Not+Another+Paper!+Alternative+Projects+&Social+Media+in+the+History+Classroom

Session Description:
The centuries-old dominance of conventional, linear text is eroding and giving way to multimodal text, with its screen-based, non-linear, and visual emphasis. The historian of the 21st century is as likely to encounter multimedia sources as print-based sources, and soon video will become ubiquitous 21st century source media. Join us in reviewing alternative activities and projects that feature interactive technologies and see how online social media is empowering student-centered leaning. This workshop showcases learning environments that emphasize both conventional and digital literacy and illustrates innovative approaches to history instruction. By the end of the workshop participants will be able to: 1. describe the qualities of effective alternative activities 2. explain how powerful activities emerge from well-chosen essential questions 3. work with several Read/Write Web and Social Media tools that can be used to create alternative activities.

Presenter's Bio: Tom Daccord, Boston, MA
Tom Daccord is Co-Director of EdTechTeacher, Inc. and author of Best Ideas for Teaching with Technology: A Practical Guide for Teachers by Teachers and The Best of History Web Sites. A 15-year social studies teacher who instructed in a wireless laptop environment for seven years, Tom has been featured in the Boston Globe for his contributions to teaching with technology and has presented on educational technology topics at various national and regional conferences. He is creator of Best of History Web Sites, an award-winning portal, and The Center for Teaching History with Technology, an organization with 2500 subscribers. Tom currently serves as President of the National Council of Social Studies Technology Committee and created its online social network, the NCSS Community Network. He will be a featured speaker at the NCSS Annual Conference in Denver 2010.