Process Paper
When I was presented the challenge of creating a project that related to a turning point in America, I knew exactly what to do. I had always been interested in looking back at the whole timeline of communication. Communication and technology has advanced so much since the late 1700’s, and it is still advancing today. I chose this topic because I really wanted to know more about the technology of the Telegraph, the Telephone, and how they worked. I also wanted to figure out personal stories on how communication helped people across the world all the way up to the 1900s. I believe that this topic was a perfect fit for this theme, because it was a major turning point in history in America. When the Telegraph was introduced the whole world changed. The fact that you could communicate to someone in another state was extraordinary, and changed everybody’s lives.
I did a lot of different types of research throughout this project. I used the public library in our town, which is a great library for secondary and primary sources. I used the research books at the library and I also checked out books to use in my research. I did use the internet a lot, but I tried to be really careful, and made sure I wasn't running into any false websites or incorrect information, or plagiarism. Some primary resources that I was able to use were Copies of certain Telegraphs. I got a hold of some copies of the real telegraph that were sent between Abraham Lincoln, Mrs. Lincoln, McClellan, and Grant throughout the civil war. I also found a picture of an actual map that was reissued in 1870, but showed the Telegraph lines that were placed in 1855. Also one of my favorite types of secondary sources were time lines, which I used a lot. The time lines were great because they showed exactly when certain communication advances came out and in what order.
I chose to present my topic in a website form, because I had never made a website before, and because I love technology, and I also love making power points so I thought this skill would come in handy with making a website. Also one lead that led me to think that I should do a website was because my topic is based on technology, so I thought that it would be a really good fit.
Throughout this whole project, I really enjoyed creating a website that showed the advances of Communication throughout America up to the 20th century. I feel like I have learned so much, and that this project wasn't just a project for school it was an important learning experience, that I really appreciate. Having the opportunity to do this project took me beyond my textbook and really made me expand my horizon to learn with a hands on experience.
When I was presented the challenge of creating a project that related to a turning point in America, I knew exactly what to do. I had always been interested in looking back at the whole timeline of communication. Communication and technology has advanced so much since the late 1700’s, and it is still advancing today. I chose this topic because I really wanted to know more about the technology of the Telegraph, the Telephone, and how they worked. I also wanted to figure out personal stories on how communication helped people across the world all the way up to the 1900s. I believe that this topic was a perfect fit for this theme, because it was a major turning point in history in America. When the Telegraph was introduced the whole world changed. The fact that you could communicate to someone in another state was extraordinary, and changed everybody’s lives.
I did a lot of different types of research throughout this project. I used the public library in our town, which is a great library for secondary and primary sources. I used the research books at the library and I also checked out books to use in my research. I did use the internet a lot, but I tried to be really careful, and made sure I wasn't running into any false websites or incorrect information, or plagiarism. Some primary resources that I was able to use were Copies of certain Telegraphs. I got a hold of some copies of the real telegraph that were sent between Abraham Lincoln, Mrs. Lincoln, McClellan, and Grant throughout the civil war. I also found a picture of an actual map that was reissued in 1870, but showed the Telegraph lines that were placed in 1855. Also one of my favorite types of secondary sources were time lines, which I used a lot. The time lines were great because they showed exactly when certain communication advances came out and in what order.
I chose to present my topic in a website form, because I had never made a website before, and because I love technology, and I also love making power points so I thought this skill would come in handy with making a website. Also one lead that led me to think that I should do a website was because my topic is based on technology, so I thought that it would be a really good fit.
Throughout this whole project, I really enjoyed creating a website that showed the advances of Communication throughout America up to the 20th century. I feel like I have learned so much, and that this project wasn't just a project for school it was an important learning experience, that I really appreciate. Having the opportunity to do this project took me beyond my textbook and really made me expand my horizon to learn with a hands on experience.