Empowering Students- Chapters 4&5

In Chapter 4, Alan November discussed how using primary sources is an effective way of enhancing critical thinking skills. NARA (National Archives and Records Administration) puts out a website (http://www.archives.gov/education) to allow public access to valuable records. (November pg. 66) Students are more inclined to use these primary sources now that NARA has posted them on the Net. On the website they created called The Digital Classroom, they focus on U.S. history, but state that the documents can be integrated into other subject areas. (November pg. 67) ARC (Archival Research Catalog)  is another NARA initiative that involves a searchable  online catalog of many Washington, DC holdings, regional records, and presidential libraries (November pg. 68) As teachers we can lead students to further research through primary materials. We have to teach our students how to thinking critically. Textbooks don't cut it anymore in today's world. As teachers we need to teach our students to become archivists. E-VENTURE was developed by NARA to help students learn how to become archivists. Some E-Ventures even have students being archivists for their own school! Some important skills students will learn is perspective, generating questions, and identifying information sources. Once students have completed their analysis of the primary sources, students need to have an authentic audience to review their work. (November pg. 77) NARA also developed a number of analysis worksheets to help researchers evaluate primary sources. 


In Chapter 5, November discusses how online learning is thriving today. What a great way to share resources and ideas! Online learning has become an essential 21st century skill. (November pg. 85) Students need to learn how to teach themselves when there's no one in front of them teaching them. Online learning was said to make students feel safer when expressing themselves online. They can be anonymous and have more time to respond with more thoughtful answers (November pg. 88) There is an increased interaction between student and parent as well as student to teacher. Online learning isn't for everyone, but for the students who like it, they are very successful. They can do their work when they feel best prepared mentally because the material is there 24/7 (much like this course!) Online teaching isn't a walk in the park. Just because you make a great classroom doesn't mean you will be a great online teacher. It requires more time and thinking outside of the box. 


If you like Alan November and his work...you can follow him on his blog. http://novemberlearning.com/blog/