Students from Wright Denny Intermediate interacting with a park ranger during their beta-testing.
With digital media becoming widely popular among this young generation, it's important we connect with them using technology so they may become engaged and take ownership of their learning.
Harpers Ferry, W.Va. (PRWEB) October 18, 2016
An enhanced partnership between Jefferson County Schools and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (HFNP) has formed through an interactive app centered on local historical events. Harnessing an augmented reality, the app was created by HeresMyStory, while the curriculum was developed by Jefferson County Schools’ teachers. A press conference will be held at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park on Oct. 19 at 2 p.m.
“With digital media becoming widely popular among this young generation, it’s important we connect with them using technology so they may become engaged and take ownership of their learning, in a way that they will understand,” said retired Jefferson County Schools teacher, Candy Cain. Cain will be speaking to attendees regarding curriculum development and student impact at the press conference.
Time Trekkers, the program that is being tested on Jefferson County Schools’ students, is a digital storytelling platform guiding young minds through history in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, telling real stories about historical figures. Using this technology, students learn about the past within the park, revolutionizing the relationship between student learning and pivotal moments in history.
“This is an excellent partnership between the school system and our community,” said Jefferson County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Bondy Shay Gibson. “We are thrilled to have this national park in our backyard, implementing new ways of interpreting history that benefit our students’ 21st century learning styles,” she continued.
Jefferson County Schools’ students spanning from fourth grade to eighth grade will be completing beta testing for the app on Oct. 19. The media is invited to learn more about the innovative tool, as well as its impact on student learning. Founder and CEO of HeresMyStory, chief historian of Harpers Ferry National Park, and the teachers that helped shape the curriculum will be in attendance.
The press conference will be held at 723 Shenandoah Street Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 25425. This is located at the East end of Shenandoah St., turn right by the John Brown Fort, then go under the RR trestle and park to the right.
About Jefferson County Schools
The mission of Jefferson County Schools is: “Through excellence in teaching and learning, Jefferson County Schools will ensure that all students value themselves and others, contribute to their community and succeed in a global society.” With a total of 17 schools, the district employs more than 1,100 staff members and enrolls more than 9,000 students. The county is home to eleven elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools. Since 2000, Jefferson County has been one of the fastest growing localities in West Virginia, experiencing more than 30 percent growth in its population. As one of the top ten employers in Jefferson County, the district annually receives teacher grants for programs that contribute to hands-on learning, preparing students for the 21st century workplace. To learn more about Jefferson County Schools, visit boe.jeff.k12.wv.us.
About HeresMyStory
HeresMyStory.com is an educational technology and development company focused on connecting students with real world locations, events, and historically significant happenings through storytelling and game mechanics. We develop mobile location-based games to tell the stories, build empathy, and place the user/visitor in the real drama of a significant location. We are Pokémon Go merged with ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ designed to be played at a specific location(s).
We bring a great depth of knowledge in how to best engage students and users through various media and our core game mechanics. Once a student is engaged, his or her learning experience is deepened through materials on our educational platform. Our online platform supports the game experience and provides students and teachers more resources to further explore the stories, lessons, and themes revealed in the game.
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Media Contact:
Meghan Metzner
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Meghan(at)platinumpr(dot)com
304-876-8321
