How Research On the Use Of Computer Technologies Can Inform the Work Of Social Studies Educators

Abstract

Computers technologies have much to offer social studies educators. This article provides a review of some of the suggestions from the current research on the use of computer technologies for enhancing the teaching of and students' learning in social studies. All educators are encouraged to continue to think of ways to take best advantage of these tools in order to maximize the benefits for their students and to best prepare them for survival in the information society. In today's technologically driven society information has taken on a new importance as a commodity (Diem, 1997). The endless, rapid flood of information and disinformation is causing a great deal of confusion and frustration; those who are ill equipped to handle the information overload run the risk of falling behind those who have embraced the latest computer technologies (Titus, 1994) More and more pressure is being placed on schools to ensure mastery of technological skills essential to survival in this new society. "The Internet, for example, is entering classrooms at a rate faster than books, newspapers, magazines, movies, overhead projectors, television or even telephones" (Leu 2000, p. 425). The pressure to computerize has had important implications for social studies educators. This article offers some suggestions for the integration of computers into teaching and learning social studies based on a review of some of the current research on computers as learning tools.