Pandemic Paleontology: Teaching online using the Digital Atlas of Ancient Life Virtual Collection

Course Overview

We consider the value of this course from multiple aspects, and finally summarize it for you from three aspects: personal skills, career development, and further study:
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What skills and knowledge will you acquire during this course?
During this course, participants will acquire a range of skills and knowledge related to teaching online using the Digital Atlas of Ancient Life Virtual Collection. They will learn how to effectively utilize the resources available on the website, including fossil field guides, K–12 and undergraduate-level activities, the Digital Encyclopedia of Ancient Life online textbook, and the Virtual Collection of fossil specimens.

Participants will gain proficiency in navigating the Digital Atlas website and accessing the various resources it offers. They will learn how to incorporate the Virtual Collection's interactive, online 3D photogrammetry models into their teaching materials, such as online quizzes and course websites. Additionally, participants will understand how to adapt these models for their own purposes and explore the option of 3D printing them.

Through this course, participants will also develop a deeper understanding of paleontology and the importance of specimen collections in pedagogy. They will learn about the ongoing efforts to improve the accessibility of collections, teaching, learning, and overall interest in paleontology.

Overall, this course will equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach paleontology online using the Digital Atlas of Ancient Life Virtual Collection.

How does this course contribute to professional growth?
This course on teaching online using the Digital Atlas of Ancient Life Virtual Collection contributes significantly to professional growth. By utilizing this resource, instructors are able to adapt their traditional in-person paleontology courses and labs to an online format, which is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. This course allows instructors to continue providing quality education to their students, even when access to physical specimen collections is limited.

The Digital Atlas of Ancient Life offers a wide range of resources, including fossil field guides, activities for K-12 and undergraduate students, an online textbook called the Digital Encyclopedia of Ancient Life (DEAL), and a Virtual Collection (VC) of over 500 interactive, online 3D photogrammetry models. These models have been developed from the collections of the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) and exhibits of PRI's Museum of the Earth.

One of the key benefits of this course is that the models in the Virtual Collection have public domain licensing, allowing instructors the freedom to adapt them for their own purposes. This means that instructors can embed the models in online quizzes and course websites, enhancing the learning experience for their students. Additionally, the models can also be 3D printed, providing a hands-on component to the online paleontology course.

By utilizing the Digital Atlas of Ancient Life and its resources, instructors are able to improve the accessibility of collections, teaching, learning, and overall interest in paleontology. This course not only equips instructors with the necessary tools to teach online effectively, but it also enhances their professional skills and knowledge in the field of paleontology. Overall, this course contributes to the professional growth of instructors by providing them with innovative and adaptable teaching methods, even in challenging circumstances.

Is this course suitable for preparing further education?
The course "Pandemic Paleontology: Teaching online using the Digital Atlas of Ancient Life Virtual Collection" appears to be suitable for preparing further education. The course aims to address the challenges faced by instructors and students during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing online resources and tools for teaching paleontology. The Digital Atlas of Ancient Life offers a range of materials, including fossil field guides, activities, an online textbook, and a Virtual Collection of fossil specimens. These resources can be accessed for free and can be adapted by instructors for their own purposes, such as embedding them in online quizzes and course websites. Additionally, the Virtual Collection features over 500 interactive, online 3D photogrammetry models that can also be 3D printed. The continuous updates to the Digital Atlas demonstrate a commitment to improving the accessibility of collections, teaching, learning, and overall interest in paleontology.