Discovering Digital Treasures

Audience
Educators interested in using digital primary source materials in the classroom.

Location
Computer lab

Objectives and Outcomes

• Participants will be introduced to primary source materials.
  
• Participants will become familiar with digital resources available through Heritage Colorado, the on-line database of the Colorado Digitization Project.
  
• Participants will learn how to integrate primary source materials into their teaching.

Time
Ninety minutes

Materials

• Computers with internet connection, one per participant
• In focus projector connected to computer with internet access, for instructor.
• Handouts: Provide copies of the worksheets necessary for Heritage Colorado Treasures and Using Photos and Prints with Students: The Stories Behind the Images; provide copies of Searching Heritage Colorado;
• Blank paper and writing utensil for evaluation
• Snacks!

Possible Procedures

Introductions and go over agenda (5 minutes)

1. Introduce primary and secondary sources by using the first 15 slides of the presentation "Using Digital Primary Source Material with K-12 Students". (10 minutes)
   
   
2. Introduce variety of images available to garner interest by doing activity 'Heritage Colorado Treasures'. (5 minutes)
   
   
3. Handout Searching Heritage Colorado as a reference. Have participants follow-along on their computers while instructor walks them through searching the Heritage Colorado Database. (20 minutes)
   
   
4. Have a 5 minute snack break.
   
   
5. Hands-on Activity "Using Photos and Prints with Students: The Stories Behind the Images", as an example of integrating photos in their lessons. (20 minutes)
   
   *Alternatively, to show integration of digital maps or documents, use other professonal development lessons available on the Resources for Educators page.
   
   
6. Show other educational resources, such as lessons for K-12 students. (5 minutes)
   
   
7. Give participants time to practice searching the Heritage Colorado Database on their own. Have them locate 2 images that they could use in a current unit (10 minutes). Have them briefly describe to the group which images they have chosen and why.
   
8. Wrapping up and evaluations (5 minutes). Have them anonymously list three strengths and three weaknesses of the training session.
   

Adapted from Using Primary Sources with Students at TIE 2003, by Nena Bloom and Beth Filar Williams