Based on testimonies and possessions from war veterans, a ‘digital textbook’ about the Korean War will be produced for American schools. (Image : Yonhap)
Seoul, July 27 (Korea Bizwire) – Based on testimonies and possessions from war veterans, a ‘digital textbook’ about the Korean War will be produced for American schools. The book will allow students to experience the war vividly.
At a national sociology seminar held in New Orleans with teachers of social sciences and history from 60 different countries present, the Korean War Legacy Foundation announced they would launch the final version of their digital textbook about the Korean War.
The digital history textbook is a piece of computer software that was created through 700 interviews with veterans, 6,000 pieces of historical evidence, and personal possessions like pictures, letters, diaries and posters collected by American students. The material was collected since 2011, and can be seen on computers, TV monitors and other devices.
The digital history textbook is a part of the ‘Digital history project of the Korean War’. The book will be used as supportive teaching material at American junior high and high schools. It could play a crucial role in educating the young generation of America about the historic meaning of the Korean War.
The Korean War Legacy Foundation embarked on the task of making the digital textbook because the Korean War was often overlooked in history books. After two history teachers in Georgia compared 10 major history textbooks in America, content about the Korean War was only one third of that of the Vietnam War.
Han Jong-woo, head of the Korean War Legacy Foundation, shared his anticipation for the textbook. “It is impossible for students to understand the importance of war history by only reading books. By using a digital textbook, students can have a chance to naturally understand the meaning and lessons the Korean War teaches.”
Choi Wan-gun, deputy Chief of the Department of Veterans Affairs, expressed his gratitude towards the project. “I am very thankful that American history teachers are making efforts to remember the sacrifices war veterans made during the Korean War.”
Larry Kinnerd, head of the Korean War veterans’ association, was also thrilled at the production of the digital textbook. “The things veterans achieved in the Korean War are tremendous. Through the digital textbook, the younger generations can understand the Korean War that was being forgotten.”
A total of 30 history teachers and historians are currently participating in the development of the digital textbook. They are electronically documenting interviews with veterans and inputting the related metadata. River Ridge High School in Georgia and Allen High School in Dallas, Texas are using a website linked to the digital history textbook about the Korean War in class.
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
