Interactive Summary

The following is a summary of the main points covered in this chapter.

1. Issues in social studies instruction: These include:
   
   • Methods of addressing social studies standards
   • Dilemmas in teaching social studies effectively
   • The "history wars" and other debates on the content and focus of social studies (read the reports at Back to Basics: Reclaiming Social Studies and Where Did Social Studies Go Wrong?, and a response to the reports from the NCSS.
   • Perils of the information explosion

2. Integration strategies for social studies instruction: Nine strategies are described for integrating technology into this area:
   
   • Simulated immersion experiences (see Muzzy Lane simulation)
   • Graphic representations (see Tom Snyder's Timeliner software)
   • Virtual trips (see the Bodie, California, site)
   • Student telecollaborations (see the Global School House—Global SchoolNet and International Education and Resource Network sites)
   • Digital storytelling (see the Oral History Society Home Page)
   • Digital information critiques (see PBS's Don't Buy It website)
   • Electronic research
   • GIS and GPS lessons (see the ESRI website)
   • Practice of factual information.