Historypin is a web 2.0 tool that allows students to explore it contribute to it and curating stuff on it. The site allows students to take images, build a story, set it within real locations (Google Map allows placement anywhere in the world) and authentic sharing to a global world. Historypin provides support resources for schools http://www.historypin.com/community/schools
This technology used well supports the AusVELs curriculum with the History curriculum but also uses ICT as an authentic, interdisciplinary way which makes the learning better. Photos can be selected, narrated and shared from archives, attics, and family photo albums by the students from a class account. There is even an opportunity to create a project. Where did all our families come from? How has our local community changed? What is the story of our local monuments.
A community facing project could include a school working with a local library, historical society or museum.
Checking out the AusVELs Humanities – History curriculum there are many ways that a class of students could bring alive some of the local, family and even school history and present it in new, interesting and interactive ways.
Looking at the curriculum this tool could be used at all levels. With a teacher setting up a profile with younger students and older students able to work more independently.
The curriculum :
Foundation to Level 2 – Curriculum focus: Awareness of family history and community heritage
Levels 3–6 -Curriculum focus: Local/national history and use of a range of sources
Levels 7–10 Curriculum focus: World and Australian history, the analysis and use of sources and historical interpretation
Why use Historypin in schools?
- Improve communication, social and inter-personal skills
- Get families and carers more involved in the life of students and the school
- Build positive links between your school and the local community
- Engage students in curriculum subjects such as History, ICT, Geography, Citizenship and English with an exciting digital tool
- Run natural and meaningful inter-generational sessions and events
- Turn your students into local archivists