American Association of Zoo Keepers Honors CypherWorx and San Diego Zoo Global Academy for Online Learning Innovation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
CONTACT: WAZA
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
619-685-3291
Emily Drzewiecki, McDougall Communications for CypherWorx
emily@mcdougallpr.com
(585) 331-9573
Today, the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) announced that CypherWorx and San Diego Zoo Global, the creators of San Diego Zoo Global Academy, are the recipients of its Certificate of Recognition for 2013. The announcement, highlighting a novel approach to learning about animal care, was made at the organization's annual conference in Greensboro, N.C.
"Historically, teaching animal care professionals has been a hands-on educational process," said Bob Cisneros, president of AAZK. "By offering state-of-the- art information online, San Diego Zoo Global Academy is allowing animal care professionals everywhere to have the knowledge necessary to be at the top of their field."
The Academy is an online learning tool designed to enrich the animal care profession through an interactive, peer-to peer learning space in which users can communicate, spread ideas, share resources and discuss topics in an encouraging learning environment. CyberWorx and San Diego Zoo Global partnered to create a platform that augments zookeeper education and professional development opportunities. The resulting 13 courses, available at www.aazk.org, are applicable to all kinds of zoological organizations that seek to care for animals.
"Our mission is to provide partners with innovative and effective professional development options within a learning platform, making them straightforward and easy to use," said Paul Cypher, chief executive officer of CypherWorx. "This award reflects that our approach - creating a collaborative online learning environment - is being embraced by industries that traditionally would not have been candidates for eLearning programming."
Founded in 2007, CypherWorx develops comprehensive eLearning solutions for membership associations, non-profit organizations and small business providers using a unique, collaborative business model that has won praise for its effectiveness and accessibility. Services range from course development to Learning Management System (LMS) integration under the NP Training Works™ and CollaborNation brands. For more information, visit www.cypherworx.com.
Serving as a professional organization for zookeepers, AAZK is dedicated to advancing animal care, promoting public awareness, enhancing professional development and contributing to local and global conservation. Its goal is to inspire and motivate through its members' roles as animal caregivers, educators and conservationists. For more information, visit www.aazk.org.
The San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy is dedicated to bringing endangered species back from the brink of extinction. The Conservancy makes possible the wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) of the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, and international field programs in more than 35 countries. The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego.
