Big Thought, Dallas City of Learning Launch Educational Hub

Two Dallas-based leaders in education—Big Thought and Dallas City of Learning—have launched an online learning hub with hundreds of free programs from major local companies and organizations.

Boeing, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, Dallas ISD, and the State Fair of Texas all have featured educational content on the new virtual platform. It’s a timely announcement given most families are looking to learn from home while practicing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The platform allows students to receive access to high quality programs from trusted resources,” said Lori Griffin Mangrum, director of DISD’s Extended Learning Opportunities department, which provided content for the learning hub. “There is a very diverse set of experiences available, helping students have a more well-rounded home learning experience.”

[Photo: Courtesy Big Thought]

Most parents adjusting to the new normal of online school can spend two to three hours a day searching for relevant, engaging educational content. Dallas City of Learning Digital Explorations brings search options, enrichment activities, and trusted information to screens in a matter of minutes.

The easy-to-navigate platform organizes programs by age and area of interest, which can include art, science, design, media, numbers, or zoology, according to Big Thought.

“We wanted to find a way to share our educational content for virtual learning while families are managing school at home and add value by saving them time, too,” Big Thought President and CEO Byron Sanders said. “No more searching across multiple sites to find trusted, educational content for your learners.”

Dallas City of Learning Digital Explorations programs are available on the Dallas City of Learning website. Organizations interested in contributing content can also apply to become a partner on the site.

Dallas City of Learning—a public-private citywide initiative with more than 400 community partners—was created to “ensure all students have access to high-quality summer learning programs.”

Big Thought is a local educational nonprofit that works to close the opportunity gap for youth in marginalized communities. It does so by providing valuable skills-based learning and access to creative experiences through in-school, out-of-school, and community partnerships that foster emotional and social well-being.

In December, we told you about Dallas City of Learning impacting 68,000 students with its educational programs throughout the summer. The program was presented by the City of Dallas, DISD, and Big Thought. Get insights from last summer’s impact report here.