Tag Archives: Social studies

Integrating Technology in Social Studies Curriculum

best practice, history, ipad, Megan Klassen, professional development, strategies, websites, , , , , , , ,

Here are some happenings within the social studies department at my school:

About a year ago, my social studies department decided we wanted to step outside of the box. We were tired of sharing our building-wide computer carts and iPad cart with the other departments (especially ELA – what ever happened to hand-writing an essay?). Our administrators were totally on board and willing to support us in any way that they could.

We contemplated many different options before settling on Discovery Education’s new curriculum – the Techbook. No we didn’t spend our summer’s creating our own iBooks – that will come later, at least for me. But we were preparing ourselves for some intense professional training a few weeks before school started from Discovery Education to introduce us to this new curriculum.

However, in true eduction fashion, that training didn’t happen before school started, and our new iPad minis (One cart for every social studies teacher! I feel blessed!) weren’t placed in their new otter boxes and weren’t configured with apps that would enhance our teaching experience, hooked in to the shiny new carts placed in our classrooms, ready for students to use on the first day. Continue reading Integrating Technology in Social Studies Curriculum →

A different type of professional development

historical thinking, Megan Klassen, professional development, reading, ,

Ok, we all know that one of the perks of being a teacher is that for about a month and a half we can think of this other than school. But if any of you are like me (which I’m guessing since you’re reading this blog in the summertime – you probably are!) summer isn’t as leisurely as people think. I feel that summer is a perfect time to reflect on my teaching philosophy, think about new things I want to try in my classroom, read blogs, maybe attend a workshop here and there, find ideas on the internet for experience-enhancing activities, and so on. The beauty of being a teacher is that we get to try things over and over again if we messed up the first time! I’m so happy that I get a new set of kiddos in August because I learn so much over the summer. USE YOUR FREE TIME WISELY! There aren’t many other careers where employees are given almost two months to just…reflect. Continue reading A different type of professional development →

Stoking the Element!

Brad Burenheide, historical thinking, standards, , , , ,
Cover of "The Element: How Finding Your P...
Cover via Amazon

A few years back, I was intrigued by the TED talk given by Sir Ken Robinson entitled Schools Kill Creativity.  I subsequently read the book The Element and was thoroughly pleased when KSU brought him to campus for a talk.  As a bit of a reflection and exercise in recharging my mental batteries, last week I reviewed the talk, the book, and my notes from his presentation and have mixed feelings.

Continue reading Stoking the Element! →