Abstract:

Using technology to Share a Story of Place at the University of Tasmania and enhance learning for undergraduate students, including pre-service teachers.
Our goal was to research and prepare a palawa interpretation of both the traditional and contemporary aspects not only of the University and its campuses but, the lands occupied by the University, with a focus on Sandy Bay in the south and Burnie in the north of the island.

The project was initiated as a Community Engagement project during 2017 with stakeholders highlighting the following:
(1) The need for non-Aboriginal people to learn more about the contribution made to history by Aboriginal people in Tasmania; and
(2) The importance of Aboriginal peoples identifying, recording and writing their own histories of self and of country.
The project team comprised six members who were joined by four major Aboriginal community groups, and more than 60 people were involved in creating the resource, which has continued to evolve and grow over time.

We called this project the Linking Of Two Bays to show the ongoing connection between Emu Bay in Burnie and Sandy Bay in Hobart.

This resource provides greater access to a wider audience looking to learn more about Tasmania’s Aboriginal history. It is designed for everyone to use, residents, tourists, school students and undergraduate students as well as pre-service teachers and classroom teachers.

This digital story of place project has revealed Aboriginal names, language and history of place to encourage greater understanding of the islands’ deep history.

This presentation explores the research and processes involved to engage with community to create a digital resource which shares histories and narratives of place, enhances pride in First Australian students and also educates the broader population.

It will show case/demonstrate the resource and allow participants to explore.

Keywords:

Aboriginal Tasmania, history, people, places, online resource.