The document discusses the Virtual Historian (VH), a digital history program created by Stéphane Lévesque. It provides an overview of VH's features, including its library of historical cases organized around essential questions, its use of primary sources and multimedia, and its focus on engaging students in active historical inquiry. Research studies found that students using VH performed better on tests of historical understanding compared to traditional instruction. Educators praised VH for developing students' historical thinking skills and empowering them to take part in the work of historians.

1. Presents

6. “Playing” History “ In the history courses I took in school in the 1960s, we read about history, talked about history and wrote about history; we never actually did history… – Canadian historian Chad Gaffield (2001)

7. “Playing” History … If I had learned basketball in this way, I would have spent years reading the interpretations and viewpoints of great players, watching them play games, and analysing the results of various techniques and strategies… – Canadian historian Chad Gaffield (2001)

8. “Playing” History … Instead, though, I was soon dribbling a basketball and trying to shoot it into the hoop after just a few instructions. In my history courses, by contrast, … I began in earnest to play the sport only at the doctoral thesis level.” – Canadian historian Chad Gaffield (2001)

17. The Virtual Historian Library

18. Requires technology and computer literacy skills Approved and available in all schools and classrooms In-depth analysis and investigation (applied, hands-on) Curriculum efficient and effective overview of large period of time Discover selected historical issues (“cases”) Cover wide variety of historical content Virtual Historian Textbook

27. An exploratory study: G10 TVDSB 2.86 (0.88) - 2.30 (0.88) - Meta-cognition 14.80 (2.52) - 8.64 (4.43) - Essay 12.45 (1.32) 4.12 (2.47) 9.81 (2.41) 2.17 (1.20) Tests Post-test Mean (std dev.) Pre-test Mean (std dev.) Post-test Mean (std dev.) Pre-test Mean (std dev.) Experimental Group Control Group Variables

39. To Experience VH… Visit: www.virtualhistorian.ca Or www.historienvirtuel.ca Email: [email_address] for free trial access