Module 5

Advantages of Integrating Technology

There are plenty of benefits or advantages to using technology while teaching social studies.  One such advantage is it is more engaging.  It holds the students attention for longer and makes learning about social studies more enjoyable.  It is more efficient in managing files and other clerical work on the teacher’s behalf.  Using technology allows teachers to diversify their teaching methods, which allows them to reach more students.  It also allows students to improve their critical thinking skills by looking at more information more in depth. 

Disadvantages of Integrating Technology

            There are a few different disadvantages to integrating technology while teaching social studies.  One disadvantage is how costly it is to provide computers in every school in every classroom.  Not every school can afford to have multiple computers in a single classroom.  Another disadvantage is that not every person is trained how to use every technology so it may lead to improper use or messing up during a lesson.  This could be an issue because as much as we love technology it can sometimes cause more problems than is needed, and if you are not trained in how to use the technology properly to begin with than it will definitely be a disadvantage.  Another disadvantage is that not every site is trustworthy, with a prime example being Wikipedia.  A final disadvantage is that technology can be distracting for some students. 

Specific Activities, Programs, Etc.

            One activity you could have them do is take a digital fieldtrip to many different places they are learning about, like if they are learning about Washington, then their teacher could take them on a digital field trip to Seattle. Digital storytelling is another fun activity that you could use.  It could be used to learn more about historical time periods or people and connect them back to self.  A final activity is critiquing digital information.  

Module 4

Halloween Counting
Halloween Counting Link

The flip-chart I chose is called Halloween Counting-Circle Number (11-20). This flip-chart is a cool interactive way to practice counting up to twenty and is also a cool holiday version as well.  One thing that is really cool is that the flip-chart has a very fun vibe to it and uses different pictures for every counting section.  You can also grab the pictures and move them if that helps the student count them.  This flip-chart works with Promethean board, or hardware.  It also runs on ActivInspire, or the software. By using ActivInspire and Promethean board, the creator allows for people to circle the answer and to have different movable parts in the flip-chart.  You can do this through the use of a special pen that only works on Promethean boards. 

The flip-chart allows for technology use based on problem solving, which is the epitome of the flip-chart being able to keep students engaged in interactive problem solving.  One thing I have noticed is that sometimes students become less interested in what the teacher is doing as the lesson goes along.  Technology can help alleviate this be allowing students to better get involved and by keeping their interest longer.  There are quite a few essential conditions for technology integration.  These might include matching curriculum to the technology, budgeting, and teacher training.  These could possibly obstacles that could prevent your school from integrating technology into you school system. 

If teachers do let their school systems know they need technology, and offer the benefits then they stand a much higher chance of getting technology integrated in.  Teachers do need to recognize that technology integration is not cheap and can be very costly.  Software support tools are very handy, and luckily can be found in the flip-charts.  These tools include data collection and analysis tools,  graphics tools, and my favorite research and reference tools.  A few other tools are materials generators and content area tools.  If you use these tools while creating a flip-chart you increase your chances of creating an engaging lesson.  This in turn will keep the students attention.