What I Learned and Where I Go from Here

I learned that there are many examples of digitized primary sources online. Not only are they offered by Library of Congress, but also by regional, state, and local sources as well. Such primary sources can be photos, manuscripts, notes, maps, sound recordings, films, and more. Everyone creates primary sources, and usually does so on a daily basis.

The keys to analzying primary sources are to observe, reflect, and raise questions. That process can go in any order. It seems that the main key is to be able to continue raising more focused and knowledgeable questions, and to actually pursue answers to those questions.

The course has inspired to learn more about history. Not only can digitized primary sources help people learn more about history, they can help people learn more about where they (and their ancestors) came from, who they are, and where they and their world might be heading. Digitized primary sources can also help people become more skilled at analyzing their own primary sources, and all media they encounter. Observing, reflecting, and questioning can be applied to learning about anything one sees or hears (not just forms of media), such as trees or bird sounds in a park.

Kids seem to be extremely knowledgeable and skilled on everything related to technology. However, it seems that many are not actually very skilled when it comes to searching for, and analyzing, primary sources. All age groups can learn from history, and training in learning how to search for, and analyze, primary sources.

At this point, I find myself wondering what else is out there. Who else is offering digitized primary sources online? Which subjects and formats are they offering? How much more will be online in years to come? How much access do the poorest areas of the U.S. have to computers, the Web, and to software that allows one to analyze, present, and share primary sources? How much will that access improve in years to come?

Now, I need to learn more history in order to better search for, analyze, and present primary sources that I find. Which eras, events, and topics in history do I wish to study? How many digitized primary sources are out there for me to examine and learn from, in relation to my future academic interests?