“Technologies of Memory:

Tremper High School Commemorates Vietnam Veterans”

Students move about the room, exploring camera angles, lighting, and researching digital footage.  These students are participating in a project at Tremper High School, in which they not only are learning about the Vietnam War and the impact of war memorials in society, but they are using the latest digital media technology to commemorate local faces and stories of Vietnam War veterans.

            “Constructing an Analytical Perspective: Vietnam War Veterans & Social Memorials,” is the working title for this innovative, student centered documentary film project.  Freshmen students in Caroline Haebig’s US History course are taking a new approach for situating the past into the present.  These students are learning about the Vietnam War and war memorials through the minds and experiences of local Vietnam War veterans, sociologists and artists. 

            The Kenosha Unified School District high schools have received an EETT grant for the 2006-07 school year.  Funding and materials provided by the grant equip students with technology and skills for the Twenty-first Century.  With the use of this grant, Haebig’s students are able to create a collective memory and educate others with the use of digital media technology.   

            During the months of January, students are examining the Vietnam War and war memorials by creating an exploratory and commemorative piece.  This digital documentary will incorporate interviews from local Vietnam Veteran Al Vittori among others; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, sociologist, Dr. Jennifer Jordan and local artist Bryan Schultz Mfa. Previously, in preparation for the documentary, local theater educator Anne Negri has worked with students to create and perform Vietnam War poetry. These multiple perspectives on the Vietnam War and war memorials will enable students to obtain a deeper insight to the social significance of the Vietnam War.

            After the interview process, students will use modern digital technology to edit and refine their work for future presentation.  The final completion of this project will take place in January.  Haebig and her students anticipate presenting their work to the public in the up coming months. Airings of the documentary will be broadcasted on Kenosha Access Channel 20 and online publications.

To inquire on the status of this project, please contact Caroline Haebig, Social Studies Educator, at chaebig@kusd.edu.

Student Reflections on the Project:

Group 1: Jade, Matt, Stephen

Group 2: Devonte, Ryan, John

Group3: Ryan, Johnny, Andy

Group 4: Alex, Jesus, Brandy

Group 5: Jessica, Adam, Lashe

Group 6: Josh, Jill, Angie

Group 7: Barrett , Krystiania, Kevin

Project Details: Digital Media Technology

Instructional Framework: Content of the Project
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Organizational Framework for Implementing the Project
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