This document provides an overview of technology tools and resources that can be used to support social studies instruction. It describes image devices, productivity tools, multimedia resources, tools for students with special needs, and guidelines for ethical and legal use of online content. Examples of instructional software, research projects, rubrics, and integrated lesson plans are also provided. Citations for referenced websites are listed at the end.
3. Image Devices
Scanners
Maps,
historical/political
images
Digital Cameras
Geographic
locations, landmarks,
digital timelines
Video Cameras
Global classrooms,
recording field trips
and vacations
4. Technology Integration
Communicating
Global classrooms, email, “educational
phones”
Collaborating
E-projects, weblogs, digital storytelling
Conducting Research
Electronic research, virtual trips, GIS/GPS,
Google Earth
http://campus.fortunecity.com/newton/40/field.
html
Problem-solving
Simulations, graphic representations
6. Multimedia Tools
Encarta
Virtual tours, voice clips, photos, text
New York Times & USA Today
Online news, current or archived articles
Old Farmers Almanac
Current weather, gardening, food, astronomy, advice
blogs
Scholastic News
Current events and activities
7. Special Needs
Selective Dissemination of Information
Filter Information to student interest
Personalized Newspaper (www.crayon.net )
Publicize what students are interested in
ReadingBar (www.readplease.com)
Program reads text
News-2-You (www.news-2-you.com)
News set at different skill levels
8. Ethical & Legal Use
Filters
Students will not be able to
access specific sites
“Cyber Cheating”
When students copy and paste
information
Plagiarizing
When students do not
paraphrase or accredit sources
Legal Downloads
Teachers and students can find
“free” software, but is it legal?
9. Copyright Laws & Guidelines
Clearly copyrighted
Get permission from the owner of the site
No copyright statement
Reference the site by its URL and the owner’s name
10. TrackStar & WebQuest Activities
Track # 63594
Regions of the United States
Track # 112654
George Washington
Track #191796
Discovering DINOSAURS!
Web Quest
The Seven Wonders Web Quest
11. Instructional Software
Graphing software
TimeLiner 5.0
Create timelines of historical figures
Classroom Jeopardy!
Drill and practice game
12. Resources for Research
Electronic Research
Newspapers
YouTube or TeacherTube
Library Research
13. Social Studies Rubrics
http://www.rubrics4teachers.com
This website helps teachers assess their students in the
most effective way possible
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/
RubiStar creates rubrics for project based learning
activities
http://teachers.teach-nology.com/
This website provides rubrics and assessment tools for
teachers
14. Integrated Lesson Plans
Simulations
The Oregon Trail
Graphic Representations
How to Make a Timeline
GIS/GPS
www.gis2gps.com/GIS/lessons/lessons.html
Virtual Trips
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSCICivilWarVirtualF
ieldTripPlusHyperStudioPres59.htm