Introduction
Students from George Morgan Senior High School were tasked with the creation of a museum or cultural atlas for their community and the World Wide Web; a “Virtual Museum.” Students inquired into, investigated, documented, and preserved information about their communities, “Kalskag” and “Lower Kalskag”. This master’s project centered on several educational philosophies. It is founded on the goal of the Alaska Rural Systemic Initiative, to strengthen Alaska Native self-identity and integrate Native ways of knowing and teaching. These goals were pursued in the context of a place based project. Leadership and shared educational vision were cultivated using the Reinventing Schools Coalition model. The ultimate purpose of this master’s project was to document steps taken to organize, research, and create an end product centered around place based education and rooted in RISC model ideas of leadership and shared vision.
Like other villages in Alaska, Upper and Lower Kalskag are isolated, physically and mentally from the world at large. But the communities of Kalskag are close to improved and accessible Internet service. A large tower has been built on the hill; it just isn’t “hooked up” yet. This Virtual Museum aims to provide a space for students to introduce themselves to the World Wide Web and share their world with the “outside”.
Note: Virtual Museum is the educational property of Kuspuk school district, Upper Kalskag Traditional Council and Lower Traditional Council. Educator Guide is copyright by S. Dzieweczynski.
Project Overview
