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Activity 2: Skills and Best Practices

Computers in the Social Studies Classroom

There was a time when teachers were wary of information on the Internet. That time has passed. Information on every possible topic is now readily at hand on the Internet. Although caution must be still be exercised when using a site, this is no different from analyzing hard copy sources in the classroom. To help you along the way here are some tips on using computers in the social studies classroom. Other sites will provide you with additional information.

Tips on Classroom Use of Computers

Your computers have arrived. They will shortly find their way into your classrooms. Here are some tips on how to use them to enhance your classroom environment.

One Computer in a Classroom:

The Multicomputer Classroom:

Use of a Computer Lab:

Source: http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/resources/integration

Compare and Contrast

Dimensions of Learning has encouraged the use of compare and contrast to develop Dimension 3 thinking skills. The social studies classroom needs to be a place where more then basic facts are being learned. Use the following site to learn more about Dimensions of Learning and the teaching of higher order thinking skills. (http://www.mcrel.org/programs/dimensions/whathow.asp)

Writing in the Social Studies Classroom

This activity calls upon students to put their thoughts in writing. Research has clearly shown that there is a clear relationship between developing higher order thinking and writing. In addition, writing is an aid to all students, especially those who are least able to write. Here are some tips for working with less able students:

Teaching Expressive Writing to Students with Learning Disabilities

ERIC/OSEP Digest E590.

THIS DIGEST WAS CREATED BY ERIC, THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ERIC, CONTACT ACCESS ERIC 1-800-LET-ERIC A recent meta-analysis (Gersten & Baker, 1999) highlights research-based instructional approaches for teaching written expression to students with learning disabilities, including ways to teach students how to analyze material learned in the classroom and how to write personal narratives, persuasive essays, and other genres. All of the instructional interventions studied improved the quality of students' written products, and there was evidence of positive impact on students' self-efficacy, i.e., their senses of being able to write.