Learning in the Cultural Environment of Europeana (LS-PT-514)
Introduction
The aim of this learning scenario is to highlight the great importance of Europeana resources in IT and other subjects. It can be used in interdisciplinary classes as well. Designed for 14-16 years old pupils and including a set of self-paced activities, this learning scenario can also be implemented while teaching at distance, in synchronous (using videoconferencing tools) or asynchronous (on Moodle, via emails) mode. This learning scenario might be useful for all schools that are interested in promoting the use of Europeana for their students in different situations, such as projects, homework, self-study, etc.
Implementation
The learning scenario has been already implemented with my pupils. The implementation even exceeded initial expectations. The topic aroused students’ curiosity and intrigued them to learn about the concepts which are part of the digital world we are living in. Students were particularly interested in copyrights, creative assets, they asked many questions about these topics. It is very important to introduce the above-mentioned concepts to students as many of them tend to use and reuse resources found on the Internet or other media without considering authorship and copyrights aspects.
With this learning scenario, students were also familiarized with the Europeana web portal, which is a large amazing database for cultural heritage. I noticed that, unfortunately, students were not using it as often as they should because of lack of information. I also noticed that students had doubts about how to use Europeana resources properly. It proved again that it is important to present and demonstrate European resources in classrooms.
Activities performed
The lesson started with the historical introduction of copyrights issues and different approaches on how we can use the resources when we do the research for schoolwork. After the introduction, examples of resources that are free or in copyright were presented.
Next, the class followed the presentation about Creative Commons, which explained the reasons why these licences exist and the way they should be used. After it, Europeana was presented, with some examples and possibilities of collections and articles for research.
Lastly, some questions/quizzes were proposed and all students, individually or in groups, solved/answered them.
Some of the supporting files used in the implementation of the LS
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CC BY 4.0: the featured image used to illustrate this article has been found on Europeana Collections and provided by the Wellcome Collection.