Date post: | 20-Jun-2015 |
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Technology in History Class
Increased Access to Primary Sources Develops Critical Thinking Skills
Teachers and Technology
• “Proficient technology-oriented teachers must learn to combine directed instruction and constructivist approaches and to select technology resources and integration methods that are best suited to their specific needs” (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, p. 43).
Engaging History Students
• Instead of merely facts, learning history should involve “building historical knowledge through the use of primary sources, conducting historical inquiry, and encouraging students to think historically (Swan & Locascio, 2008, p. 176).
Primary Sources on the Internet
• Primary sources are one way to analyze and learn about history.
• Universities, libraries, and other organizations have begun to publish collections of primary sources online.
• The internet can provide access to primary sources not normally available to students.
Technology Enhanced Instruction
• Historical narrative in textbooks can be enhanced by the addition of primary sources to the curriculum.
• “Using primary sources does not automatically translate into historical thinking” (Swan & Locascio, 2008, p. 176).
• Students are encouraged to use the primary sources to develop context and answer questions about the time period and events.
• Primary sources must be questioned and evaluated to encourage historical thinking.
Interactive Evaluations
• Students can be directed to use various presentation software programs to present the knowledge gained from the analysis of primary sources.
• The creation of web pages to highlight the primary sources and information they have provided can enhance student understanding and encourage interest in the material.
Conclusion
• Technology can be very beneficial in a history classroom if used to promote historical thinking.
• Technology can increase student interest and self directed research.
References
• Swan, K. & Locascio, D. (2008). Evaluating alignment of technology and primary source use within a history classroom. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 8(2), 175-186. Retrieved from www.citejournal.org
• Roblyer, M. D. & Doering, A. H. (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston, MA: Pearson.