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5.4 Creation tools

Creating something that others can learn from is learning itself (Forte and Bruckman, 2007).

After collecting data it will be valuable and fun for the pupils to use the information they have found to create something. The creation might consist of text, pictures, video or a combination. Not only is it a learning experience for the pupils to create something, but the product might also be used for teaching other pupils. Below we will present three tools covering the creation of text, image and video.

5.4.1 Wiki

A wiki is a website that is developed collaboratively by a community of users. A selection of tools for creating a wiki is available, including wikia.com, mindtouch.com and twiki.com.

5.4.1.1 How to use it

The teacher creates a wiki for local history and gives the pupils the responsibility for creating pages on different subjects related to this theme. The pupils create the page for their subject and add the content they find relevant. Eventually the pupils might also improve each others’ pages.

5.4.1.2 Value for history learning

The pupils are forced to put what they have learned into words, making choices about what is important and formulating it in a way that is understandable for others. At the same time the pupils might use each others pages to learn more about the different subjects. Working on a collaborative project such as a wiki is also valuable in motivating the students, as mentioned in section 3.3.

Below is a basic tutorial on how to set up a basic wiki on WikiSpaces.

 

 

 

5.4.2 Pinterest

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that allows users to organize and share photographs and text online through either a cell phone or a web client.

5.4.2.1 How to use it

The teacher can create pinboards for different subjects regarding local history, such as specific places or events. The pupils are given the responsibility to upload relevant pictures and text to the pinboards. Each image is tagged with different keywords, making it easy to find images related to specific subjects. The students may also use this outside of school time.

5.4.2.2 Value for history learning

Pinterest provides a fun way for the pupils to collaboratively create something from what they have learned and from the data they have collected. The tagging of the photos forces the students to relate every picture to something specific. Pinterest also enhances the value of field trips, because the pupils are able to upload pictures with descriptions on their phone while they are out on a trip. Pictures taken with a regular camera can also be uploaded after the trip though a computer. This makes the trip more fun and also makes it a lot easier to look back on the trip later on and remember what they learned. Each pupils’ pictures and description would be available to everyone else, making it a great source of information. Opening up for the students to contribute outside of school time can also have a great impact on motivation and learning effort, and it may facilitate student-parent interaction, which can be important (section 3.3).

A basic Pintrest tutorial can be viewed below.

 

5.4.3 YouTube video editor

YouTube video editor is a free, browser-based video editing tool, with bare bones functionality which makes it easy for inexperienced video editors to use. 

5.4.3.1 How to use it

The teacher might assign the students to a project where they use pictures, sound or video to document their findings. After collecting their data, the YouTube video editor would be valuable in combining and editing their recordings into a final product.

5.4.3.2 Value for history learning

Working with multimedia content provides a different and fun way for the pupils to approach history learning. Being able to edit their recordings into a final product enhances this experience and also contributes to the pupils motivation throughout the project. As mentioned in 3.2.1 the motivation is further enhanced by the fact that the pupils will have a tendency to compete towards making the best product. The video below gives an introduction to the editor.

 

 

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