New digital initiative takes Australian history into the classroom
Cathy Freeman celebrating winning the women's 400 metres at the Sydney Olympics. Photo credit: Pat Scala/Fairfax.
24 October 2020 at 8:00 am
The resource will allow students to investigate and record what they consider to be defining moments in Australian history
The National Museum of Australia is bringing Australian history to life for students across the country, launching a pioneering digital initiative with the help of Gandel Philanthropy.
Australia’s Defining Moments Digital Classroom (ADMDC) is a teaching and learning website offering resources for teachers and students of Australian history, geography, and civics and citizenship.
Available for primary and secondary students, ADMDC allows kids to explore Australian history via interactive online games and quizzes, animations, videos and virtual tours, as well as teaching and learning activities.
This resource – delivered to schools via a range of digital devices – was made possible through a $1.5 million donation by John Gandel AC and Pauline Gandel AC in 2018.
At the time, this donation marked the largest philanthropic gift the National Museum had ever received.
The Gandels said they were proud to have collaborated with the National Museum on this flagship grant.
“Much of our giving through Gandel Philanthropy is about providing opportunity for children across Australia, helping them to reach their potential,” they said.
“We believe this is something that will be realised through the ADMDC.”
Major defining moments featured in the ADMDC include Ned Kelly’s last stand in 1880, all the way through to modern milestones such as Cathy Freeman’s heroics at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
The ADMDC also includes several historic archival film clips sourced from the National Film and Sound Archive.
National Museum director Dr Mathew Trinca said the ADMDC was the classroom of the future.
“It will empower teachers with information at their fingertips and inspire young people to embrace history and engage with the nation’s story in new and innovative ways,” Trinca said.
David Arnold, the ADMDC program manager, added that students will develop research skills so they can begin to understand the significance of defining moments in history.
“The main aim of interactives is to encourage students to investigate and record what they consider to be defining moments in Australian history,” Arnold said.
“[This is done] through the National Museum of Australia’s Landmarks gallery, their own life and their family’s history, and the history of their local community.”
