TeacherTube

There is a new resource available for teachers called TeacherTube. It is following the premise of YouTube but provides educational content. Sounds like it may prove useful as not only a data bank for videos but also a means to promote your or your classes work.

300 and Teaching with Graphic Novels

I saw the movie 300 today. I really enjoyed the movie and highly recommend it. While it is based upon Frank Miller’s graphic novel, there has been some controversy on its historical accuracy. Some believe that the movie will have many believing that the movie is actually depicting true history. This is an especially touchy topic since the Iranian government is complaining that the Ancient Persians have been given a bad image. 300 is not a historically accurate movie nor would I ever intend to project that idea but I do believe that it has potential as a teaching tool.

While this movie and the graphic novel, like many others, are not historical documents, I believe that the concept of the graphic novel can be used in the classroom. The movie nor the graphic novel should be considered historical sources but it can create discussion and interest in students. Graphic novels like 300 or Maus, which deals with the holocaust during World War II, have the potential to support our lessons and should be considered as another teaching tool.

Here is a website with some information on how to teach with graphic novels. There is also this essay on the topic.

Peace.