Primary Source Teaching the Web 2.0 Way, K-12

This guide for library media specialists, technology educators, and classroom teachers shows how to bring digitized primary source materials, such as photos, letters, maps, films, and music, into the classroom. Early chapters review basic primary source concepts, outline links between primary source curricula and content standards, and discuss the increasing pressure on schools to help students function effectively in the technology-rich, global workplace of the 21st century. A core chapter explains the 'mystery' and buzz surrounding Web 2.0, using clear, nontechnical language, and offers a list of popular Web 2.0 tools, with descriptions and suggestions for using them with primary sources. Subsequent chapters cover six categories of primary sources, with an introduction to each in its historical context, information on online sources, and ideas for using them in the classroom. Information on subscription options and software features is also given. Each of these chapters includes a reproducible primary source analysis worksheet, which seems to be intended for advanced middle and high school students. A final chapter looks at the collaborative potential of Web 2.0 and tools such as wikis and bookmarks. B&w photos and illustrations are included. Johnson served for 13 years as library media specialist and technology coordinator at a Colorado Springs middle school, and now works as a writer and consultant in the field. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Mary J. Johnson is a consultant with the Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program at the Library of Congress.