Lesson Techniques For Educational Technology

Social studies is not one of those school subjectstechnology in the classroom setting, the skills map
that automatically generates ideas of educationaloffers a number of tools that will support each
technology. After all, for years it was about civicactivity. These tools include such things as
projects, maps, governments and other elementsInternet access, graphics software, interactive
that could prove to be a little bit less thanonline sites, social networking sites, video
stimulating for some students and even theirconferencing and Web publishing software. In
teachers. Fortunately, that is changing.utilizing these tools, students understand how
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) andthese core skills and interdisciplinary themes are
the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)taught.
have developed the 21st Century Skills and SocialOne P21 vice president, Valerie Greenhill, leads
Studies Map. These free online maps documentstrategic content work. She highlighted that the
various social studies projects, tasks andorganization is often asked what the integration of
outcomes to corresponding skills. Such capabilities21st century skills should look like in the
allow teachers to implement concrete examplesclassroom, as well as how these skills should be
of how 21st century skills can easily be integratedtaught. Greenhill noted that the map aims to
into the classroom at different grade levels, whileanswer these questions, making it easy to
also demonstrating the critical connectionsintegrate educational technology in every learning
between these skills and social studies.environment. The organization offers a number of
The map delivers guidance on how to aligncore subject maps to ensure 21st century skills
teaching and learning to the demands of the 21stare incorporated throughout the curriculum. "For
century through lesson examples that combineus, that is the promise of these maps--that it
core skills such as critical thinking, creativity, andmakes these skills understandable and achievable
innovation with interdisciplinary themes. Usingby practitioners, and it also paints a picture for
educational technology, the map also cites specificpolicy makers to understand that these skills have
student outcomes and provides project models toa natural fit in the core subjects," Greenhill said.
enhance student achievement. "I am confident weAccording to P21, the 21st Century Skills and
have developed an invaluable resource for socialSocial Studies Map is the first in the serious of
studies teachers and educators in general as weplanned core content maps. Designed and
move toward a 21st-century education system,"targeted to educators, administrators and policy
said Michael Yell, NCSS president. "This mapmakers, these maps help to integrate educational
represents the intersection of 21st-century skillstechnology in the classroom. Other maps are
and the social studies and provides an exciting toolslated for mathematics, English, geography and
for teachers and students."science throughout 2008 and 2009.
As teachers work to implement educational