Advantages
of Integrating Technology:
Technology in the social science classroom is
important. Roblyer and Doering (2013) state that “as an area that focuses on
the interconnections of people and the earth, social studies education has been
affected by the impact of technology perhaps more than any other content area”
(p. 334). There are many opportunities to incorporate technology into the
social science classroom. Technology motivates and engages students, supports
different learning needs, and prepares students for future learning (Roblyer
and Doering, 26). Teachers can make history “come alive” by having students
create videos or podcasts of historical events.
Disadvantages
of Integrating Technology:
Integrating
Educational Technology Into Teaching emphasizes the changes
that technology has on the classroom by stating that “Both teachers and
students must have the skills and knowledge that will prepare them to meet
these new challenges and use these new and powerful strategies” (Roblyer and
Doering, 19). While the disadvantages of integrating technology into the
classroom are small in comparison to the advantages, they do exist. It is
possible for schools to go overboard on implementing technology. Although the
article describes this at the school level, this can happen in the
social studies classroom as well. Technology does not need to replace
teacher/student or student/student interaction in the classroom. Roblyer and
Doering (2013) discuss the use of Wikipedia in the social studies classroom (p.
344). I agree with Harouni’s position that Wikipedia can hamper research
efforts in social studies classrooms. However, teachers are also responsible
for discussing proper web-based research techniques with students. If students
understand the importance of using verifiable sources in their research, then
this should not be a widespread issue.
Specific
Activities and Programs
Knoema: Online encyclopedia for geography and social science research
Ancient History Encyclopedia: Online encyclopedia for history
Icivics: Interactive civics games
Doering, A. H.. &
Roblyer, M.D. (2013) Integrating educational
technology into teaching. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
I agree that we must be careful as educators not to let technology replace teacher/student interaction. As Roblyer and Doering (2013) point out, new technologies may keep students' interest "but their impact depens largey on how teachers use them" (p. 128). In the end, we must have involved, educated teachers in order for our students to be successful.
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