Toward Assessing Internet Use in the Social Studies Classroom: Developing an Inventory Based on a Review of Relevant Literature

Abstract

Despite the widely-held acknowledgment of the great potential of the Internet for improving social studies instruction, the available research tells us that most social studies teachers who use the Internet in their classroom do so without changing much in their traditional approach to teaching. This article suggests using the NCSS Position Statement on Powerful Teaching and Learning in the Social Studies as a guide to assist in developing a more structured and intentional use of this medium. An inventory of Internet use based on the tenets of ‘Powerful Teaching and Learning’ (PTL) is presented with examples on how each domain of the inventory could be used. It is hoped that the SSIUI inventory will help guide and challenge practicing social studies teachers toward a more purposeful use of the Internet, and provide a rubric to support a new level of research in Internet use in the social studies classroom. Through such practice the social studies may begin to move toward more regular, systematic and thoughtful implementation of pedagogical strategies that will tap into the full potential of this resource.