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Content creators: Laura Wilson and Bryce Mohr
Content creators: Christine Behling and Bryce Mohr
Content creators: Megan Boland and Megan Henning
Content creators: Bryce Mohr and Ben Hohl
Writing and Teaching History in the Digital Environment:
Inquiry-Driven Programs and Pedagogy for the K-12 and College Classroom
Programs Designed and Created by: Bryce Mohr, Megan Henning, Dr. Patricia Turner
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
This project uses digital humanities’ tools to transform original college-level essays and short stories into interactive programs for use in elementary and secondary classrooms. Each of the programs focus on a core history/social studies or English/reading topics; K-12 teachers can assign the programs to be viewed independently or use them in class as instructional aids. References and resources are provided for each program, as well as complete methodology (see links below).
The short stories were enhanced by using historical "pop-ups" and multimedia timelines to add historical perspectives beyond the eyes of the narrators, and to juxtapose the eye-witness immediacy of the story with the broader historical context. The result is a hybrid form of "creative nonfiction" in which the digital environment allows the reader to witness a historical event while also learning about the historical context.
The essays were deconstructed and transformed into inquiry-driven digital programs. The student is presented with an essential question, followed by evidence that supports both sides of the issue. Students evaluate the evidence and construct their own arguments in the form of thesis statements. The programs are designed to teach critical thinking skills and how to write a historical, argumentative essay.
We welcome comments and suggestions emailed to comments@historytelling.org
Content creators: Bryce Mohr and Matthew Bergs
Content creators: Megan Henning and Cassandra Hampshire
Content creators: Megan Henning and Elizabeth Schmidt
Content creators: Makena Easker and Bryce Mohr
Teacher Resources
Special thanks to content creators Christine Behling, Matthew Bergs, Megan Boland, Makena Easker, Cassandra Hampshire, Megan Henning, Ben Hohl, Bryce Mohr, Elizabeth Schmidt, and Laura Wilson.
This project was made possible by funding from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Office of Research, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire History Department, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Honors Department, and by the collective efforts of students in Honors 104: “History in Fiction, Fiction in History “(Spring 2013; Fall 2016).
Additional thanks to Bradford Patton and Tyler Schroeder of the UWEC Learning and Technology Services for their technical guidance.
© copyright -- commercial reproduction or republication of all programs in this project and/or their digital content is prohibited.
Comments, suggestions and queries regarding this project are welcome and can be sent to
comments@historytelling.org