Explore technology through the lens of history and museum curation.
Overview
- Essential Question: How are modern technologies incorporated in historical studies and museum curatorship?
- Area of study: History, Information and Computer Technology, Museum Studies
- Type and amount of credit earned: ½ credit Information and Computer Technology and ½ credit career exploration
- Community partner: Wright Museum, Wolfeboro, NH, a WWII museum
Competencies
- Product Development – Demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
- Digital Information – Use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively.
- Problem Solving – Use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
- Impacts of Computing – Evaluate the ways computing impacts personal, ethical, social, economic, and cultural practices.
- Computing Systems – Demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.
Student activities
- Complete ELO template. Identify how to combine interest in history with perceived dislike of computer technology. Research community partners such as historical societies and subsequently call and email.
- Identify a community partner; conduct a phone interview with partner; finalize details of the relationship.
- Research online practices for museums and the interface with technology.
- Begin weekly visits to Wright Museum.
- Learn uses of technology within history museums: previous use of PastPerfect, current use of CatalogIt, photographic documentation of collections, guest interfaces with interactive exhibits.
- Conduct supporting historical research.
- Maintain reflective digital journal during the course of the ELO.
- Produce article (product for museum) on Tuskegee Airmen.
- Produce Google Sites portfolio to completely document work and overall experiences.
- Produce Google Slides and present to ELO Coordinator, Sschool personnel including teacher of record, parent and museum curator.
Assessment
Curator supplied on-site feedback via a mid-term and final written review. Student met with ELO Coordinator and Certified School Personnel on the ELO team nearly weekly. Rubrics were supplied for research, reflection, product and presentation. Each of these pillars were assessed by Certified School Personnel.
More information
This student approached the ELO Coordinator with “I need my ICT (Information and Computer Technology) credit for graduation. But, I hate computers so I want to do something different.” The coordinator replied with “What do you like?” The answer was history and so the student was guided to find a way to take something they didn’t prefer and examine it through a lens they really enjoyed. In turn, the student wasn’t aware of the employment/career options at museums and so the Information and Computer Technology ELO morphed into a dual purpose of career exploration as the student learned about curating and became enchanted with that as a career path.
This ELO was submitted by Amy Yeakel, Director of Extended Learning, Newfound Regional High School. Email teacher for more information
June 2022
