Transformative Tools: A Practicum in Digital Engagement for Heritage Keepers

Transformative Tools: A Practicum in Digital Engagement for Heritage Keepers is a multi- faceted professional development initiative to grow digital capacity among museum professionals, especially those from institutions that often cannot provide such opportunities to their staff. The operative question is no longer whether technology should be used as a medium for visitor engagement, but how digital tools can be leveraged to engage audiences of all ages and enhance learning - both onsite and remotely. To address these needs, Greater Hudson Heritage Network will present training virtually to shine a light on some of the most user-friendly, low-cost and creative tools available today. This comprehensive training curriculum will educate and engage sites with the skills and knowledge needed to produce online digital programming and engagement. 

This series of online classes seeks to demystify the technology behind these digital platforms. Each of the classes will span 6 weeks and be taught in a straightforward, uncomplicated way so that museum staff and volunteers with a wide range of digital knowledge will be able to participate and propel their museum into their digital age. Class series can be taken a la carte, however we recommend participating in both to maximize your digital project's potential. Instructors and GHHN will guide the participants in the process to create and produce either an online exhibition, an online audio tour, a combination of both, or a project inspired by the Spotlight Series - all will be featured in the Digital Showcase and on their own websites.
 

Series 1: Planning and Creating Digital Exhibits with Jennifer Palmentiero, SENYLRC and Heidi Ziemer, WNYLRC
Topics covered will include Project Planning, Digitization of Collection Materials and Applications for Digital Assets. Participants will gain the know-how and a basic understanding of the tools and processes needed to properly plan out a digitization project, the steps for digitizing collection materials, and how to use digital assets to create online exhibits. The participant sites will each build a short online exhibit using one of the sources discussed to feature on their organization's website. The exhibit will also be featured in the GHHN Digital Showcase.

6 Week Online Class
Begins: Wednesday, March 10
Ends: Wednesday, April 14

First two lessons posted March 10 and March 17 - work at your own pace
4 Live ZOOM meets - 11 AM on Wednesday morning, March 24, March 31, April 7 and April 14 
Registration Deadline: March 23
GHHN Members: $45/NonMembers: $55

Series 2: All About Audio: Digital Recording, Editing, and Creating Audio Tours and Exhibits with Eileen McAdam of Sound and Story Project of the Hudson Valley
Topics covered will include Digital Recording, Editing, and Applications for Digital Assets. Participants will gain the know-how and a basic understanding of the tools and processes to create digital recordings, learn how to edit those raw recordings into usable digital content, and then will select an application for using those digital assets to create a final product. 

6 Week Online Class- watch the lessons posted online in the Google Classrooms and work at your own pace
Begins: Wednesday, May 5
Ends: Wednesday, June 9
Live ZOOM meets - 11 AM on Wednesday, May 19 and Wednesday, June 9
Registration Deadline: May 18
GHHN Members: $45/NonMembers: $55

This series is made possible by funding from the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.