Technology in Social Studies Instruction

Introduction to Technology in Social Studies Instruction

Technology has been shaping the world in which we live since the Industrial Revolution.
The National council for the Social Studies (NCSS) has formally defines Social Studies as the integrated study of social sciences and humanities in order to promote civic competence.  In the school systems studies are drawn upon individual disciplines within the greater content such as: anthropology, archeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology.  As a content that focuses on the interconnections of people and earth the impact of technology affects the learning of social studies material perhaps more than any other content area.  NCSS developed curriculum standards for the study of social studies within schools.  Standards for individual disciplines such as history, geography, government, etc. also exist. So when referring to "Social Studies" as a course, commonly it is found only within K-8 Classrooms.  There are 10 themes that combine to form the framework for a social studies course.  They include:
1. Culture
2. Time, Continuity and Change
3. People, Places, and Environment
4. Individual Development and Identity
5. Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
6. Power, Authority, and Governance
7. Production, Distribution, and Consumption
8. Science, Technology, and Society
9. Global Connections
10. Civic Ideals and Practices.

Dilemmas in Teaching Social Studies and Using Technology Within Effectively

The teaching of Social Studies within school systems are becoming less and less of a focus because it is a content that is often not included as part of statewide assessments.  Because of this technology resources are often geared towards other content areas.  The amount of material to be covered is an area of concern for educators.  For example a World History course should cover from the dawn of civilization up to present day.  A school year rarely permits such time.  High costs for high-quality resources to aid the teaching process is also a problematic situation.  The ever growing and ready availability of information that technology has provided us has created many concerns for educators such as reliability of information. Many students are drawn to sites that may contradict what textbooks and educators are teaching without ever questioning the accuracy of information found.

Integration of Technology Strategies for Social Studies Instruction

Simulations, or electronic environments (e.g. The Oregon Trail) allow students to interact and gain perspective on otherwise confusing concepts for students.  Programs such as these and many other updated versions of simulations have been popular resources in schools since the early days of microcomputers.  Google Earth, ArcExplorer and other geospatial programs are also good examples of various ways students can learn about social studies content.

Questions to Enhance Understanding and Use of Technology Within Social Studies Content

1. Because Technology is an ever growing phenomenon discuss whether or not you believe that omitting Social Studies material from school systems is effective in producing well educated children.

2. In your opinion is new technology always better than the old way of teaching curriculum? Why or why not?

3. How can educators use unfiltered and sometimes unreliable information sources on the Internet to turn students into critical consumers of information?

4. What are some additional technological resources (like the old Oregon Trail, or the use of Google Earth) that educators might use in teaching social studies material?

5. Technology has grown exponentially since the Industrial Revolution.  Internet, cell phones, DVD's, computers, etc. did not exist as we know them today.  What do you anticipate in the next 30 years in terms of technological advances?