The authors describe the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) applications like ChatGPT to address the challenges faced in social studies education and develop strategies for its effective integration into the classroom. This includes identifying the ethical implications of AI, its impact on assessment methods, and opportunities for…

Game-based learning not only contributes to a learning environment that is interesting and engaging for students but also fosters collaboration while meeting educational goals. Recognizing the potential of digital games to promote primary-source use for discovery and problem-solving, the Library of Congress established funding to advance the…

Barbara Cruz describes how what began as a challenge (i.e., finding or justifying the time to spend on history instruction in an environment of high-stakes testing) turned into a rich learning experience for students using historical fiction. By designing experiences that were literacy centered but based in historical content, this group of…

In this article, the author shares what he learned at the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Annual Meeting held in November 2009 in Atlanta. At NCSS 2009, the author realized how far behind he is with technological advances applied to classroom instruction. Many school districts and individual schools prevent students from using cell…

The authors developed and implemented a project for high school geography students that modeled the processes in a site selection analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). They sought to explore how spatial thinking could be fostered by using the MyWorld GIS software that was designed specifically for educational uses. The task posed…

The release of Apple's iPad was met with great enthusiasm by educators and schools. Yet, if this new technology is retrofitted to traditional teaching activities its full potential will go unrealized. The presence of iPads alone will not generate transformative educational experiences in the social studies; however, the appropriation of the device…

In this article, the authors discuss podcasting and provide ways on how to create podcasts. A podcast is an audio or video file that is posted on the web that can easily be cataloged and automatically downloaded to a computer or mobile device capable of playing back audio or video files. Podcasting is a powerful tool for educators to get students…

In social studies, the incorporation of technology presents some unique opportunities. With such innovations as blogging, interactive mapping, digital resources and others entering social studies classrooms, there is great potential for teachers, but it is hard to know where to begin. In this article, the authors focus on one familiar, yet rapidly…

In social studies classes, there is a longstanding interest in how societies evolve and change over time. However, as stories of the past unfold, it is often difficult to identify a direct link between causes and effects, so students are forced to accept at face value the interpretations of economists, political scientists, historians,…