Whole-Class Inquiry: Social Studies

Whole-Class Inquiry: Social Studies
By Stephanie van Hover and Meghan Van Horne

Van Hover and Van Horne article demonstrates how the technology of the web and the digital projector can enhance the learning of students in a whole class setting. They point out how some students do not get a well rounded understand of social studies when reading individually. The area of study they highlighted was learning about how the government works. The project they design was a simulation on a new amendment is added to the Constitution. Using a PowerPoint to engage the student interested and lay down the basics. The students were ask to take on the rolls of congressman, advisers and petitioners to look into the workings of the government. The teachers coaches and encouraged student to come with questions and ideas for legislation and then work it through the system. I think that this approach of using technology and interactive learning is more effective than just studying books. The time and energy to create the simulation would be small compare to the benefits of learning the student would derive.

Q1.How could this type of technology be use for other curriculum?

A1. Math curriculum is a great area to use PowerPoint for group learning. A good simulation for the understanding math in the real world is have the students design and build something. A great building idea that the student could use a lot of math to make is a deck.  

Q2. How would I use whole class learning in a high school social studies?

A2. The use of reenactments gets students involved in the learning process instead of being passive receptors. The students could take on the rolls of history figures and answer question from their follow students. They could also make a PowerPoint and present it to the class.

Lewis and Clark: An Online Odyssey

Lewis and Clark: An Online Odyssey, By Gail Lovely

Gail Lovely highlights what the Internet has to offer students of all age who are attempting to discover information about Lewis and Clark. The article also list many helpfully links to websites with Lewis and Clark themes. She presents ideas on how to use the web in sections by age groups. For Kindergarten through Second grade show how you could use dogs breeds that travel with the Corps of Discovery. The students can look at pictures of dogs and connect them with the breeds of Lewis and Clark. Gail shows how older student could use the Internet to create, writing, visual and research projects. I think that she present very good information and easy to use ideas for all teachers. She also connects the lesson idea with Web sites.

Q1. Would this type of project be good in the classroom?

A2. I think this type of Internet project is great use of the technology. The cost is small and the time to create is not great.

Q2. How would I use the Internet in a high school class?

A2. I would help the students to learn how to use the Internet to access good information for research.

Updating the Research Paper

Updating the Research Paper, by Werner Liepolt

The author of this article describes creating a new lesson plan for high school juniors. At Staples High School in Westport CT., the students using hand written notes, cards, outlines on their research projects. Liepolt integrated the newer technologies that are easily available like: spreadsheets, mind maps, outlines, Internet and PowerPoint. A new unit of research study was developed over the summer and implemented across many classrooms. The unit trained students in using the new technology for their research papers. An online component, consisting of power points, training and ideas for developing research papers, was presented as well as the in class work. Students were able to save notes and create outlines without carrying around lots of pieces of paper that can become disorganized. The teachers found that students first drafts, for the most part, were further developed than in the past. I found it interesting that there was still a high school that would be using older concepts of note taking and outlining. With most of the business world completely committed to Microsoft's office, it seems to me very important that students should be trained on all levels of this software. The process of collecting and storing information digitally should be integrated into education at the earliest possible levels.

Q1. What is an idea on how I could use technology for research papers?

A1. I really like the idea of students using mind maps and visual aids, like power point, in brainstorming ideas for research papers. The use of visual images in developing historical research papers can be very strong and help engage the student in the subject that they are researching.

Q2. What are some of the drawbacks of new technology?

A2. The main drawback I can see to the moving away from all hand written notes and documentation in creating research papers would be the temptation of students to plagiarize information from digital sources. The teacher has to be vigilant against this type of cheating and reinforce the ideas of Digital citizenship to the students at all times.