On June 6 and 7, students from Banff Community High School will demonstrate the results of a year-long project that combines local history with modern technology. The Banff Mobile History Tour, created in partnership with the Banff New Media Institute, will highlight historical hotspots in town when the Locative Learning Project launches during the Banff Summer Arts Festival.
Starting in September 2007, BCHS grade seven social studies students chose 30 historical figures and places, and created audio and video content about their subjects. The content was uploaded onto a community mapping website, www.banffmobilehistory.ca, which can be downloaded by tour participants onto GPS receivers. The units trigger the content when users follow a guide map to each hotspot.
The nine-month project involved research, location selection, script writing, audio recording, historical photo selection and video creation with the help of local filmmaker James Reckseidler. The students have learned about local history in an active and creative way while creating a lasting legacy for their community. The project profiles Banff's colourful historical characters — Bill Peyto, Norman Sanson, Peter and Catharine Whyte — and places like Bow View Lodge and the Banff Fire Hall. BCHS teacher Irv Semenok integrated the program into his classes after experiencing an interactive media tour at The Banff Centre for a Learning Through the Arts program.
Free tour demonstrations will take place on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cabin at 211 Bear Street in the Bison Courtyard.
Français
Español
Deutsch