An exploration of K-12 user needs for digital primary source materials

Abstract

With the rapid development of the global information infrastructure and networked multimedia systems, is it possible to make access to archival materials and their descriptions truly virtual, to make their use more diverse, and user interaction more effective? Part I of this article examines trends in K-12 pedagogical and curricular innovation that are leading to increased integration of primary sources, facilitated by new learning technologies, into the classroom. In Part II, the author argues that what is required is a conscious approach to the selection, representation, and presentation of digitized and digital archival materials, informed by sound empirical knowledge of the needs of targeted user groups. In Part III of this article, the author reports on research underway at UCLA exploring the needs of K-12 teachers and students, both for locating and using primary source materials, and for incorporating those materials into learning systems design. The author also speculates on the potential of Encoded Archival Description to provide the descriptive infrastructure for a multimedia archival information system that would address some of the needs identified for K-12 users.