I really enjoyed the video introduction of the Library of Congress. Wouldn't it be fun to jump on a flight to DC, and take a tour? Unfortunately, a trans-continental trip is not in the works at the moment, so I'll settled on a "video" tour. The analyzing primary source lesson on photographs and prints was well done. I would love to show the first part of the presentation to students because it gave a clear definition and examples of these types of sources. In addition, I appreciated the idea of questioning primary sources in terms of the motives and audience of the artists. Too often, my students believe that primary sources are the "end all, be all" sources, and they don't think about questioning the value and limitations of these sources.
After experiencing the interactive piece of this assignment, I attempted to do my own research within the loc site. I discovered that I need help with my researching skills, and/or I need more patience and time! I finally found an interesting picture title, the "Darkest Africa." (I was attempting to find pieces to use in a unit on European imperialism). However, once I found the image, I couldn't see it in a larger format. Clicking, cutting, pasting, etc. didn't help. I took down the bibliographic information and quit. Patience needed. I'll try again when I have someone nearby to help!
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Andrea,
ReplyDeleteThe LOC site also made me want to go to Washington and take a real tour instead of a virtual tour. Yet, what if it's all virtual and there are just different layers of virtual. Just kidding of course.
I went to DC on a whirlwind tour in the late 60s. I did not get to see much. All I remember is the Lincoln Memorial and part of the Smithsonian. I think that my former husband and I just alloted ourselves one day there and we spent most of our time trying to find our way out of the loop that goes around the city. But if I ever go back, I would like to see the loc. In the video, I was surprised by its beauty.
Re patience, I think it always takes that with a learning curve. With more practice I hope to be able to find more that I can use from this website.
Julia
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI also liked the presentation. It sure makes you wish you were there. It is a beautiful place. It was very impressive to see the rows of books and documentation and the big rooms where people can seat and read. I would like to be able to go there some day. I feel the same way about needing help with my searches. I often get side tracked or overwhelmed with the amount of information and as usual I wish I had more time. I also need to be patient.
I agree with you about needing to learn more researching skills. I really enjoyed looking at the websites, but found that spent a lot of time doing it. While I found interesting information, I didn't easily find exactly what I was looking for. There was so much information that I started to feel overwhelmed and found myself going off on tangents.
ReplyDeleteIf I was a history teacher, I, too, would definitely show the video lesson on analyzing primary resources-- very informative. And I agree with you on how easy it is to get "lost" when trying to search through a site. The fact that we're even "blogging" right now is a step in the right technological direction for me. But you are right...patience needed.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you and everyone following these comments are making magnificient progress - I also often get side tracked when using Library resources
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing - hop a slight to experience the splendor and grandeur of the LOC. I think for you, a history teacher, this site must be both exciting and overwhelming. There is just so much information, narrowing down content would seem the "primary" challenge, pun intended :).
I agree with you that the site was well done, very easy to follow. Being a non-techy type. I appreciated that immensely. Just point and click, now that's living!
As for the patience, I think you summed it up perfectly!