The first session I watched was "Tradigital History: Bringing the Past Alive". Dr. Beeghley started out speaking about some issues that resonated with me--the idea that many teachers don't delve into Web 2.0 tools because they don't understand it or don't have time (I often feel this way). He also said that students feel that way too, and that they end up using resources they already know (like Google searches) and end up wasting time because there are much more effective ways to search. He countered the excuses saying that for students and teachers, technology can make things easier, more streamlined, and often a lot more interesting (especially when you're talking about history and high school students). He used some great resources from the Library of Congress (mostly primary documents like maps and photographs). I'm not sure how useful these will be in teaching World History, but they still are very engaging). One resource that I loved was wordle.net, a place where you can input text and it creates "word clouds." I can see using this as a way to analyze primary documents in different ways in World History! His last thought was about how to deliver information students learned. He challenged listeners to allow students to create reports in any format (Prezi, Glogster newspaper, etc.) adhering to the criteria (writing and content) rather than just a traditional essay. I like this idea, and it certainly fits in with ideas we've discussed in this class.
The second session I watched was "Digital ID A Project Platform for Learning, Sharing, Remixing, and Teaching Digital Citizenship". This presentation really reminded me of how at our school, we have talked about integrating information literacy skills for a number of years, but now it is not optional, but necessary and in some situations required by law. Every subject needs to take ownership of teaching these skills, from how to write a proper email to a teacher to what students and teachers can use from online without violating copy write to considering your digital footprint. On resource they mentioned was Common Sense Media, and in quickly looking at this website, it looks like it has some great lesson plans and ideas for all of us. The two speakers also founded the Digital ID Project that looks like a great resource for teaching important concepts such as cyberbullying, digital privacy, and other topics. It's divided not only by topic but also by grade level--it seems very user-friendly!
I too love Wordle. You can see the most used words in a document in a creative format. It can be very revealing about the content. I also checked out the digital ID project. I know I am going to have to teach my student about proper online usage. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI also looked at Tradigital History. I wonder if there's a resource out there like the Library of Congress that could work for World History. I guess it would have to be a really big resource huh? But anyway, it would be neat if there was something like that available that had so many primary sources in one place.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.uiweb.uidaho.edu/special-collections/Other.Repositories.html
DeleteI found this resource that might help with your use of Primary source documents from outside of the US. Seems pretty robust and it was my first Google hit! You'll probably need to take advantage of the translation with Chrome.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.uiweb.uidaho.edu/special-collections/Other.Repositories.html
You've got the right idea. As teachers, we have to let students choose the product and/or process (in terms of content, process and product) more often. The ideas they can come up with are far greater than what we will dream up.
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Common Sense Media does have great resources. Another one, digitalcitizenship.net has resources for all ages, too. We're going to incorporate these skills into Freshman Advisory this year, but the upper grade teachers should be picking up the baton and making sure our older students don't miss this important lesson.