Advantages of
Integrating Technnology
·
In the social studies classroom, technology integration
can provide students with personal experiences with social studies concepts, as
well as access to unlimited research resources.
Simulators, virtual field trips, and other interactive tools can really
help students find personal connections with complex concepts.
·
Simulation software allows users to interact
with computerized models of real, historical situations that students would
normally never get to experience. “Some
simulations allow students to take an active part in historical situations that
would not otherwise be possible due to historical or physical distance” (Roblyer,
pg. 340). These experiences can help
students find more meaning in complex social studies concepts.
·
Virtual Field Trips are awesome! Students use online sites to see and
experience places that they would not be able to go to in real life. Many students don’t get to travel much, so
the wealth of information and images from virtual field trips helps them
experience “the variety of cultures, sights, and events outside their own
communities” (Roblyer, pg.343).
Disadvantages of
Integrating Technology
·
Today’s technology has given users access to an
unlimited range of information from all parts of the globe. While this is usually seen as a great thing, problems
can arise in the social studoes classroom.
Some believe that this resource could change the student-teacher
relationship. “Teachers are no longer
the primary source of facts or opinions” (Roblyer, pg. 339). We have all heard of those stories about students
bringing printed web pages to argue what the textbook and/or teacher says (pg.
339).
Specific Activities, Programs,
Etc.
- · Simulations (Muzzy Lane’s Making History)
- · Primary Sources (Library of Congress- http://www.loc.gov; Project Gutenberg; The Oyez Project)
- · Digital Information Critiques (Don’t Buy It- PBS Kids, Media Construction of War- Project Look Sharp)
- · Electronic Research Resources (Census in Schools- http://www.census gov; Ellis Island Records; U. S. Congress- http://thomas.loc.gov)
- · Information Visualization Resources (Social Explorer and Gapminder websites, Time Liner XE software, Neighborhood Map Machine and DIY Map software)
- · Virtual Field Trip Resources (U.S. Capital Tour website, National Museum of Natural History website, Explore Ancient Egypt website)
- · Adventure Learning (Go North!, The Jason Project, Adventure Learning Experiences- Canada)
- · Geospatial Technology (Our World GIS Education Book Series, Geocaching.com, Teaching with GIS)
Roblyer,
M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston: Pearson.
