Ohio Historical Society Unveils Ohio As America -- An Online Textbook for Ohio History

COLUMBUS, Nov. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 13,000 fourth grade students across the state are learning about Ohio's rich history through an all-new textbook, but this textbook doesn't have pages.

The Ohio Historical Society and INFOhio have teamed up to create Ohio as America, an innovative electronic textbook and interactive social studies curriculum that became available to all Ohio fourth grade students at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. The resource is based upon Ohio's revised Academic Content Standards that were adopted by the State Board of Education in 2010.

To date, 120 schools have taken advantage of the Ohio Historical Society's offer to waive the e-textbook fee during its inaugural year.

Ohio as America uses its electronic platform to combine readings, videos from historic sites, lesson plans, teacher resources, primary source material and artifacts from the vast collection of Ohio Historical Society to tell the Ohio story. It presents United States history through the lens of Ohio and Ohioans.

"The history of Ohio is an exciting and powerful story and we are delighted to tell it in a new way that puts the past at the fingertips of students," said Stacia Kuceyeski of the Ohio Historical Society.  "The rich holdings of the Ohio Historical Society are able to shine in this new, interactive format. Components such as video interviews with archaeologists at Ohio earthworks bring ancient civilizations alive like no paper-based book can."   

In an effort to acquaint teachers and students with the e-textbook, as well as receive feedback, there will be no charge for Ohio As America for the 2011-2012 academic school year.  Beginning next academic year (fall of 2012), the price will be $10 per student with price breaks for higher volumes of students. To receive licenses for the online Ohio As America textbook, interested teachers or school districts can contact Betsy Hedler at [email protected].

Ohio As America offers four units: Ohio's Place and First Ohioans-Ancient and Historic (13000 B.C. – 1650 A.D.); Early America and the Ohio Country (1650-1789); A Growing Country: Northwest Ordinance and Ohio Statehood (1789-1813); and Immigration, Migration, Slavery, Innovation, Invention, Transportation and Industry, consisting of 14 chapters.

Development of Ohio As America was underwritten by: Honda Manufacturing of America and Huntington Bank, with contributions from Ohio Historical Society staff members, eTech Ohio and a committee of fourth grade teachers from around the state. A preview of Ohio As America e-textbook is also available at www.OhioAsAmerica.org.

Or For More Information, Contact:

Sarah Irvin Clark, 614.296.4057

Michele Mooney, 614.620.1507

Stacia Kuceyeski, 614-297-2574

SOURCE Ohio Historical Society