The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • 4 Ways To Build Classroom Community During Distance Learning

  • Combating Reading Issues In Children: Everything You Need to Know

  • Myths About the SAT and ACT

  • How AI Helps Student Outcomes

  • Choosing A Reading Program: Everything You Need to Know

  • Reading Intervention Strategies That Work

  • Calculating Reading Comprehension Scores: Everything You Need to Know

  • How Big Data Is Changing Education Forever

  • Teacher’s Aides Deserve Our Appreciation

  • The Cycle Of Learning To Read: Everything You Need to Know

Product Reviews
Home›Product Reviews›Product Review of Engaging Congress

Product Review of Engaging Congress

By Matthew Lynch
September 18, 2022
0
Spread the love

Engaging Congress is an interactive government and history experience that gets learners analyzing primary source documents. It’s available on the web (using WebGL) as well as on iOS and Android. To play, learners select one of five historical topic explorations — called Stories — to work on. These topics include influencing the political process, separation of powers, voting rights, the federal budget, and Federalism and states’ rights. Next, learners watch an introductory video with some background info and modern context. Then they select from among the six primary sources to analyze for that topic. In those analyses, learners match a thumbnail image with a location on a larger image of a primary source and answer some relevant questions. Students get stars for correct answers, and can try again if they get something wrong. The story concludes with some extra relevant contextualization.

After learners work through all of the primary sources for a story, they do a Knowledge Check — three multiple-choice questions — and then play a relevant mini-game. The mini-games vary in quality and usefulness, but some provide an opportunity for learners to apply what they’ve learned. For example, they can try their hand at redistricting an area to influence election outcomes, or estimate how the 2015 federal budget was allocated. After each story’s mini-game, learners can revisit the mini-game or intro video, or select another story and begin the process again.

Engaging Congress also includes a Primary Source Gallery where learners can browse a collection of primary source documents, photos, and maps, or play timed or untimed trivia games. The help screen includes a direct link to the glossary for learners to brush up on their governmental and historical vocabulary. The website design does feel a bit dated and would be improved by allowing learners to zoom in on the primary sources, but at least the content is relatively current.

Engaging Congress is a limited experience, but if used in conjunction with other activities, it could kick off deeper exploration of primary sources in history, government, or social studies classrooms. Teachers could have learners do some free, individual exploration when finished with other work. Or, educators could set up a more structured experience, where learners complete a targeted Engaging Congress “Story” that matches with other work learners have been doing. After learners work through Engaging Congress, educators can use more of the primary source documents and Library of Congress analysis tools linked to from the website (see the Teacher Toolbox) to get learners digging deeper into the topics and documents. In-class discussions will help all learners understand how to approach primary sources, and educators can assign homework and projects to learners using the Library of Congress analysis tools to analyze new primary sources, perhaps even ones they choose themselves. Additionally, the Teacher Toolbox includes quiz question suggestions and compelling questions, both great for inspiring in-class discussions, quizzes, and tests.

Engaging Congress connects analysis of primary sources to current events, offering learners a window into important historical events. That said, most of the analysis here is done through multiple-choice questions, which doesn’t allow for much depth. (The trivia games also rely on multiple-choice questions, although they make a bit more sense in that context.) Some of the questions ask things that aren’t covered in the primary sources or the intro video, so learners may need to make their best guess. When relevant vocabulary does come up, there’s a direct link to the glossary entry, which is handy. The mini-games are more hands-on than the rest of the site, although they’re still not that inventive or challenging. They will, however, give learners practice putting events in chronological order, piecing together parts of the U.S. Constitution, estimating the 2015 federal budget, and redistricting an area to influence election outcomes. Ultimately, while the site doesn’t have a lot of depth, it’s an easy introduction to primary source document analysis. Students would get the most out of it if educators carried these primary source lessons into the classroom and expanded upon them.

Website: https://engagingcongress.org/

Overall User Consensus About the App

Student Engagement

The primary sources are interesting and help connect history to the present. The videos are kinda cute. The overall design, however, is a bit tired.

Curriculum and Instruction

Multiple-choice questions don’t challenge student thinking, which is especially important when it comes to history. The mini-games are a bit more hands-on, but still simplistic.

Customer Support

It has a simple design and is therefore easy to control. There’s not much feedback during play. The best support is in the Teacher Toolbox, which links out to primary sources and Library of Congress analysis tools.

0
Reader Rating: (0 Rates)
0
Previous Article

Product Review of Generation Genius

Next Article

Is Education a Basic Human Right?

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Riddle

    February 3, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Product Reviews

    Product Review of Mathmateer

    October 19, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Product Reviews

    Product Review of Flipboard

    October 28, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • ParentingProduct Reviews

    Product Review of MySchool

    June 8, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Product Reviews

    Product Review of MathPad

    October 27, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Product Reviews

    Product Review of Slido

    September 20, 2022
    By Matthew Lynch

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • 4 Ways To Build Classroom Community During Distance Learning

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 6, 2023
  • Combating Reading Issues In Children: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 6, 2023
  • Myths About the SAT and ACT

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 6, 2023
  • How AI Helps Student Outcomes

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 5, 2023
  • Choosing A Reading Program: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 5, 2023
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • Digital LeadershipEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Collegix

    Spread the love This is a comprehensive ERP solution for colleges and universities that provides modular, totally integrated learners services, finance, HR, and advancement. Collegix provides online and offline workarounds ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Startups & BusinessesProduct Reviews

    Product Review of Discovery Education

    Spread the love Discovery Education is a big player in EdTech. The company has established itself as the leading provider of digital curriculum resources, digital content, and professional development for ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech Futures

    The IT Investments Securing the Future of Higher Education

    Spread the loveThe future of higher education still seems uncertain after the massive disruptions of the last two years. Universities and colleges are struggling with budget difficulties amid cybersecurity threats. ...
  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...
  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    IT Trends To Watch As Higher Education Moves Into a New Decade

    Spread the loveEdtech couldn’t have hoped for a better launch into the new decade than the push the industry received from COVID-19. Even the most tech-resistant institutions and individuals have ...
  • EdTech Futures

    4 Emerging EdTech Trends in 2022

    Spread the loveCovid-19 has not only changed education as we know it, but it has forced education technology (EdTech) to up its game. EdTech has been crucial since the start of this ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.