Integrating primary sources into the social studies classroom: Online course syllabus

Syllabus for the online course "e-Learning for Educators - Integrating Primary Sources into the Social Studies Classroom," which explores an array of primary and secondary resources including collections of original documents, vast reservoirs of secondary historical information, and online resources designed to support social studies teachers in curriculum development.

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• e-Learning for Educators - Integrating Primary Sources into the Social Studies Classroom Discover the wealth of web-based primary research and active-learning resources available to social studies teachers of all grade levels. You'll explore an array of primary and secondary resources including collections of original documents, vast reservoirs of secondary historical information, and online resources designed to support social studies teachers in curriculum development.

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Course description

There is a tremendous wealth of web-based resources that support active learning and primary research in the middle and high school social studies classroom. Participants in this workshop will explore the range of available resources including newly accessible collections of original documents, vast reservoirs of secondary historical information, and online resources designed to support social studies teachers in curriculum development. Participants will consider effective research strategies and engage in critical analysis of web resources. Participants will complete the workshop having developed a collection of project ideas to serve their particular curricular goals.

Prerequisites

This is an introductory workshop for teachers, technology specialists, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel. Participants are expected to have regular access to computers, and proficiency with email and current web-browsers.

Course goals

This workshop will enable participants to:

1. Learn about primary and secondary resources available on the Web to support social studies curricula
2. Develop a personal collection of web-based resources for curricular use
3. Develop preliminary plans, using primary or secondary resources available on the Web, to enhance a curriculum unit

Course requirements and evaluation

Each session includes readings, an activity, and a discussion assignment, which participants are required to complete.

Course products

As a final product, participants will develop a lesson plan that integrates web-based technology. This document can be used as a starting point for the participant to continue to develop a lesson or unit, a guide to approaching the development of a technology-enhanced unit, and documentation of the work in this workshop.

Discussions

Participants will be evaluated on the frequency and quality of their discussion board participation. Participants are required to post a minimum of two substantial postings each session, including one that begins a new thread and one that responds to an existing thread. Postings that begin new threads will be reviewed based on their relevance, demonstrated understanding of course concepts, examples cited, and overall quality. Postings that respond to other participants will be evaluated on relevance, degree to which they extend the discussion, and tone.