From Classrooms to Coastlines: Alison’s Journey into England’s Past

Written by Environments of Change Project Collaborator, Alison Bullock

I am well versed in the end-of-year rituals in elementary school. This past June, after 24 years of teaching, I anticipated the excited energy of being done—so we can relax for a few weeks and recharge before ramping up again in August for the coming year.

But this year felt a bit different. Instead of stepping out of my portable and into summer break, I stepped onto a Boeing 777 bound for England.

Digging into the Past

I spent two weeks among Masters and PhD students, archaeologists (both professional and volunteer), sinking my hands into the north coast’s Neolithic past.

I felt proud to be learning for the fun of it—something I always encourage my students to do whenever the motivation strikes. Still, I was a little nervous because I was also there to teach local students about their own medieval history through our Environments of Change Northeye video game.

Would they think we got the Middle Ages all wrong?

A Medieval Village Comes Alive

Their reactions quickly put my worries to rest:

“10 out of 10!”
“It’s sooo fun!”
“Is it on the Google Play Store?”

These were just a few of the comments we received after only 10 minutes of exploring everyday peasant life in a medieval village through iPads and augmented reality.

After a few days, and nearly 60 kids later, I felt confident that the product our team has worked so carefully to build—with entertainment, educational value, and historical accuracy in mind—has come together just as we had hoped.

Exploring England

Beyond the classroom, I was equally rewarded with excursions to York, Whitby, Hadrian’s Wall, and Vindolanda. Each destination offered its own blend of history, stunning landscapes, and the warm hospitality of North East England.

Returning to the Classroom

This fall, I return to class with a sense of reaffirmation: learning experiences can be rich, engaging, and memorable. They can be different and unfamiliar, and that’s what makes them stick.

We’re never too old to be rapt and curious to know more.

I will carry this rare and fabulous opportunity with me, with the hope of inspiring my own students’ learning for years to come.