Overview:   NCREL has instituted a project, “Learning With Technology in Higher Education,” to create modules for technology infusion in teacher education methods courses.  Eight faculty have created and are pilot testing these modules in courses including science, social studies, language arts, music, and introductory computer education.

This site contains seven modules designed to be taught within a semester-long secondary social studies methods course taught with a coordinated field experience in a local middle or high school social studies classroom.  The course has a computer classroom available for one of two class sessions each week.  The modules are being pilot taught and evaluated during the fall, 1998 semester at Indiana University.

While the modules were created to be taught as an integral part of the course, the modules can be taught independently of one another, and adapted for an elementary social studies (or other content area) methods course, or for other teacher education courses.

To see each fully-developed module, click on its centered "Module #" at the top.  Click here to see the full social studies methods course syllabus and schedule of classes.

Context:   This module can be completed in one 75-minute class period.  It provides conceptual material, principally "engaged learning,"  for subsequent modules and assignments such as lesson/unit planning and curriculum standards.  Addresses ISTE Basic Technology Standard 1.3.2.  Addresses INTASC Core Standards, Principle 2.K.1.  Addresses NCSS Pedagogical Standard 4.

Description:  This module introduces the concept of “engaged learning” through readings and discussion, and engages students in applying the concept by analyzing a NCREL Captured Wisdom Scenario, a video/CD-based depiction of a social studies unit, called "Historical Fiction."

Context:  This module can be completed in one 75-minute class period.  It introduces lesson planning concepts and categories through analysis of a teacher's unit, rather than requiring students to create their own lesson ideas while simultaneously learning the lesson planning framework.  It should be completed before modules and assignments on microteaching and lesson/unit planning.  Addresses INTASC Core Standards, Principles 4.K.3, 6.P.5.  Addresses NCSS Pedagogical Standard 6.

Description:  This module builds upon the first module’s development of the engaged learning concept, and focuses on lesson planning by involving students in analyzing a NCREL Captured Wisdom Scenario, a video/CD-based depiction of a social studies unit called "Trash Talk," with the categories of NCREL's "Lesson Planning Framework."

Context:  This module can be completed in one 75-minute period.  It assumes that some attention has already been devoted to alternative social studies curriculum goals and perspectives.  It should be completed before lesson and unit plan assignments.  Addresses ISTE Basic Technology Standard 1.3.3.  Addresses NCSS Pedagogical Standard 6.

Description:  This module introduces students to national curriculum standards and state proficiencies used in lesson/unit/course planning.  The standards and proficiencies are used as interpretive concepts while analyzing two NCREL Captured Wisdom Scenarios, "Historical Fiction" and "Trash Talk."  A short reading on implementing social studies standards through internet-based lesssons and units is also used.

Title:  Print and Computer-Based Tools for Social Studies Research and Lesson/Unit Planning

Context:  Two 75-minute class sessions are needed for this module, one of which requires use of a web-capable computer lab/classroom. It is one necessary prerequisite for the lesson and unit planning assignments.  Addresses ISTE Basic Technology Standards 1.2.7, 1.3.1, 1.3.3., 2.3.2, 2.3.3.  Addresses NCSS Pedagogical Standard 6.

Description:  This module introduces students to a range of print and computer-based resources useful in curriculum planning and their future pupils’ research in social studies subjects.  Activities include a tour and demonstration of library resources, as well as small group work in planning use of computer-based materials for instruction.
 
 

Title:  Planning Social Studies Lessons, Units, and Courses

Context:  This module can be completed in two 75-minute class periods. It is assumed that the group-based unit planning activity will be done in the latter part of one 75-minute period and the first part of the subsequent 75-minute period. This activity requires use of a web-capable computer lab/classroom.  Addresses ISTE Basic Technology Standards 1.2.4, 1.3.3, 2.4.9.  Addresses INTASC Core Standards, Principles 4.K.3, 6.P.5.  Addresses NCSS Pedagogical Standard 6.

Description:  This module reinforces, through student application, NCREL's lesson planning framework.  It uses a NCREL Captured Wisdom Scenario, a video/CD-based depiction of a social studies unit called "The Jane Goodall Story," and involves students working in small groups to adapt the model unit to outline a history unit based in part on web-based information.

Title:  Accessing and Evaluating Web-Based Information

Context:   This module can be completed in one 75-minute class period.  A computer classroom with web access is necessary.  Addresses ISTE Basic Technology Standards 1.2.4, 1.2.7, 1.3.1, 1.3.3, 2.3.2, 2.1.10.

Description:  This module introduces students to concepts and approaches related to accessing and evaluating the authenticity and validity of web-based information of use in social studies teaching and learning.  It uses the existing Widener Library sites as references for criteria and processes for evaluating web information, and incorporates lecture, demonstration, and discussion of three articles about web information issues in social studies teaching.

Title:  Creating WebQuests for Social Studies Instruction

Context:  Two 75-minute class sessions plus one or more open computer laboratory sessions with individual assistance are needed for this module, and should be taught after all six other modules.  It requires a computer classroom with web connectivity.  This module can be seen as an “elective” by the instructor if webquest site construction appears beyond the needed computer infrastructure and support levels.  If so, the introductory part of the module, with the introduction and evaluation/comparison of existing webquests, can be retained.  Addresses ISTE Basic Technology Standards 1.3.1, 1.3.3, 2.2.5, 2.3.2, 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 2.4.4, 2.4.8, 2.4.9, 3.1.4.  Addresses INTASC Core Standards, Principles 4.K.3, 6.P.5.  Addresses NCSS Pedagogical Standards 5 and 6.

Description:  This module teaches students required knowledge and skills for constructing social studies webquests as a form of lesson or unit planning.  Webquests are structured units of activities, accessed by students on the web, and incorporate print and web materials within a framework of engaged learning.