Main Features
This site developed and maintained by the National Archives was created to help teach history through primary documents. It is a newly designed site with many many features. There are many lesson plans and activities on the site that are ready to use. However, there is also a “create your own interactive” feature which is excellent.
Level of Difficulty
The site is not difficult to use, but it does take quite of bit of time to navigate and become familiar with. There are many features but they are not hard to use. Navigation is more difficult than the actual features or materials are to use once you find them.
Potential Application in the Classroom
A major part of the website is solely designed for teachers and classroom use. You can use it with all ages in all types of classrooms. The website gives information, documents, videos, speeches, etc. from all time periods and the lessons can be geared accordingly.
Conclusion
The tool is absolutely worth learning if you teach any subject that may touch on anything historical, analytical, economical, making connections, sequencing, focusing on details, interpreting data or drawing conclusions. It is a fun, interactive way for students to learn while gaining hands on experience in a safe (.org) environment.
Hi D. Melia,
ReplyDeleteI looked into this tool and thought it was a great idea. I teach Spanish and the cultural aspect of the language relates to learning about history. Students need to be engaged in the history aspect and this is perfect, especially for me, because I can create my own interactive lesson with the key points I am trying to get across to students.
Thanks!