Engine for learning

The “History Engine” at historyengine.richmond.edu appears to be a good combination of technology, content and higher-order thought. The inclusion of primary sources as a foundation for the compilation gets students involved in the real work of a historian. Surprisingly, that involvement also tends to spike the interest of the students to a level not seen in traditional essay-type assignments.

The idea that this type of educational assignment can create connections between learners and educators that were not previously possible is a real advance. Not only does a student now have the resource that is a textbook or lecture, but is placed in collaboration with scholars who are experienced with the craft of history. There is a kind of combination between physical interaction and online association that is seen in few if any other places. Wikipedia uses online interaction, traditional research uses physical resources (like a librarian), but this work puts those together.

I am a bit unsure how this work can be translated easily into a secondary education context. The work is intriguing, but possibly a bit overwhelming for all but the most advanced high school students. Understandably, this is designed for undergraduates and above. The ideas should translate, however if on a smaller scale and scope to a younger context.