Conclusion
The authors believe in the importance of modeling technology innovations for their social studies preservice teacher candidates. If K-8 preservice teachers use technology in their higher education courses, they will enter the public or private school arena with greater knowledge and experience that may transfer into their future classrooms. If preservice teacher candidates are influenced by powerful teaching and by experiencing technology infusion in their teacher education preparation programs, there is a better chance that their future students will be too. While some of this can be learned through practice, the test of technology seamlessly integrated with innovative teaching is in the actual experience and the impetus to try something new.
References
Harris, J. (1999). First
steps in telecollaboration. Learning and Leading with Technology,
27(3), 54-57.
Mason, C. L., & Berson,
M. J. (2000). Computer mediated communication in social studies methods:
An examination of students' perceptions and perspectives. Theory
and Research in Social Education, 28(4).
Parker, W. (2005). Social
studies in elementary education (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River,
NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall.
Personal History Activity
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Have the students discuss three major/important events in their
lives. Include the respective dates.
Have students research
and discuss three main events that occurred the year they were
born. (Think on the following levels: local, state, national,
and global.) . See the “live” video conference example.
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Bible
High School Diploma
Family Picture
Necklace
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Here are some possible topics for the students to discuss with e-pals:
Family Traditions : Define what family means to you? Did your family have any special traditions, such as things that they did on holidays or birthdays? What about family heirlooms? Is there anything that has been handed down from generation to generation?
Hometown : What was the name of the town where you grew up? Was it a big city or a small town? Were there any special activities or festivals at different times of the year?
Previous Generations : Did you know your grandparents or great-grandparents? What stories can you tell about them and their lives?
(Teacher caution: Consider your students' backgrounds if you choose these topics.)
OR
Have each student bring a photo of a family member. Have students write a personal narrative from the perspective of the person in the photo. See the “live” video conference example.
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Oral History
Pin
Porthole
Railroad Story
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Have students discuss physical features/landmarks of their towns/cities. Students should share the absolute and relative location of their school.
Discuss favorite restaurants, places to hang out, entertainment venues, etc.
Pair up the students in your own classroom. Give digital camera access to each set of partners. Have the pair go on a scavenger hunt for evidence of one of the core democratic values. Students can share their findings during the hook-up through Power Point, a Web Quest creation, or a document camera.
OR
Consider having guest community historians visit for a discussion. See the “live” video conference example.
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Local History 01
Local History 02
Discussion Reactions
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State or National Activity
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Help your students locate two articles from a local or state newspaper. Students should read the articles independently and discuss one of the articles with their e-pals. Have the students write a short reflective summary to their e-pals. Some possible guiding questions can include: Why is the topic important? How will it affect you as a student and/or citizen?
OR
Compare and contrast the candidates or election issues and their corresponding platforms as well as other related election issues. See the “live” video conference example.
OR
Have your students create a television network with classmates. Create a station name. Divide the students into anchor groups--for example, the Social Studies Network, or SSN, could include Economic Experts, a History Hotline, and Geography Gurus. Share prepared news stories of local/state interest with your telecollaborative partner class.
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Current Events 01
Current Events 02
Current Events 03
Summing Up
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About the Authors
Amy J. Good
is an assistant professor at East Carolina University in the Department
of Curriculum and Instruction. She has taught grades 4-7 in Ohio and
Virginia. She has ten years of teaching experience and achieved National
Board certification. She is currently teaching social studies methods
and classroom management at East Carolina University. Her research interests
include social studies, technology, National Board Certification, and
telecollaboration.
email: gooda@mail.ecu.edu
Katherine A. O'Connor
is an assistant professor at East Carolina University in the Department
of Curriculum and Instruction. She has taught in the North Carolina
public schools for nine years. She is certified in K-12 reading, K-12
academically gifted, and has obtained National Board Certification.
She is currently teaching curriculum and action research classes. Her
research interests include teacher working conditions, National Board
Certification, social studies, and telecollaboration.
email: oconnork@mail.ecu.edu
Eric F. Luce
is an associate professor at the University of Southern Mississippi
in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education.
He has taught grades 9-12 in eastern Pennsylvania and is certified K-12
as a supervisor of social studies. He currently teaches secondary education
methods, social studies methods, and curriculum foundations. His research
interests include educational technology integration, social studies
education, secondary education, public attitudes toward public schooling,
and charter school initiatives. Dr. Luce was the Co-PI for the PT3 (Preparing
Tomorrow's Teachers to Teach with Technology Initiative) at Southern
Mississippi and remains active and interested in building that "network."
email: Eric.Luce@usm.edu
Send Correspondence
to:
Amy J. Good, PhD
East Carolina University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
College of Education
309 Speight Building
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
252.328.5317 (office/voice)
Katherine A. O'Connor, EdD
Elementary Education, Curriculum and Instruction
College of Education
East Carolina University
210 Speight Building
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
Office 252.328.5323
Fax 252.328.2585
Eric F. Luce, PhD
The University of Southern Mississippi
730 East Beach Boulevard
Long Beach, MS 39560
Phone: 228.865.4554
Fax: 228.867.2656
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