Matthew Tyne’s Professional Development Inquiry Project

How can I use computer technology in the classroom to

effectively teach and assess grade five social studies and

critical thinking skills?

Introduction• Before long there will be computers or smart boards

in every classroom in the country• Students are more exposed to technology than ever

before in their daily lives. Younger kids especially are excited to use computers, tablets, or smart boards in the classroom

• Technology and media shape the way we live, especially the young

• The more technology is used in the classroom, the more effective it will become.

Personal History

Treasure Mountain, Midnight Rescue, Outnumbered – K-Gr3-Problem solving, word problems, reading, critical thinking, Math problem solving: addition, subtraction, multiplication, digits, geometry, logic, elf catching, robot zapping, grammar

The Oregon Trail – K-current - Geography, math, logic, medical terms, reading, critical thinking, problem solving, buffalo shooting (historically accurate!)

Age of Empires, Empire Earth, Age of Mythology – Gr4-current - History, historical figures (Joan of Arc, Genghis Khan, Charlemagne, King Richard, Napoleon and more), mythology (Greek, Norse, Egyptian), warfare tactics of various historical factions, historical vocabulary, strategy

Civilization – Grade 7-current - History, historical figures, mythology, science, history of technology, humanities, philosophy, religion, politics, strategy, diplomacy, logic

“You could only carry five pounds back” I always wondered what happened to the elves that I caught…

Here I learned that pike men beat horsemen, trebuchets beat castles, British longbows all around kick-ass, and the word Cavalier. In grade 4.

Where would we be without Bronze Working? In the stone age.

And SO MUCH MORE

What students want*

• Interactive technology• Teacher mentors• Innovation• Choice• Real-world application and relevancy

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/07/28/five-things-students-say-they-want-from-education/3/*

What students need

• Collaboration and the discussion of ideas, and possible solutions

• Project-based learning, designed around real world contexts

• Connecting with other students around the world on topics of study

• Immersing students in a learning experience that allows them to grapple with a problem,

• Problem solving skills

Gaming and Learning

• Games provide many opportunities for:– Teamwork, Social Interaction, diplomacy– Critical Thinking– Problem solving– Strategy and logic– Resource Management– History, politics, reading, math, science,

Teaching Social Studies with Computers

• Computer and Smartboard Games about history, geography, politics, resource management can easily be provided. Instructions to use / install them can be part of IT class

• Online resources, worksheets, lesson plans• Email pen-pals• Interactive learning (Like games, more online-learning)• Online presentations (Glogster, Presi, 280slides)• Government regulated websites and historical databases

Other Technology in the Classroom

• Handheld tablet devices• Tons of Applications and useful teaching tools

• Smartboards• Video Projectors• Televisions

Assessment

• The clicker• Rubric generators• e-Portfolios• Electronic Presentations• Reflections, Journals• High Scores in games

Summary

• Children want technology• Students can benefit from technology, and

technology from students• Games and websites can offer a lot to

students in relation to Socials and more• Assessment can be imbedded into teaching

with technology in many ways