Using Digitized Primary Source Materials in the Classroom: A Colorado Case Study

Using Digitized Primary Source Materials in the Classroom: A Colorado Case Study Nena Bloom Education Coordinator

Overview • Use of digitized primary source materials in K-12 Colorado classes • Training sessions for Colorado teachers • Educator needs for using digitized resources

Colorado classes are… accessing, analyzing, & integrating digitized photos, documents, maps and newspapers. Eagleview Middle School, Colorado Springs

…using digitized primary sources to fulfill Colorado Model Content Standards. History Standard 2: Students know how to use the processes and resources of historical inquiry. What do I know?

…using digitized primary sources to fulfill Colorado Model Content Standards. History Standard 2: Students know how to use the processes and resources of historical inquiry. What do I think I know?

…using digitized primary sources to fulfill Colorado Model Content Standards. History Standard 2: Students know how to use the processes and resources of historical inquiry. What do I want to find out?

…using digitized primary sources to fulfill Colorado Model Content Standards. History Standard 2: Students know how to use the processes and resources of historical inquiry. Amache Digitial Collections Project

…using digitized primary sources to fulfill Colorado Model Content Standards. History Standard 2: Students know how to use the processes and resources of historical inquiry.

…using historic documents to improve reading and writing. Even Abe had to edit. The Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress Abraham Lincoln, [November 1863] (Gettysburg Address: Hay Copy)

…using historic documents to improve reading and writing. Increasing writing beyond the English Language Arts classroom. Denver Public Library Western History Photos

…are analyzing primary sources to prepare for standardized tests. “The 5th grade tests this year included a question about analyzing a cartoon. My students really had a leg up by having already had experience with analyzing historical images". – Colorado teacher Denver Public Library Western History Photos

…using newspapers to do historical research Rocky Mountain News, December 7, 1864

…and using newspapers to focus on reading comprehension. Court of inquirybrow-beatinstigatedassassinationfulminationsinquisitionmenagerie Daily Mining Journal, February 24, 1865

Educators are thinking outside the box. English as a Second Language Using gravestone symbolism to make cultural connections. “I use primary sources because 80% of my students are visual learners”.- Colorado teacher Denver Public Library Western History Photos

Educator Training in Colorado • 2001 IMLS National Leadership Grant “Teaching with Colorado’s Heritage”

Educator Training in Colorado • 2001 IMLS National Leadership Grant “Teaching with Colorado’s Heritage” • Newspaper Project and Sound Model Training

Educator Training in Colorado • 2001 IMLS National Leadership Grant “Teaching with Colorado’s Heritage” • Newspaper Project and Sound Model Training • Different models for professional development

Key Points • Educator Advisory Group • Interdisciplinary • Skill-based • Local partners involved • “Train the Trainer” • Graduate Credit offered

Outcomes • Skill level increased • Confident with using primary sources in lessons • Confidence increased 6 months + post-workshop • Slightly less satisfaction with distance learning • All models increased awareness of available resources

Surprises • Appeals to many subjects • Alignment to standards a challenge • Distance learning outcomes similar to face-to-face learning outcomes • Little awareness of resources available through cultural heritage institutions

Obstacle: Time to sort through overwhelming resources Keys to Succeed • Relevant resources

Obstacle: Time to sort through overwhelming resources Keys to Succeed • Simple Access

Obstacle: Time to sort through overwhelming resources Keys to Succeed • Resources classified- by subject, theme, time, geography or ???

Obstacle: Time to sort through overwhelming resources Keys to Succeed • Model lessons with alignment, assessments and rubrics

Obstacle: Lack of awareness, knowledge, confidence Keys to Succeed • Input from curriculum coordinators, school librarians, keystone educators • Highlight resource at “Educator Day” /other event • Hands-on training to practice skills, create product • Provide solutions to computer issues/concerns • Models for using resource, include English Language Arts

http://www.cdpheritage.org/educator/cdp/LessonsOn-line CoursesHistoric Newspaper ProjectSound ModelPartners:Colorado Historical SocietyColorado State LibraryRocky Mountain PBSFunderInstitute of Museum and Library Services

Using Digitized Primary Source Materials in the Classroom: A Colorado Case Study