History Website Project Developments

Over the past month, my GAFE project plan has changed and morphed a number of times. I began with a plan for students to use WeVideo to capture their learning in History on the development of the West. However, with current app restrictions and other logistical issues I decided to try a different approach. My teaching partner +Kimberley Wingert and I decided to join forces and try Glogster instead. However, privacy issues and subscription requirements once again made us re-think our plan. +Ferdinand Krauss suggested trying out Google Sites as an alternative.

I am currently taking an online course that requires me to create a website using Google Sites. I've spent some time playing around and modifying my site - the navigation and changes did not come naturally to me and took some time to get used to. Thankfully the "help search" function is well done and easy to follow. With my limited experience I thought it would be worth a try for my students to create their own sites for their History projects.

Students projects are well underway and many students have completed the Media Literacy requirements and research. Today some students began creating their websites. It was great to see that their learning curve was not as great as mine, and many of them were able to problem solve and help each other out independently. To help guide students through this project, Kim and I created detailed step-by-step instructions and an example website that outlined the expectations of this project.

This is a a very involved project to take on this late in the year, but I am excited about what students will accomplish and learn using technology and collaboration. Our hope is that students will deepen their critical literacy skills, learn how to make a website, and grow an interest in our Canadian history.