Advantages
of Integrating Technology:
Integrating technology
into a Social Studies classroom can have several advantages. Among them are:
electronic research and digital information critiques. Social studies cover a
wide array of topics and electronic research can “give students and teachers up-to-date
information they could not obtain easily from other sources.” (Roblyer and
Doering, 2013, p.341) Another advantage of technology is digital information
critique tools. With all the varying information available, “students need to develop
skills in critically evaluating digital information-how to analyze images and
tell fact from fiction.” (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, p. 341) A good example of
an information critique resource for Social Studies integration is PBS’s Don’t
Buy It (http://pbskids.org/dontbuyit/)
Disadvantages
of Integrating Technology:
While the explosion of
digital information available is an overall positive, one potential
disadvantage is “teachers are no longer the primary source of facts” (Roblyer
and Doering, 2013, p.337) for students. This can lead to students causing a
disruptive and confusing classroom environment by bringing information contradictory
to textbook or teacher generated materials to class. This situation is likely
to occur due to the amount of credible appearing websites with bad information available today. (http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/Fake-News/tp/A-Guide-to-Fake-News-Websites.htm).
Luckily, digital information critique resources
like the one listed above can help curb this type of situation. (Roblyer and
Doering, 2013)
Activities:
Electronic
Research: With the broad array of topics that must be covered
in social studies, electronic research is a great activity for students. The
internet provides access to “information summaries and data ‘pictures’…to help
students learn to analyze information in both graphic and text forms.” (Roblyer
and Doering, 2013, p.341)
Practice
of factual information: Drill and practice is a time
honored method of learning factual information; however, technology can make help
make it fun and more efficient. Incorporating curriculum-based games such as
Educational Insights’ Classroom Jeopardy can create a fun and participatory
learning environment not possible without integrated technology. (Roblyer and
Doering, 2013)
References:
Roblyer , M. D.,&
Doering, A. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching.
(6th ed.,). Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson Education, Inc.
