The ‘Interactive Learning’ project commenced with a pilot program at PlantBank, which has significantly increased the reach of the Trust’s school education programs and environmental-themed learning.
So far Interactive Learning has:
- Developed a suite of online education programs and extension activities for school students using Connected Classroom technology on the themes of plant sciences, plant conservation, sustainability and the environment;
- Facilitated project components of Connected Classrooms delivered by the Community and Education Programs team ensuring the successful delivery of virtual excursions across three Botanic Gardens;
- Enabled training and technical support for the Community and Education Programs team providing tools to support the delivery of a wide range of online syllabus-linked interactive programs for schools and university students nationally and internationally;
- Established connections with NSW schools, liaising with relevant government bodies such as the Department of Education and Communities, the Office of Environment and Heritage, DART and Virtual Excursions Australia, to expand the reach of Trust education programs;
- Introduced free lesson delivery to disadvantaged schools through virtual excursion programs, and;
- Cemented signature events such as Science Week and NAIDOC as part of the annual Interactive Learning schedule.