Monday, Aug 13, 2007
Through a new on-line, interactive tour entitled the “Clara Barton Interactive Experience,” virtual visitors can meet and learn about Clara Barton, see a Clara Barton photo album, become a Red Cross volunteer, assist victims of a natural disaster, and more. The tour can be found at www.nps.gov/clba.
This new program is designed to engage school children and general audiences in the story of Clara Barton and the American Red Cross (ARC). Audiences can experience and view the offices, supply rooms, and living quarters as if they were actually in the home. In some ways, on-line audiences experience the home and its collection in even more detail. Users can “enter” 15 restored rooms and spaces and experience a complete 360-degree view with the use of a computer mouse. Within the rooms and hallways, users can view historic photographs, documents and objects, as well as click on hot-links and listen to simulated audio clips of Miss Barton’s “voice.”
The “Activities” portion of the interactive experience is primarily designed for young people. Upon entering the program, audiences are welcomed as if they are Red Cross volunteers who have just stepped off the street car to learn about, meet and assist Clara Barton, president of ARC. Through nine learning activities, students learn about Miss Barton’s character and beliefs, become familiar with several early ARC relief missions, sort Red Cross supplies, explore primary and secondary sources, and write letters to solicit donations and to express appreciation for donations. After completion of the program, students can earn an on-line certificate and receive a Junior Ranger badge through the mail.
In addition, the “Clara Barton Interactive Experience” will offer curriculum-based pre- and post- lessons for teachers within the next few months. This will allow the program to serve as a complete teacher/student learning package.
Clara Barton National Historic Site is administered by the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
|
