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The importance of teaching local history

 Teaching local history is an important part of any well-rounded education, as it helps students to understand the place they call home and to develop a sense of belonging and pride in their community. In today's increasingly globalized world, it is more important than ever to appreciate the rich history and culture of the places we live, and to understand the forces that have shaped them over time.

One of the key benefits of teaching local history is that it helps students to connect with their community in a more meaningful way. By learning about the people, places, and events that have shaped their town or city, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the place they call home. They can also learn about the unique characteristics and challenges that have faced their community, and can develop a sense of responsibility to contribute to its future.

Another important aspect of teaching local history is that it helps students to understand the diversity of their community and to appreciate the different perspectives and experiences of its residents. By learning about the history of different groups within their community, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complex social, cultural, and political forces that have shaped their town or city. This can foster a sense of respect and understanding among students, and can help to break down barriers and promote a more inclusive and harmonious community.

In addition to these more personal benefits, teaching local history is also an important part of preparing students for their future roles as citizens and leaders. By learning about the history of their community, students can gain a greater understanding of the political and social issues that have shaped their town or city, and can develop the critical thinking skills necessary to address these issues in the future. They can also learn about the role that local government and community organizations play in shaping their community, and can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become active and engaged members of their community.

The history hidden in street names and the ”Walking our Way through HIstory” project

Street names can be a valuable resource for teaching history to students. By looking at the history of street names in their community, students can learn about the people, events, and organizations that have shaped their community. Using street names to teach history can be a creative and effective way for students to learn about the past. It can help students make connections between local history and larger historical events and themes, and it can make learning about history more meaningful and relevant to students' own lives.

The context of the ”Walking our Way through HIstory” project is to turn street names into interesting, interactive, history lessons. There is knowledge hidden in the humble street nameplates and the proposed project aims to create tools to encourage and inspire students as well as locals to discover it, e.g. as the project description says: Learn history from street names in a fun and digital way!

By making learning fun, the project answers back to the increasing problem of early school leaving. It also fights individualism by making students more aware of their European context and mutual points in history to see that they are a part of something bigger.

Using technology to teach history

 For the purpose of the ”Walking our Way through HIstory” a mobile application was created. But is mobile applications and generally ICT technology a useful tool for teaching history?

Nowadays, the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching history has transformed the way we learn about the past. Gone are the days of simply reading a textbook and memorizing dates and names. Today, students have access to a wealth of resources and tools that make learning about history more interactive and engaging.

One of the most significant ways ICT is being used in teaching history is through the use of digital platforms for online learning. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many schools and universities to move their courses online, and this shift has opened up new possibilities for teaching and learning. Online platforms allow students to access course materials, participate in discussions, and submit assignments from anywhere, at any time. This flexibility has made it easier for students to keep up with their studies and stay connected to their classmates and professors.

Another way ICT is being used in teaching history is through the use of interactive games and simulations. Many educational websites and apps offer games and simulations that allow students to learn about historical events and figures in a fun and engaging way. For example, students can play as a character in a historical simulation game, or take on the role of a historical figure and make decisions that affect the outcome of a particular event. These interactive resources can help students develop critical thinking skills and make learning about history more enjoyable.

In addition to games and simulations, ICT has made it easier for teachers to access primary source documents, such as letters, diaries, newspaper articles, and photographs. These documents provide valuable insights into the past and can be used in the classroom to supplement traditional texts. By analyzing primary sources, students can develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of historical events.

Finally, ICT has made it possible for students to take virtual field trips to historical sites and landmarks without leaving the classroom. These virtual tours often include videos, photos, and interactive elements that allow students to explore the sites in more depth. Virtual field trips can be an exciting way for students to learn about history and can help bring the past to life.

Overall, the use of ICT in teaching history has greatly enhanced and enriched the learning experience. It has made it easier for teachers to access a wide range of resources and for students to engage with the material in new and innovative ways. While ICT cannot replace traditional methods of teaching history, it can certainly enhance and enrich the learning experience.

Using smartphones outside of classroom, as a teaching device

 Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society, and their presence is increasingly being felt in classrooms as well. While there is certainly a place for smartphones in the classroom as teaching devices, their usage outside of the classroom can also be a valuable tool for educators.

One of the key ways in which smartphones can be used outside of the classroom as teaching devices is through the use of educational apps and websites. These can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and can provide students with a wealth of information and resources to help them learn. For example, there are apps and websites that offer interactive lessons on a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, and language arts. By accessing these resources on their smartphones, students can continue their education outside of the traditional classroom setting, reinforcing the concepts they have learned and helping them to build a deeper understanding of the material.

Another way in which smartphones can be used outside of the classroom as teaching devices is through the use of social media and online communities. These platforms can be used to connect students with one another, allowing them to share ideas and collaborate on projects. They can also be used to connect students with educators and experts in various fields, providing them with the opportunity to learn from people who have real-world experience and knowledge.

In addition to the educational benefits of using smartphones outside of the classroom as teaching devices, there are also a number of practical considerations to take into account. For example, smartphones can be used to keep students connected to their school work and assignments, ensuring that they do not fall behind or miss important deadlines. They can also be used to communicate with teachers and other school staff, allowing students to ask questions and get help when they need it.

In conclusion, the usage of smartphones outside of the classroom as teaching devices can be a valuable tool for educators, providing students with access to a wide range of educational resources and connecting them with one another and with experts in various fields. While there is certainly a place for smartphones in the traditional classroom setting, their usage outside of the classroom can also be a powerful way to enhance the learning experience.