MCN2015

The exploding world of technology in schools has changed how schools access content and curriculum. How do you turn a successful physical print textbook for 6th graders into an interactive digital experience that works on all devices?

This was the issue faced by the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) as we prepared to publish a Revised Second Edition of the popular textbook, Northern Lights, designed for 6th grade Minnesota Studies classes. The print book had been very successful over the last 20 years, and the revisions were exciting. Yet, we knew we had to move towards a digital delivery of the curriculum. School districts were asking for more and more digital content as they quickly started to incorporate technology in the classrooms.

The print book was published in 2013, but the process of developing the Northern Lights Interactive eBook started well before that with more than three years of research and development. MNHS staff research how schools were integrating technology, including device choice, digital curriculum products, and pedagogy. Staff investigated the K-12 business model, which is very different than the consumer market. We researched and prototyped numerous delivery platforms, weighing our requirements, which included key pedagogical features based on teacher input, level of technology expertise required to build, ability to fit the business model, and could be completed in a very short time frame. The first phase of the project launched in August, 2014. The eBook was updated in July 2015 with new content and revisions based on teacher and student input.

This Case Study presentation will walk through the factors that went into the platform decision and demonstrate key features that significantly enhance the content that are possible only in a digital space. We will also discuss ongoing evaluation, technical issues, content updates and teacher support.