The first day in class, however, completely changed my outlook. I am still definitely wary of technology, but I now see how necessary it is in our world. If I do not implement technology in my classroom, my students will be at a grave disadvantage for the future. Our world is changing, and technology is at the heart of this evolution. Technology also does not necessarily make school easier for the students, as I once believed. Forced to differentiate between legitimate and false information on the Internet, the students must use critical thinking skills with technology.
Simulation activities are especially useful in a history classroom, because it gives the students a unique glimpse into the time periods they are studying. Making history come alive for the students is crucial in making the subject interesting for the students; technology allows this to happen. Technology should not be viewed as something to be scared of, it should be seen as something that enhances the teacher and the classroom.
The National Council for Social Studies believes that technology is crucial in a social studies classroom. Social studies is designed to create effective citizens for the future, and our future is certainly technologically based. NCSS discusses how America's students live lives filled with technology, and that should not stop when they enter the classroom. Students can learn both important content and beneficial skills such as critical thinking through technological mediums (Blogs, Wikis, etc). Media literacy needs to be an integral part in every social studies teachers' classroom for years to come!
