The Digital DBQ (continued...)
By Sabba N. Quidwai
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tep Two: Distribute the Digital DBQ
In previous years, my students would receive a black and white
copy of a DBQ, not the most visually appealing way to begin an
intensive reading and writing activity. However today my
students download an iBook, which is so much more exciting
and engaging
Using iBooks Author we can bring historical sources to life in an
interactive and engaging manner. I often find that they struggle
the most with the Context and Connections boxes, however the
The Digital DBQ
interactive features in iBooks Author allow me to add in pop up
questions that help students spark a discussion. I can include
By Sabba N. Quidwai
Keynotes that review key ideas and events allowing students to
reflect upon earlier topics. I no longer find myself racing around
the room answering the same question 5 times, I now find
myself engaging in debate and discussion about the sources with
my students on a much higher level than ever before,
questioning the bias of a source and contemplating other sources that would be useful in
answering the prompt.
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tep Three: Students Create a Screen Cast of their Source Analysis
What has truly redefined the DBQ experience in my classroom is the student narration of the
source using Explain Everything. There is a great deal of difference between writing an idea
and articulating an idea orally. When students were writing their analysis on paper there was
always a small part of me that wondered, “Did they really get it?” Now that I can hear the
students talk through the analysis as they create their screen cast using the tools in Explain
Everything I know whether they truly understood the source. I have the students submit their
recordings via YouTube and then post them for the class to take notes on as homework. The
next day we discuss the sources and are able to engage in a much deeper conversation.
The Digital DBQ allows me as the teacher to be a part of the learning process instead of just
receiving the end product (the essay) only to go back to students with lots of red marks which
do not provide the enriched learning experience they deserve. Through the discussion of
sources we are learning together and investigating the past and making connections to present
day issues.
The pieces to the puzzle are coming together, the stars are aligning and an opportunity is
knocking on your door. I challenge you to embrace it and lead the way and redefine the
history experience for students in your classroom. Beginning Fall 2014 you will find a library
of ready-to-use DBQs for World and US History in iTunes U under Fairmont Middle-High.
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