Event Information
Blended ContentYour Town, Their Story: EdTech History Walks to Amplify Underrepresented Voices
I. Introduction: Unlocking the Power of Place-Based Learning (5 minutes)
Introduce the concept of history walks and their potential for transformative learning.
Explain the value of place-based learning in increasing historical understanding, cultivating civic pride, and empowering student voice.
Visual showcasing a successful history walk experience from ISTE 23 Philadelphia
Quick "Think-Pair-Share" activity: Participants reflect on a memorable place-based learning experience they've had or witnessed.
II. Uncovering Hidden Histories (10 minutes)
Guide participants in expanding their historical knowledge beyond traditional narratives.
Discuss strategies for researching local archives to find primary sources that highlight marginalized communities and their contributions.
Showcase examples of primary sources that reveal hidden histories.
Interactive Activity: "Local History Brainstorm" - Have participants work in small groups to brainstorm underrepresented groups or overlooked events in their local communities and potential sources for uncovering this history.
III. Planning & Designing an Effective History Walk (15 minutes)
Actionable steps for creating walkable, age-appropriate routes.
Share tips for writing compelling narratives that incorporate diverse perspectives.
"Route Creation Challenge": Provide participants with a map of their local area and challenge them to sketch out a potential history walk route, considering accessibility and highlighting significant sites.
IV. Integrating Technology (10 minutes)
Introduce mapping tools (Google Maps, ArcGIS) for designing virtual or interactive walks.
Explore EdTech resources for layering historical images and information onto present-day locations.
Discuss opportunities for students to produce audio guides or podcasts.
Engagement: * "Tech Tool Showcase": Brief demos of different mapping and multimedia tools, highlighting their potential for history walk creation.
V. Assessment & Reflection, Student Advocacy (10 minutes)
Emphasis that history walks develop essential skills beyond standardized tests.
Discuss assessment forms to measure research skills, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Encourage student advocacy and civic action based on their research findings.
"Assessment Brainstorm": Have participants work in small groups to develop alternative assessment ideas for history walks that go beyond traditional tests. *
"Advocacy Action Plan": Prompt participants to consider how they could guide students in taking civic action based on their history walk research.
VI. Walk Planning Jam Session & Wrap-up (15-20 minutes)
Break into smaller groups based on grade level or interest.
Collaborative "Walk Planning Jam Session" where each group:
-Chooses a local historical theme/question to
investigate
-Outlines a possible walking route (even as a sketch)
-Identifies 3-4 research starting points
-Conclude by having each group briefly share their ideas with the larger group.
Closure:
Summarize key takeaways and encourage participants to continue exploring and implementing history walks in their classrooms and communities.
Engagement:
Peer-to-Peer Interaction: Think-Pair-Share, small group activities, collaborative brainstorming, group presentations.
Device-Based Activities: Interactive polls/quizzes (if technology allows), showcasing tech tools.
Other: Anecdotes/visuals, route creation challenge, tech tool showcase, collaborative group brainstorm.
https://iste.org/products/a1w1U000003ggCEQAY/Bring-History-and-Civics-to-Life
https://www.antioch.edu/centers-institutes/center-place-based-education/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00131911.2023.2177260#d1e150
https://www.nps.gov/Civic/resources/2865_MBR_PBL_Book%20FINAL.pdf
https://www.nps.gov/civic/resources/peec2010_web.pdf
https://www.edutopia.org/practice/place-based-learning-connecting-kids-their-community
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