The center, which was founded by former U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton of Indiana, will use the funding to develop “Democracy Quest,” a virtual-reality-based interactive learning tool. Democracy Quest is designed to engage high school students in the workings of representative government, help them better understand the nation’s political institutions, and strengthen their civic skills and literacy.
Stephanie Serriere, Indiana University Columbus professor of social studies education, serves as director of research for this project. Serriere will be developing and administering surveys and interviews to youth participants and their teachers to better understand how using virtual reality can help students learn history and engage civically. History and social studies classes at IU Columbus will be part of the pilot program, using virtual reality to engage college students with unique, up-close glimpses of the past. In addition, students who participate in the iEngage civics camp at IU Columbus over the summer may also use Democracy Quest.
“Students will get the chance to immerse themselves in key moments in U.S. History, such as the signing of the U.S. Constitution, Tulsa Race Massacre, and WWII Indigenous Code Talkers, while talking to avatars created from primary source accounts,” Serriere said.
This project makes literacy interactive and analytical, promoting essential skills of engaging with our past in a way that asks young citizens to analyze information they encounter. We hope this promotes more engaged and informed citizenry.
Stephanie Serriere, IU Columbus professor of social studies education
After the three-year pilot concludes, the goal is to make the tool available free, online for teachers. In addition to promoting civic engagement and democracy, this nationally funded project underscores the dedication of IU Columbus in supporting cutting-edge research that serves students and educators throughout Indiana, reflecting two pillars of IU’s strategic plan: innovative research and service to the state.
The Center on Representative Government will receive the Department of Defense award through the department’s National Defense Education Program’s Civil Society program. The program authorizes federal support for the development of innovative curricula related to civics education, including critical thinking and media literacy; voting and advocacy; understanding of U.S. law, history and government; compromise and consensus-building; and interest in public service employment.
“At a time when proficiency in U.S. history and civics among eighth-graders is declining, the IU Center on Representative Government, with the support of our nation’s government leaders, is addressing the need for greater civics education in a head-on and innovative fashion,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “We are extremely grateful to the Department of Defense for its generous support of the new Democracy Quest project, which will help ensure students are fully prepared to participate in our democracy by expanding their knowledge of the core tenets of representative government, strategies for compromise and problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.”
“Since 1999, the IU Center on Representative Government has seamlessly integrated traditional civic values with innovative STEM tools to elevate civic engagement,” U.S. Sen. Todd Young said. “Democracy Quest isn’t just any new program; it’s a mission to rekindle America’s commitment to its foundational principles and help informed citizens navigate our dynamic society.”
Learn more about this grant on the Center on Representative Government’s website: corg.iu.edu.