Reflection-TPACK Chapter 6- Toward democracy...Social Studies and TPACK

Reflection-TPACK Chapter 6
Toward democracy...Social studies and TPACK

Social studies comes from various disciplines including history, geography, political science, economics, behavioral sciences, and cultural studies. Social studies is a more practical subject matter. Each one of these disciplines are enhanced by the use of technology.

Social studies teachers have lots of resources to choose from because of all the technology available. There is lots of digital history available. It is important that the material and resources chosen are based on the knowledge of the learners in their classes and their specific needs. Teachers constantly need to think how this material can be adapted and tailored for specific student use. Teachers in all subject areas need to decide on plans that are appropriate for their classroom given the knowledge of their learners, knowledge of the curriculum, the needs of the school and community, and the goals or purposes of the course and subject.

What is non-linear and linear environments? This was new vocabulary for me. The book said students need to have skills in both types of resources.

I learned some other new vocabulary...synchronous communication...instant messaging, telephony, audio and video conferencing, chat...
asynchronous communications...discussion boards, new groups, and email...

Social studies encourages collaborative and communicative learning.

Development of human communities is impacted by 3 aspects of technology. Electronic forms of communication (email, chat, audio/video conferencing), computer technologies, information technology.

There is a big concern with social interaction and communication because of computers and technology. New interactions are now taking place. It is a school’s job to create authentic interactive experiences for students. Technology offers new and creative ways to capture the reality of life. Students need to be using the actual programs and environments they will use as adult citizens.

Socio-economic status is still an issue surrounding technology. Teachers and schools need to prepare students for public and private resources in an effort to bridge the socio-economic differences in access to technology.

Social studies helps to prepare young people for the role of citizen in a democracy. Technology helps to improve and enliven this process. The direct needs in young people’s social lives have changed in respects to technology. Young people crave technology. Digital disconnect suggests that schools are not doing enough to encourage learning and experience in technology which is “normal” for young people. I am guilty of this digital disconnect. I try to do my best to encourage computer and technology use in my classroom, but not to the extent that the book or this class suggests.

There are several benefits to technology. Technology helps students to locate digital resources, facilitate work in non-linear environments, encourage critical decisions, use internet sources to extend collaborative and communication skills, and promote authentic forms of human interaction.