New Technologies Bring World of Zoos Together
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 3, 2013
CONTACT: WAZA
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
619-685-3291
Emily Drzewiecki, McDougall Communications for CypherWorx
emily@mcdougallpr.com
(585) 331-9573
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is making its expertise in animal care available to members through a new online learning system. The initiative takes knowledge that has traditionally been shared through apprentice style experiential learning and shares it through an Internet portal called the San Diego Zoo Global Academy. Through this new portal, and in collaboration with system developer CypherWorx, the World Association is able to provide users with an interactive online learning environment that offers more than 300 self-directed courses and recorded webinars.
In creating the curriculum and content, the World Association collaborated with animal care professionals from leading zoological organizations including San Diego Zoo Global, Birmingham Zoo, Lowry Park Zoo, National Zoo, Reid Park Zoo and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
"E-Learning is the most convenient way of improving skills; people can do courses whenever they have time, and with the new WAZA Online Professional Development Center, vets, zoologists, keepers and other related professionals are offered a great selection of online training courses for a very reasonable price, WAZA members benefit! I am grateful to San Diego Zoo Global and CypherWorx for the wonderful cooperation which made this unique offer possible", says Dr. Gerald Dick, WAZA Executive Director.
The content of each course was developed to support four core learning concepts: expertise, engagement, excellence and evolution. CypherWorx’s CollaborNation® Collaborative Learning Environment platform was used to create the online learning space.
"The efforts of the San Diego Zoo Global Academy enable online animal care training to be available to animal care professionals,” says Jon Prange, Director of San Diego Zoo Global Academy. “Collaboration with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums enables that reach to be global."
About CypherWorx
Founded in 2007, CypherWorx develops comprehensive e-learning 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 integration under the NP Training Works™ and CollaborNation brands. For more information, visit www.cypherworx.com.
About the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is a global organization that harmonizes the principles, policies, practices and strategy of over 1,300 leading zoos and aquariums. WAZA is the unifying representative of the global zoo and aquarium community and works in partnership with IUCN, national governments and non-governmental organizations to ensure high standards of animal welfare and to achieve conservation in zoos and aquariums and in nature. For more information, visit www.waza.org.
About San Diego Zoo Global Academy
San Diego Zoo Global Academy is a powerful online learning platform that harnesses the expertise of San Diego Zoo Global and its partners to offer courses that meet the specific needs of individuals in the zoological profession. For more information, visit www.sdzglobalacademy.org.
