Expanding Cultural and Technological Boundaries: Teachers Learning History in a Web 2.0 World

Rural Kansas teachers participating in their first year of a Teaching American History grant explore the Harlem Renaissance with a noted scholar to enhance their knowledge of African-American history and how to connect their increased historical knowledge with the state standards that they are required to teach every day. Because rural Kansas is not ethnically diverse, teachers also explored ways to help students understand the importance of diversity in society and its vital role in American history along with developing their visual literacy and historical cognition skills. In addition to this historical knowledge, teachers learned new methods of transmitting learning not only to their students but a wider public by posting their work with new collaborative Web 2.0 tools including blogging and online photo-sharing sites. A teaching and learning packet including print and online resource links will be provided to all attendees.