Module 6

As Roblyer and Doering (2013) said, social studies is probably the most affected subject since the interconnectivity of people has grown with the boom of technological growth.

Advantages 
Simulated Problem-Solving Environments

• Oregon Trail
• GeoThentic
• Making History

Information Visualization
Uses pictures, videos, colors, and symbols to represent concepts.

Virtual Field Trips
Allow classrooms to explore historical sites, museums, or any number of educational places that are too far away or simply outside of the budget for a classroom.

Adventure Learning

• Earthducation
• GoNorth!

Digital Storytelling
Uses images to tell stories
According to Roblyer and Doering (2013 pg 340), digital storytelling can:

1. Assist students in comparing and contrasting the past and present
2. Sensitize students to diverse perspectives and biases
3. Provide visual cues that reinforce geographic concepts
4. Foster skills in analysis and critical thinking
5. Represent abstract and concrete social studies concepts
6. Facilitate greater connections to the community 
7. Personalize associations

Disadvantages
Due to the lack of moderators on the internet sifting through information that is being published and made available for young minds to absorb, teachers must be a buffer that corrects falsely discovered rumors that have been published as fact. A few such outlandish claims that Roblyer and Doering (2013) mention are the Area 51 in Roswell, New Mexico superstition and the CIA intercity dispensery of drugs.


Resources

The most dreaded resource that disadvantages technology in the social studies field is
http://www.wikipedia.org/. Although the site is monitored and false information is usually removed, the site still maintains that users can alter the information and the new information is readily available for others to see before it has been fact checked.

A great resource I have found is the site I listed in my twitter posting, http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/.
This site has links for maps, games, information, and so much more that has all been reviewed by educators for educators.

http://t.co/fYbmUQBE6e #ED447UM This is a great site for resources in a SS classroom
— Daniel Donaldson (@MrDonaldson14) November 20, 2013

Module 5

The Interactive Classroom

Discuss how the interactive classroom (and interactive lessons, like flipcharts) relate to the following criteria (Make at least one connection (1 - 3 sentences) to each. Be sure to bold and italicize these headings so that they are recognizable.):

21st Century Skills for Students and Teachers, including the ICT Competency Framework for Teachers (p. 21)
Flipcharts and other interactive lessons give students the hands-on technology use that is necessary in the 21st century. Working on projects with fellow students allows for communication and collaboration which Roblyer and Doering cited from the P21 framework as being essential skills along with creativity and innovation which can be learned from the task of creating an original work. (2013) 

Technology use based on problem solving (p. 25 - 26)

Roblyer and Doering (2013) state that technology in the classroom facilitates the best learning when the three components, motivation and engagement, support for learning needs, and preparation for future learning, are used together correctly. Keeping students engaged and motivated will create a more malleable mind that is ready to learn. Addressing and working with student's individual learning needs makes each student feel like they can succeed. Preparing students for future leaning means that every student will leave the classroom able to accustom themselves to new environments.  

Constructivist vs. Objectivist
Roblyer and Doering (2013) define constructivist learning as learning that occurs when the student creates their own knowledge from hands-on experiences and objectivist learning as learning that can only occur from direct instruction from a knowledgeable teacher.
Based off of these definitions, interactive classrooms would more closely align with constructivist because the students are constructing their own learning through real life, hands-on experiences.   

Flipchart

http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en-us/Resources/Item/156681/multiplication-facts-review-flipchart#.Unmiuvmkpvk

I really enjoy this flipchart because in my placement right now, it would be really helpful to have a game they could do to practice their multiplication facts. Like Roblyer and Doering said on page 25, technology can always grab students' attention and focus them on learning tasks.

#M5 http://t.co/S5hmr8wt75 this site gives some great examples and uses for flipcharts in a classroom #ED447UM
— Daniel Donaldson (@MrDonaldson14) November 5, 2013