Let's Start the Right Way

A big welcome to everyone to my first blog post.  I really don't know exactly what direction to take this blog.  I got great advice from @gregkulowiec  (a must follow on Twitter by the way) who basically said just write what inspires you. I figured what better way to start than just diving into what I love and talk about a lesson that I'm doing this week.

For Black History Month, we used to do the boring old routine of either watching a video or doing basic research.  I began thinking, "how can I incorporate technology into this lesson"?  I also know that our students are weak in primary sources and DBQ's (document based questions).  So here is what I came up with.

The students will do a gallery walk looking at primary sources that encompass a timeline through Black History in 18th and 19th century America.  The part that got me excited was that the gallery walk will be done using DIGITAL FRAMES!  The students are in groups of 3-4 and will rotate from frame to frame analyzing each frame with higher level questions.
 
It was very easy to create once I decided what primary sources to use.  I went through several great primary source websites such as Docsteach, Docs in a Box, and Slave Voyages. I just created a quick 3 slide power point presentation for each document and our tech. facilitator converted for use on the frames.

If your technology faciliator has thought of using digital frames in the classroom, I would highly recommend bringing it up in a professional discussion.  They are fairly inexpensive and all you really need are 6-10 for the entire school.  We simply reserve them like we would reserve a computer lab.

Well, that's it for post number one.  I hope it sparked an idea or two for something that you are thinking about creating.

If you enjoyed this, please consider joining my PLN (professional learning network) on Twitter.  I am at @HistoryandTech. You could also subscribe to this blog.