Teaching American HistoryTeaching American HistoryInstructional Technology Resources

August 18, 2011Linda Brandon

• FREE online learning platform• Engage students in blended

collaborative learning environment• Secure via password-protected sign in• Ask and answer questions and see

results• Collaborate on projects

http://www.collaborizeclassroom.com/

Features and BenefitsFeatures and Benefits• Simple, easy to use with few features• Continue class discussions beyond the 40

minute period• Share resources easily without using paper• Vote on issues/ideas• Receive participation/activity reports• Embed video and drive discussions with them• Differentiate instruction• Your own unique URL:

http://mrsbrandon.collaborizeclassroom.com

mrsbrandon.collaborizeclassroom.com mrsbrandon.collaborizeclassroom.com

Digital VaultsDigital Vaults

Features of Digital VaultFeatures of Digital Vault• Approximately 1,200 documents, drawings, maps

and photographs from the 10 billion records at NARA• Keyword system links documents to each other

visually, showing relationships• Record detail allows for zooming and getting

additional information• “Collect” feature allows user to save for future

reference• “Pathway Challenge” activities• “Create” feature allows user to create posters,

Pathway Challenges or movies

FeaturesFeatures• Curry School of Education at University

of Virginia• Allows students to create digital

documentaries, storyboards and rebuses using primary source documents

• No equipment needed; just a computer and access to the site

• Teacher Tools allow teachers to choose files/activities for students

Example – Georgia O’KeefeExample – Georgia O’Keefe

iTunes and iTunes UiTunes and iTunes U

Features and BenefitsFeatures and Benefits

• Free content• Downloadable to your iPod or iPad• Video and audio content• Searchable database

ExamplesExamples• Podcasts: PBS – American Experience• iTunes U –

– Moments in American History– Gilder Lehrman Institute of American

History Channel

Vital from PBSVital from PBS• Part of Teachers’ Domain• Free digital media source from public television for NYS

educators• Searchable, and able to save resources in folders for easy access• High School Core Curriculum for Social Studies

The “Cool” FactorThe “Cool” Factor

http://show.mappingworlds.com

Ten U.S. HistoryTen U.S. HistoryGoogle Earth ToursGoogle Earth Tours