The GeoHistorian Project

FAIN: HD-51129-10

Kent State University (Kent, OH 44242-0001)
Mark van't Hooft (Project Director: March 2010 to April 2014)

Educating K-12 teachers and students in the creation of local history content linked to community locations by QR codes (2-dimensional bar codes).

The GeoHistorian Project is an initiative from Kent State University's Research Center for Educational Technology (RCET), aimed at educating K-12 students to become local historians who create digital content for an audience that transcends the walls of their classrooms. Project activities will include the creation of curriculum for teaching how to do digital, local history, training teachers how to apply it in their classrooms, and curriculum implementation. Expected outcomes include student-created, digital, and local historical content that will be available online and freely accessible by way of wireless mobile devices and QR codes (2-dimensional bar codes) that will be placed in relevant community locations. In addition, we will evaluate the impact of the GeoHistorian curriculum on student learning in the humanities and the role that digital technologies play in this process. Finally, we will investigate how our efforts can be scaled up and sustained over a longer period of time.

Media Coverage

QR Codes Provide Link to Kent's Past (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Nathan Edwards
Publication: Kent Patch
Date: 6/27/2011
Abstract: Kent’s history can now be accessed with your smart phone. QR codes — bar code-like graphics — have been placed on 11 historical landmarks around Kent. Anyone with a smart phone and a QR app reader can scan one of the codes to watch a video about the landmark. The codes and videos are part of an initiative called the GeoHistorian Project.
URL: http://kent.patch.com/articles/qr-codes-provide-link-to-kents-past

Kent Students make history come alive (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Kyle McDonald
Publication: Record Courier
Date: 6/2/2011
Abstract: Kent’s historical sites soon will have bonus content for smartphone users. Walls Elementary School fifth-graders have worked hand-in-hand with the Research Center for Educational Technology at Kent State University and the Kent Historical Society to share the history of 10 of Kent’s landmarks through digital storytelling. When visiting a Kent historical site, smartphone owners will be able to scan a soon-to-be-installed QR code and view an audio-slideshow presentation on YouTube, put together by Walls fifth-graders. The installations should be finalized between June and July. The “GeoHistorian Project” is the brainchild of KSU technology researchers Mark van ‘t Hooft and Thomas McNeal.
URL: http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/5043971

Cell Phone Geohistorians Assist Students in Cataloguing Historic Sites (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Tyler Norris
Publication: e-inside
Date: 7/19/2010
Abstract: McNeal is working with local schools to put the 2-D barcodes throughout Portage County. Students in kindergarten through grade 12 will create video, audio and websites about local historical sites. The projects will go online to a mobile-browsing supported site and link to a 2-D barcode. Anyone with a smart phone can scan the codes to download short video and audio clips, no longer than two minutes, explaining the site.
URL: http://einside.kent.edu/?type=art&id=93001

Fifth graders create walking tour of Kent (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Megan Tomlinson
Publication: ASNE2011, Reynolds High School Journalism Institute @ Kent State
Date: 7/28/2011
Abstract: "It happened May 4, 1970 – a shooting that brought Kent State University to the nation’s attention. A memorial on the Kent State campus tells the story of that tragic event, but as one walks off campus, old brick buildings suggest the Ohio town has history that began long before the university ever existed. A current project offers insight into Kent’s past. The GeoHistorian Project has helped to make some Kent elementary school students local experts who have developed digital stories about historical sites within the community."
URL: http://www.ksuasne.org/2011/?p=355

Kent State Partners With Elementary Students and Historical Society on GeoHistorian Project (Media Coverage)
Author(s): No author
Publication: eInside
Date: 8/29/2011
Abstract: "Kent State University’s Research Center for Educational Technology collaborated with fifth-grade students at Walls Elementary School and the Kent Historical Society to share the history of 11 Kent city landmarks through digital storytelling. Funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the GeoHistorian project was spearheaded in the fall 2010 by Mark van ‘t Hooft and Thomas McNeal, center staff members."
URL: http://www.kent.edu/einside/articledisplay.cfm?newsitem=07200F75-DCE3-86BA-9C171FED673D55CD&issueWeek=2011-08-29%2013:16:02&utm_source=eInside&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=eInside

Update: GeoHistorian Project Adds Videos on Kent Landmarks (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Matt Fredmonsky
Publication: Kent Patch
Date: 1/5/2012
Abstract: Since our first story, when 11 videos were finished, the project has added a lot more videos documenting historic Kent landmarks, including the Twin Coach Company, Ray's Place and Stoddard's Frozen Custards, so check them out.
URL: http://kent.patch.com/articles/update-geohistorian-project-adds-videos-on-kent-landmarks

Young GeoHistorians Discover Kent History (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Iris Harvey
Publication: Kent State Magazine
Date: 3/1/2012
Abstract: Descriptive article about the GeoHistorian Project.
URL: http://kentstate.imirus.com/Mpowered/book/vkent12/i1/p13

Two GeoHistorian markers have been installed by fifth graders (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: Record Courier
Date: 5/22/2012
Abstract: Brief article about dedication of two QR code markers at participating local elementary school.
URL: http://www.recordpub.com/news/article/5190952

Associated Products

Kent fifth-graders become local historians (Article)
Title: Kent fifth-graders become local historians
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: What do a group of fifth-graders, digital technologies and Kent’s history have in common? That is the GeoHistorian Project, an initiative from Kent State University’s Research Center for Educational Technology that is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The project teaches students to become local historians who create stories that are shared with the community at large.
Year: 2011
Primary URL: http://kentohiohistory.org/newsletters/newsletters_files/Spring%202011%20a.pdf
Primary URL Description: link to the Kent Historian. Article is on pp. 4-5.
Access Model: Open
Format: Other
Periodical Title: The Kent Historian
Publisher: Kent Historical Society

Students as local, digital history creators: The GeoHistorian Project (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Students as local, digital history creators: The GeoHistorian Project
Author: Thomas McNeal
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: The purpose of this session is to educate attendees about the GeoHistorian Project, an NEH-funded digital humanities project and an initiative from Kent State University’s Research Center for Educational Technology (RCET). The project is aimed at educating K-12 students to become local historians who create digital content for an audience that transcends the walls of their classrooms. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of digital technologies to do local history.
Date: 06/29/2011
Primary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian/files/2010/10/ISTE2011_GeoHistorian_vanthooft_mcneal.pdf
Primary URL Description: poster materials
Primary URL Description: Link to poster materials
Secondary URL: http://www.isteconference.org/ISTE/2011/program/search_results_details.php?sessionid=60703513&selection_id=69768327&rownumber=3&max=3&gopage=
Secondary URL Description: ISTE conference site, presentation listing
Conference Name: ISTE 2011

Making history local, digital, and relevant: The GeoHistorian Project (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Making history local, digital, and relevant: The GeoHistorian Project
Author: Thomas McNeal
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: The GeoHistorian Project is an initiative from Kent State University’s Research Center for Educational Technology (RCET), aimed at educating K-12 students to become local historians, reducing the barriers between schools and community resources, giving students opportunities to create mobile digital content for their community, and investigating the potential of mobile tools for learning in informal settings. Currently in its first year, the project provides teachers with interdisciplinary curriculum and associated professional development. Student-created digital and local historical content will be available online and freely accessible by way of QR codes (two-dimensional bar codes) that will be placed in relevant community locations and can be scanned with wireless mobile devices. This session will provide an overview of the GeoHistorian Project, including curriculum examples and some preliminary student-produced digital content.
Date: 04/06/2011
Primary URL: http://www.rcet.org/research/presentations/Mobile_2011_Geohistorian_vanthooft.ppt
Primary URL Description: presentation slides
Primary URL Description: Link to presentation slides
Secondary URL: http://mobile2011.org/
Secondary URL Description: conference site
Secondary URL Description: Link to conference site
Conference Name: Mobile Learning Experience, 2011

Mobile scavenger hunt (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Mobile scavenger hunt
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: Use your smartphone to follow a scavenger hunt uncovering some of Phoenix’s local history. Learn how to apply this to your school’s neighborhood. THIS IS A TWO HOUR SESSION conducted outside the building within the local neighborhood. Expect a fair amount of walking. Bring a phone or device that has 3G internet access, a camera, and the free i-nigma QR Code app.
Date: 04/07/2011
Primary URL: http://www.rcet.org/research/presentations/Mobile_2011_scavenger-hunt-handout.docx
Primary URL Description: session handout
Secondary URL: http://mobile2011.org/
Secondary URL Description: conference website
Conference Name: Mobile Learning Experience 2011

Using QR codes in the classroom: A brave new world (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Using QR codes in the classroom: A brave new world
Author: Thomas McNeal
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: This presentation 1) illustrates how QR Codes can be used in and outside of the classroom, discusses how we are using QR Codes with our GeoHistorian Project, and shares resources created by students in the project. 2) shares with participants how to create, scan, and use QR codes. 3) provides links to a variety of QR code creators and scanners. 4) uses a hands-on activity in which participants will be given the opportunity to download a QR reader to their Smartphones and scan a series of QR Codes that will download video clips, audio clips, or access websites.
Date: 01/31/2011
Secondary URL: http://www.etech.ohio.gov/conference/
Secondary URL Description: conference site
Conference Name: eTech Ohio 2011

SIGML walking tour: Learning history on location: Benjamin Franklin on your mobile phone (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: SIGML walking tour: Learning history on location: Benjamin Franklin on your mobile phone
Author: Stephanie Greenhut
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Author: Thomas McNeal
Author: Helen Crompton
Abstract: Participate in a hands-on, digitally enhanced learning experience in Benjamin Franklin’s neighborhood and experience life in historical Philadelphia. Bring your mobile phone!
Date: 06/28/2011
Primary URL: http://www.isteconference.org/ISTE/2011/program/search_results_details.php?sessionid=60858027&selection_id=69768327&rownumber=2&max=3&gopage=
Primary URL Description: session description on ISTE conference site
Secondary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian/files/2010/10/ISTE_2011_walkingtour_handout.pdf
Secondary URL Description: activity handout
Conference Name: ISTE 2011

GeoHistorian Project Site (Web Resource)
Title: GeoHistorian Project Site
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: GeoHistorian project website
Year: 2011
Primary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian
Primary URL Description: project website

Students as local, digital history creators: The GeoHistorian Project. (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Students as local, digital history creators: The GeoHistorian Project.
Author: Thomas McNeal
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: Learn how to teach your students to create digital, local historical content for audiences beyond your classroom. Bring your smartphone for hands-on participation (abstract from conference program).
Date: 02/12/2011
Primary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian/files/2010/10/NCSS_2011_GeoHistorian_vanthooft.ppt
Primary URL Description: Link to presentation slides
Secondary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian
Secondary URL Description: Project website
Conference Name: 91st Annual Conference of the National Council for the Social Studies

The GeoHistorian Project: Learn about Kent’s history with your cell phone. (Article)
Title: The GeoHistorian Project: Learn about Kent’s history with your cell phone.
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: Brief article for Kent's Tree City Bulletin about the GeoHistorian Project and the use of QR codes to access digital content on location. The Tree City Bulletin is delivered quarterly to every household in Kent, OH.
Year: 2011
Primary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian/files/2011/11/tcbulletin_winter2011_GeoHistorian.pdf
Primary URL Description: Link to article
Secondary URL: http://www.kentohio.org/tcb/
Secondary URL Description: Link to Tree City Bulletin. Only the current issue is displayed.
Access Model: Open
Format: Other
Periodical Title: Tree City Bulletin
Publisher: City of Kent, Ohio

GeoHistorian Videos (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: GeoHistorian Videos
Writer: various elementary school students from Kent, OH
Director: various elementary school students from Kent, OH
Producer: various elementary school students from Kent, OH
Abstract: 29 digital videos that depict stories about historical sites in Kent, OH. Videos are approximately 1.5 to 4 minutes in length each. Videos can be accessed either online or by way of QR code markers that have been installed at each location.
Year: 2011
Primary URL: http://www.youtube.com/user/geohistorian
Primary URL Description: GeoHistorian YouTube Channel that hosts the videos
Secondary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian
Secondary URL Description: GeoHistorian project website
Access Model: free
Format: Video
Format: Web

Teach your students to become digital local historians: The GeoHistorian Project. (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Teach your students to become digital local historians: The GeoHistorian Project.
Author: Thomas McNeal
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Author: Julie Cummings
Author: Christine Goff
Author: Sean Mostov
Abstract: Demonstration table at the 2012 eTech Ohio Conference, where we showed the GeoHistorian curriculum and student-created digital stories.
Date: 02/15/2012
Primary URL: http://www.etech.ohio.gov/conference/
Primary URL Description: eTech Ohio Conference website
Conference Name: eTech Ohio Educational Technology Conference

GeoHistorian Project Website (Web Resource)
Title: GeoHistorian Project Website
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: Main website for the GeoHistorian Project that chronicles its implementation.
Year: 2010
Primary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian

GeoHistorian Curriculum (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: GeoHistorian Curriculum
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: Four-week curricular unit for K-12 teachers and students that teaches students how to create digital stories about local history in four steps: 1. digital storytelling 2. historical research 3. storyboarding and script writing 4. creating the digital story The curriculum and its support materials are available online, free of charge.
Year: 2012
Primary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian/curriculum
Primary URL Description: GeoHistorian Project page where curriculum can be downloaded
Secondary URL: http://geohistoriandemo.wikispaces.com
Secondary URL Description: GeoHistorian demo wiki (curricular support materials)
Audience: K - 12

The GeoHistorian Project (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: The GeoHistorian Project
Author: Julie Cummings
Author: Christine Goff
Author: Sean Mostov
Abstract: Presentation at the 2012 NEOtech Conference in Akron, OH
Date: 03/16/2012
Primary URL: http://www.neotechconference.org/
Primary URL Description: NEOtech Conference site
Conference Name: NEOtech Conference

Teaching Students to Become Digital Local Historians: The GeoHistorian Project (Article)
Title: Teaching Students to Become Digital Local Historians: The GeoHistorian Project
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: SIG-member Mark van ‘t Hooft and his colleague Thomas McNeal from Kent State University’s Research Center for Educational Technology are doing just that in the GeoHistorian Project (www.rcet.org/geohistorian). Funded by a Digital Start-Up Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the project curriculum connects schools with local historical societies and historical sites, and educates middle and high school students to become local historians who create digital stories that can be accessed on location by scanning a QR code with a mobile phone. QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be embedded with a variety of digital content.
Year: 2012
Primary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian/files/2010/10/The_Social_Studies_SIGnal_Spring_20121.pdf
Primary URL Description: Copy of the AERA Social Studies SIGnal on the GeoHistorian website. Will replace with SIG's copy once available
Secondary URL: http://socialstudiesresearch.wordpress.com/
Secondary URL Description: AERA Research in Social Studies Special Interest Group website.
Secondary URL Description: AERA Special Interest Group for Research in Social Studies Education website.
Access Model: open access
Format: Other
Periodical Title: Social Studies SIGnal
Publisher: AERA Research in Social Studies Education SIG
Publisher: AERA Research in Social Studies SIG

The GeoHistorian Project (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: The GeoHistorian Project
Abstract: Presentation by three project teachers to the school board of the Kent City Schools
Author: Sean Mostov
Author: Julie Cummings
Author: Christine Goff
Date: 10/18/2011
Location: Kent City Schools Board Office
Primary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian/publications-presentations/
Primary URL Description: Presentations and Publications page on the GeoHistorian website
Secondary URL: http://www.kentschools.net
Secondary URL Description: Website for the Kent City Schools

The GeoHistorian Project (Article)
Title: The GeoHistorian Project
Author: Thomas McNeal
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: Brief write-up about the GeoHistorian Project for the newsletter of the International Society for Technology in Education's Special Interest Group for Mobile Learning (ISTE SIGML)
Year: 2010
Primary URL: http://sigml.iste.wikispaces.net/file/view/SIGMLnewsletter1010.pdf
Primary URL Description: Direct link to the newsletter
Secondary URL: http://sigml.iste.wikispaces.net/Newsletters
Secondary URL Description: ISTE SIGML newsletter page
Access Model: open access
Format: Other
Periodical Title: ISTE SIGML Newsletter
Publisher: ISTE SIGML

Learn about Kent's History Using QR Codes and Your Mobile Phone! (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Learn about Kent's History Using QR Codes and Your Mobile Phone!
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: Two-part brochure that educates the general public about QR codes, how to access their embedded information, and how they were used in the GeoHistorian Project. The brochures also show the locations of the 29 markers installed at historical sites in Kent, Ohio. Part 1 of the brochure contains a scavenger hunt for 10 of the historical sites
Year: 2012
Primary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian/publications-presentations/
Primary URL Description: Publications and Presentations page of the GeoHistorian Project website. Digital versions of the brochure can be downloaded here.
Secondary URL: http://www.rcet.org/geohistorian/2012/05/01/geohistorian-brochures/
Secondary URL Description: Blog post announcing the brochures, with links to digital versions.
Audience: General Public

QR Codes 101 (Article)
Title: QR Codes 101
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Author: Helen Crompton
Author: Jason LaFrance
Abstract: QR codes are a fast, easy, free, and fun way to spice up your lesson plans and school communication by linking the brick-and-mortar world to the digital domain. If you're not using them in your classroom yet, here's a primer and some inspiring ideas to get you started
Year: 2012
Primary URL: http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading.aspx
Primary URL Description: Link to ISTE's Learning & Leading with Technology page
Access Model: Subscription
Format: Journal
Periodical Title: Learning & Leading with Technology
Publisher: International Society for Technology in Education

GeoHistorian Project update (Article)
Title: GeoHistorian Project update
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: Brief update on the GeoHistorian Project
Year: 2012
Primary URL: http://sigml.iste.wikispaces.net/file/view/May2012Newsletter.pdf
Primary URL Description: Direct link to the newsletter on the wiki for ISTE's Special Interest Group on Mobile Learning (SIGML)
Secondary URL: http://sigml.iste.wikispaces.net/Newsletters
Secondary URL Description: Newsletter archive for ISTE's Special Interest Group on Mobile Learning (SIGML)
Access Model: Open access
Format: Other
Periodical Title: SIGML Newsletter
Publisher: International Society for Technology in Education, Special Interest Group for Mobile Learning (ISTE SIGML)

Your students can be digital, local historians: The GeoHistorian Project (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Your students can be digital, local historians: The GeoHistorian Project
Author: Thomas McNeal
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: Presentation about using QR codes for education and the GeoHistorian Project
Date: 06/25/2012
Conference Name: ISTE 2012 (International Society for Technology in Education)

SIGML walking tour: Gaslamp Quarter history (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: SIGML walking tour: Gaslamp Quarter history
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Author: Thomas McNeal
Abstract: Mobile learning event focusing on the use of QR codes to learn about the history of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter on location.
Date: 06/26/2012
Conference Name: ISTE 2012 (International Society for Technology in Education)

QR Codes 101 (Article)
Title: QR Codes 101
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Author: Helen Crompton
Author: Jason LaFrance
Abstract: QR codes are a fast, easy, free, and fun way to spice up your lesson plans and school communication by linking the brick-and-mortar world to the digital domain. If you're not using them in your classroom yet, here's a primer and some inspiring ideas to get you started.
Year: 2012
Primary URL: http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20120607#pg1
Primary URL Description: link to the June/July 2012 issue of Learning & Leading with Technology. This is also the conference issue of the ISTE 2012 Conference (International Society for Technology in Education), and as such will be distributed to all conference attendees (in 2011 about 13,000 people attended).
Access Model: Subscription only
Format: Magazine
Periodical Title: Learning & Leading with Technology
Publisher: International Society for Technology in Education

Taking It to the Street: Using QR Codes to Tell Student- Created (Hi)stories on Location (Article)
Title: Taking It to the Street: Using QR Codes to Tell Student- Created (Hi)stories on Location
Author: Mark van 't Hooft
Abstract: One of the challenges that social studies educators face daily is how to make student learning relevant. Digital technologies can play an important role by connecting what happens in the classroom to the world beyond. It is important, however, that such a link not be limited to gleaning information from Internet searches, where students are merely consumers of information. Instead, digital technologies should be integrated in ways that provide students with learning experiences that go beyond what can be done without technology. One way to do this is by turning students into producers of information and having them create content rather than simply consume. This article describes an initiative in which teachers and students used a variety of digital tools to research local history and create digital stories accessible at their relevant location by way of QR codes.
Year: 2013
Primary URL: http://www.socialstudies.org/socialeducation
Primary URL Description: Main page for Social Education on the National Council for the Social Studies website.
Access Model: Subscription only
Format: Journal
Periodical Title: Social Education
Publisher: National Council for the Social Studies

---