What a wonderful way to teach kids about animals.
Instead of having them visit zoos and aquariums, both of which force animals to live in unnatural habitats, this idea of "electronic field trips" seems a far more humane alternative. The kids benefit because they can view the animals in a natural environment, and the animals benefit because they are in a sanctuary and not stuck in a cage. It has always amazed me that zoo supporters claim zoos have such high educational value. How educational is it for kids to see a caged animal weaving back and forth displaying none of its natural behavior?
I would love to see sanctuaries set up all over the world, each designed as permanent retirement homes for zoo and aquarium creatures.Then children could visit in this unique way and not be bound by geography. The possibilities to truly educate in this manner, are endless.
Gone But Not Forgotten… Tina Visits With Students in British Columbia.
HOHENWALD, Tenn. (November 12, 2003) – Tina the elephant was permanently relocated to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee earlier this year. Her departure was big news across North America. She may be gone but the long time resident of British Columbia is not forgotten. Hundreds of students will be visiting with Tina this Thursday, November 13 @ 10:30 am PT. These students are participating in a multi-school electronic field trip.
Through the marvels of video teleconferencing, classrooms and auditoriums filled with anxious students will connect live to the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. They will be greeted by Sanctuary co-founder and director Carol Buckley who will take them on an interactive tour of the Sanctuary facilities and introduce them to all of the resident elephants, including Tina.
Students from Burnaby South Secondary, Lochdale Elementary and Sperling Elementary
will bridge with the Michael J. Fox Theatre where more than 500 students from
Provincial School for the Deaf, Maywood Elementary, Bramford Elementary and
Marlborough Elementary will gather to see Tina and speak with her caregivers.
Video teleconference is the field trip of choice for modern educators who wish to provide a quality experience for their students. Through the lenses of multiple on-site surveillance type cameras, Ms. Buckley will lead the students through the Sanctuary barns and search the habitat for resident elephants, all seven. Tina will be the focus of the hour long visit giving students the opportunity to see how their dear friend Tina is doing in her new home. Students will have an opportunity for questions and answers following the program.
This electronic field trip to the Elephant Sanctuary will create an opportunity for hundreds of school age children and teachers to learn about the plight of endangered Asian elephants and how one organization is making a difference.
http://www.animaladvocates.com/cgi-bin/newsroom.pl/read/2575
http://www.tappedintoelephants.com/