Intro to Internet Resources

Teacher Resources

Reading Assignment #2

Portfolio Activity #1

 

The Intenet as a Resource for Social Studies Teachers
In the past 25 years the World Wide Web, or the Internet, has perhaps become the most widely used new computer-based technological resource in the classroom. It houses more information than teachers, textbooks or the social studies curriculum can realistically deal with. While this reality can be, in some cases, a deterrent to teacher use of the Internet, since the overwhelming amount of information available can be intimidating, the fact remains that both teachers and students can benefit from use of the Internet, with the proper guidance and training.

In the preparation of lessons, the Internet is truly a warehouse for teachers. Lesson plans, class activities, worksheets, PowerPoint presentations, primary sources and additional information on just about any subject imaginable are all available to the discerning teacher, and can easily be used to make our lives easier. Within the guidelines of copyright law, teachers can use some of the downloaded information to prepare classroom lectures or information collection activities. However, a strong word of caution must come with any mention of finding information online to use in social studies lessons. Because of the glut of information students are being exposed to, teachers need to learn the skills to become information managers, identifying sources that are credible from those which are not.