TEACHING HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY,CIVICS, AND
ECONOMICS

by
Glorivette Ortiz

Kelia Jenkins
Adrianna Mell

Course ELE0303 CRN 219-L01
Teaching Elementary Social Studies in a Multicultural Society

INTRODUCTION

Technology in the classroom facilitates a lesson, and children feel more motivated to learn.

In the last three years, we have seen how technology has changed the education format due to COVID-19. The way
that we teach takes another turn when, all of a sudden, our approach changes entirely to the use of technology for the
learning process.

New teaching techniques were formed, new resources were created, and innovation and creativity invaded us. In the
beginning, our challenge was how we were to do this, but we came up with solutions for the benefit of everyone.

EXPLANATION OF THE CREATIVE USE OF
TECHNOLOGY

Benefits of Educational Technology:

Technology is part of the daily life of many people through many devices. This reality supposes
many advantages of technology in education: It encourages collaboration and exploration of new
knowledge, facilitates understanding, provides autonomy, and boosts creativity.
These tools boost students’ ability to relate and express themselves with their peers, allowing
interactive and participatory activities.
Technology is a channel for students to consume all the educational content that can complement
their learning process.
Using new technologies ensures that students stay more concentrated, making it easier to
assimilate academic content.
This is related to self-learning; this methodology allows students to build their learning.
Another advantage of educational technology is its multiple tools to develop creativity and
ingenuity.

The importance of technological advances for education is to ensure that students
worldwide have access to adequate learning methods.

Technology allows teachers to access tools to optimize their functions as facilitators of
information and communication for students.

According to Robinson (2022), Teachers can improve classroom education by creating
short audio or video clips. They have discovered how easy it is to make a video that
students can use for remote learning to review concepts or instructions. To help students
with class assignments or tasks, it is helpful to provide detailed instructions or
information. A great way to engage students is to plan a class activity where they cycle
through various stations and complete a series of independent tasks either individually or
in small groups. Each station could have its device, such as an iPad or a Chromebook,
where students can review prerecorded instructions or rewatch brief presentations while
doing activities at that station.

As an educator, you can assign projects that allow students to explore their creativity using technology. There are
numerous websites and tools available for producing digital art. Additionally, students can use classroom art supplies to
create original artwork or learning resources like math manipulatives. They can even make a video showcasing or
explaining their work. The possibilities are endless!

Other types of digital student creation include comic strips, slide shows, green screen images, infographics, timelines,
digital posters, films, podcasts, mini-portfolios, and video book lectures. Students have even more options for creativity
and self-expression when they mix these numerous techniques.
Teachers can use technology to foster creativity and develop multiple abilities in their students through the Creative
Learning method.
According to Acer for education (2017)
Using technological devices to integrate traditional lessons with sounds, projected images, or lights can lead to a positive
reaction from students. This can result in increased engagement, boosted understanding, and the ability to make
connections between concepts presented in a more tangible form. Teachers can benefit greatly from incorporating these
methods into their teaching practices.

CONTINUE…
Five tools to encourage creative learning:
Windows Ink:

BuildAWorld – Many studies suggest that playing domestic video games improves visual attention
and spatial-motor skills. BuildAWorld is a next-generation interactive 3D simulation educational
learning platform that engages students with real-world scenarios and phenomena.

Incorporating Technology in History Lessons (n.d.) The Internet Archive is a vast digital repository
that stores various cultural artifacts and Internet sites. It contains a wealth of primary sources that
can be utilized to create history lectures. This makes it possible for educators to incorporate
historical figures’ newspapers, photographs, and even audio recordings into their curriculum design.
Virtual reality is an innovative method to incorporate technology into historical courses.

Teachers can use technology to create interactive courses that teach historical events and
individuals. For example, interactive maps can show the spread of civilizations over time. Students
can create interactive timelines to build graphic representations of events based on the most
significant information.

Students may write, doodle, highlight, and search handwritten notes with
Windows Ink. It also encourages collaboration between teachers and students
through the use of Windows and Office software.
.

Tips for Using Annie’s Notebook
Classroom and Family Activities

Branches of Government Jr. Lesson Plan: Government

Another technology tool is Brain Pop Jr., an interactive lesson that provides teachers with lessons, activities, and
assessments.
Be an Informed Voter: Cast Your Vote Game is a lesson in Brain Pop Jr.

In this lesson plan, adaptable for grades 5-8, students play Cast Your Vote, a game in which they experience the
different ways to evaluate candidates running for office, such as political debates, research, and discovery, and use what
they learn to make informed voting choices.

Branches of Government Jr. Lesson Plan: Government
Brain Pop Jr offers a variety of activities that students can engage in. This lesson accompanies the BrainPOP Jr. topic,
Branches of Government, and supports the standard of understanding the role of the three branches of government.
Students demonstrate understanding through a variety of projects. Students will watch a video, have a quiz, make a
map, do creative coding, wordplay, draw about it, and write about it. All of this is interactive.
Teacher Support Resources:

In April 2017, Google introduced a new drawing tool called AutoDraw. This tool utilizes machine learning and
artwork from skilled artists to make it simple for anyone to create graphics. You can access Google AutoDraw
through a dedicated website and convert any sketch into a polished design.

According to Bhaskar K (n.d.) According to an infographic by Everyday Family, over half of children between the
ages of 5 and 8 begin using mobile devices. Additionally, 30% of the apps found on parents’ phones are designed
specifically for their children’s use. A significant number of parents, 77%, believe tablet use can enhance their
children’s learning and creativity. It’s also worth noting that 72% of the most popular apps on iTunes are tailored
towards preschoolers and elementary school children. Educators think incorporating electronic devices in teaching
is a great way to engage students since they find them interesting. Mobile devices and laptops provide a fun
learning environment for students.
Educators and parents can utilize tablets, desktop PCs, iPads, and similar devices to create a customized learning
experience for children. This technology offers interactive learning opportunities through various games and apps.
Teachers can now engage students with lesson concepts using animations, slideshows, and other multimedia
instead of relying solely on textbooks and chalkboards.

Examples of tools that teachers and students can use Schoolfy is an educational social
networking site that enables teachers to connect with their students, parents, and
colleagues easily. It saves teachers time by providing a range of capabilities, including
scheduling homework, emailing documents, creating calendars, and assessing student
progress. Using technology, Schoolfy helps students improve their social, research, and
communication skills.
Nayi Disha creates enjoyable educational computer games for young children (using
motion-sensing technologies) that require physical movement from the youngster.
Future Learn(2021) Technology in the classroom provides an immersive learning
experience through engaging storytelling and colorful graphics.
To enhance productivity and engagement, gamification can be integrated into classroom
activities.

Primary school students can benefit from using interactive whiteboards to bring the class together and engage in
group activities. Additionally, interactive whiteboards can display videos and other visual aids. YouTube, which
offers endless educational content, can also be a valuable educational tool.

Parent management apps such as ClassDojo are essential in the elementary classroom. This software enables
teachers to communicate with parents and share pictures and videos of their kids. Moreover, children can use the
app to display their best work.

REFERENCES

Bhaskar k, S. (n.d.). Impact of technology in elementary classrooms. Impact of Technology in Elementary
Classrooms. https://www.cisd.org/site/default.aspx?

BrainPOP. (n.d.). Branches of Government jr.. Lesson Plan: Government. BrainPOP Educators.

Branches of Government Jr. Lesson Plan: Government

FutureLearn. (2021, October 8). 5 benefits of using technology in the classroom.
https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/general/technology-in-classroom

Pass, A. (2023, January 26). Incorporating technology in History lessons. A Pass Educational Group LLC.
https://apasseducation.com/education-blog/incorporating-technology-in-history-lessons/

Robinson, A. (2022, January 21). Effective uses of Technology in elementary school. Edutopia.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/effective-uses-technology-elementary-

admin_A4eDemo. (2021a, November 12). How teachers can use technology to develop creative learning. Acer
for Education https://acerforeducation.acer.com/technologies/teachers/how-teachers-can-use-technology-to-

develop-creative-learning/?