to immersive storytelling platforms to hold the viewers’ attention. No longer able to “read the room” and tailor the experience on the fly, our presentations had to engage students and elicit feedback and responsiveness from students in new and innovative ways.
This presentation will share our experiences developing, refining, and assessing our efforts to implement virtual visits and online sessions. We will highlight lessons learned from multiple perspectives (students, participants, developers, and mentors) with the intent of informing future education and outreach initiatives in these uncertain times. Links, materials and data will be openly available for all participants.