classroom idea

I am stealing part of this idea from class today. This idea is so perfect for a social studies/history class, I simply have to use it in my classes. Throughout the year, possibly even per unit, I would like to take a current event, and have the class research both (or more) sides of the issue. These current events could be global or within the US. This would depend on the unit we are on. I would direct them to the site:gov research tool. I would also encourage them to look into other "credible"sites as well. This would be an opportunity to teach the students that sites which cite their sources are usually more reliable. As part of their report/presentation, students would also need to present first hand information, which they will gather from communication with people in the area effected by the issue. This could be through blogs, email, twitter, or other social media. They will need to actually have back and forth communication with their contact. I will facilitate this through reaching out first to other teachers within the current event's area. Part of completion of this assignment will be to have their contact(s) review their report for "accuracy" (at least according to the contact's point of view). The student's project will be presenting both sides. Their evidence will be 2 local articles and their contact's first-hand information. I believe this project is at the redefinition level. The interaction, collaboration, and feedback are only possible with current technology. The contact out of the state/country, as well as the complete reliance on tech, (for the research, and collaboration) are the factors that make this a redefinition project.