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Technology in the 20th Century History Classroom
When I first started teaching, technology was limited to the extra-large television and VHS player strapped onto a cumbersome cart. Teachers took turns signing up for the equipment. This technology was not very convenient; we could only show an occasional history video clip when we could borrow the big cart. When we wanted to share an image, we had to photocopy a picture from the textbook, or another source, on an even more special transparency sheet that could run through the copier. If we wanted to share a color image, we would have to make a special trip to Kinkos.
Technology has made huge advances in just a short amount of time, and it has made the history classroom a wonderful place to be for both teacher and student. Now, if I want to share a map to explain the Missouri Compromise, the Civil War, or the Westward Movement, I need not rely on a huge bulky roll-down map precariously hanging high on the wall. I can effortlessly select the most accurate, visually appealing, and effective maps from the internet to enhance my students' understanding of the topic. I can easily take my students virtually to the places where history took place using my pictures, images from the internet and even 360° views. We can even participate in virtual field trips in real time with a state park ranger in our state through California's PORTS Program or a friendly docent in a distant location. I can create self-paced interactive experiences for my students through hyperdocs (HyperDocs are digital lessons given to students for engaging, inquiry-based learning) and ThingLink. The possibilities are endless.
Students greatly benefit from this technology infused classroom. Technology promotes student agency. Our students engage the material more as we motivate them, to become creators and problem solvers, not merely passive recipients of information. Students regularly exercise critical thinking skills as they collaborate with fellow students to demonstrate their learning in the most effective manner (Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students).1 Students enjoy learning the skills that will prepare them to successfully navigate our challenging and visual 21st century digital world. All of these benefits can be experienced in my ThingLink Virtual Immigration Museum project.