This chapter reports on a case of using digital Holocaust survivor testimony in secondary schools in the United States. Digital Holocaust survivor testimony has consistently appeared in museums and universities over the past ten years but has not been used with any regularity or depth directly in secondary schools. This project, in the form of an exhibit, was developed by a non-profit called Common Circles in collaboration with a public school district near New York City. The exhibit is a two-part experience brought to the middle and high schools featuring ‘Dimensions in Testimony’ (DiT) from the USC Shoah Foundation and an art and identity exhibit. Over 2,500 secondary students (age 12–18) participated in the experience. The results from pre- and post-surveys and focus group interviews suggest that bringing digital Holocaust survivor testimony directly to schools increased students’ knowledge of the Holocaust, was effective at engaging students with survivor narratives, and reinforced students’ belief that the Holocaust is still relevant today. However, this particular use of testimony showed potential, but was not as effective at changing students’ views on future behavior.

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“She’s in the Room with Us…” Approaches to Digital Holocaust Survivor Testimony in an American Secondary School

  • Alan S. Marcus

摘要

This chapter reports on a case of using digital Holocaust survivor testimony in secondary schools in the United States. Digital Holocaust survivor testimony has consistently appeared in museums and universities over the past ten years but has not been used with any regularity or depth directly in secondary schools. This project, in the form of an exhibit, was developed by a non-profit called Common Circles in collaboration with a public school district near New York City. The exhibit is a two-part experience brought to the middle and high schools featuring ‘Dimensions in Testimony’ (DiT) from the USC Shoah Foundation and an art and identity exhibit. Over 2,500 secondary students (age 12–18) participated in the experience. The results from pre- and post-surveys and focus group interviews suggest that bringing digital Holocaust survivor testimony directly to schools increased students’ knowledge of the Holocaust, was effective at engaging students with survivor narratives, and reinforced students’ belief that the Holocaust is still relevant today. However, this particular use of testimony showed potential, but was not as effective at changing students’ views on future behavior.