DIGITAL HISTORY AND K-12 TOOLS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

OPEN SOURCE EDUCATION TOOLS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Open source education tools are sprouting up all over the place like weeds.  According to Carolyn Fox in a recent article stated, “These resources are becoming more available and accessible every day and it is becoming impossible to keep up with them” (Fox, 2013).  As I have conducted my research, I have found tools from pre-school all the way universities (and beyond) that provide open source educational material, free to the public.

As a high school Marine Corps JROTC instructor and online adjunct instructor, I am focused on American History/Government and Political Science.  Thus, I am inclined to find tools that provide in-depth support for these subjects in order to supplement my instruction.  I found two that provide substantial backup for the information I am required to instruct my cadets and students.

Before I continue and allow you insight into my little secret educational weapon, I will provide some background on why I decided on these tools and how I will use them to spruce up my teaching skills (as if I have any).

First, both of these tools have substantial links to course, powerpoints/slides presentation that deliver my instructional material in a slightly different manner that may reach a student I did not. Second, each tool is easily accessible and can be used anywhere and anytime.  Finally, each tool offers a variety of information and courses that cover all the spectrums necessary for me to teach.

Now, how will I use them?  First, I will need to do more research to explore all the instructional material and become extremely familiar with all courses thereby allowing me to develop a solid, engaging, and flexible instructional methodology to enhance my teaching and ensure my cadets and students are receiving the best from me.  After this research my plan would be to supplement my material with specific courses to enhance learning.  For students who may struggle to comprehend the knowledge, I will find courses that they can possible understand better.  I will also find courses through these websites to provide additional instructional material to ensure the points are fully explained.  Specifically, for my senior cadets (12^th graders), I plan on conducting an experiment with specific courses and allow them to attempt a self-paced program.

The first web tool I found that meet my requirements is Digital History.  (http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu )

 

 

Digital history has resources that span American history from the “Frist Americans to the 21^st Century.”  Digital history has timelines, virtual exhibitions, voices, active learning, and reference tabs.  Each section has an overview, textbook, documents, events, people, music, film, images, multimedia, and specialized links for teachers and quizzes.  Digital History is very detailed and easy to use.

The second web tool I found that is very useable and beneficial is K-12 tools, specifically Social Studies (9-12).  http://edutechdatabase.wikispaces.com/Social+Studies+%289-12%29#.Ubp2eM_n-M8

 

This web tool is expansive in that it covers other areas of instruction as well but can be easily accessed for your individual content area.  The Social Studies area has U.S. History, World History, Economics, U.S. Government, and Geography.

Both of these OER tools provide substantial support for my topic areas and I need to study them more to include them into my professional practice.