Technology makes shrinking world feel a little bigger

Somehow, our communities are expanding even as they shrink. Restaurants and bars are closed down. Gyms and rec centers, too. Schools are vacant until further notice. Self-isolating and social distancing are strongly encouraged.

But the miracle of technology has put the world at our fingertips. And with most businesses shuttered and social events canceled, the internet has become the chosen venue for services and entertainment while the whole world waits in quarantine.

Individuals and companies alike have started offering their wares online for free or reduced rates. Proclamations circulated on Facebook from authors giving teachers permission to record themselves reading that author’s book and then send the recording to their students. These make-shift audiobooks keep classroom storytime alive even as students homeschool.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden has been livestreaming on Facebook every day at 3 p.m. Each day, they visit a different exhibit and teach about the animal(s), followed by an activity for kids (and the young-at-heart) to do at home inspired by the featured creature. The New England Aquarium has done something similar, posting videos on its Facebook page every day around 11 a.m. Though these videos and activities are geared toward children studying from home at the moment, anyone can enjoy learning about land and sea critters. Besides, whose day isn’t brightened by seeing adorable animals?

Many colleges (including Ivy League universities) are offering free online classes in the wake of COVID-19 closures. You could study art, finance, poetry, philosophy, literature, science. If you’ve run out of shows to binge watch or just feel like challenging yourself, do a little digging and find a course that interests you.

This would also be the perfect time to tour world-famous museums — from the safety and comfort of your couch, of course. Virtual tours are available of the Louvre in Paris, France; the Tate Modern in London, England; and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. You can also take an online stroll through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Van Gogh Museum — even the Vatican!

If art isn’t your thing, try the National Parks Services video following park rangers through breath-taking terrain across the United States. PBS Learning Media also has videos that will allow you to explore the West Virginia Capitol Complex in Charleston.

We know it’s not the same as actually being there, but we’ve been granted the opportunity to engage with the world while maintaining social distance. Plus, even when we aren’t on lockdown, some of us may never get to have these experiences in real life. But especially in a time when the best thing we can do for each other is stay home and stay apart, access to programs, virtual tours and videos makes our suddenly small world feel a little bigger.