What are the "history wars," and what are their implications for technology use in history?
“History Wars” describe the battle of historians with the conflicting ideology of how and what to teach in the subject area of social studies. On the one hand there is the view of “traditional” education in American and world histories. This “traditional” approach focuses on historical themes and events. The other hand has a broader focus addressing social studies topics which includes a multicultural approach and covers a number of topics. The battle continues.
With students' ready access to information on the Internet, what might be the concerns of social studies teachers?
Information literacy becomes a huge issue when teaching social studies. Part of our “duty” is to teach children to be responsible citizens. As we instruct students in the use of the internet as an information or research tool; we must instruct them on how to decipher whether or not that information is credible. This is not an easy task. We must demonstrate to them how to be critical consumers of information. Individuals can always find sources to back their view or discredit other’s views. Remember never to get in a power struggle with students. Students are great debaters. Maybe we should learn how to channel that into a positive lesson.
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Nancy, I think you make a really good point about how there always seems to be a way to discredit other people's views. The Internet has definitely made that easier, as fringe arguments that were never widely published in the past find an audience on the net. The reminder about power struggles with students is also a good one, as I believe everyone needs to learn that sometimes we just have to "agree to disagree." Teaching students to listen to other opinions and views whether or not they agree is so very important.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea that we need to put a positive spin on this. The kids are going to be curious and investigate the internet, and we need the opportunity to teach students how to put a discerning eye onto everything they read, no matter what the source. There is some pretty serious propaganda stuff that comes out during elections that can be very misleading. It is a great place to start in teaching kids to look for primary sources and validating information before it is assimilated.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right. It is our duty to help these students be the best citizens they can be. We must teach them to be "critical consumers of information". In reality, we must teach this in all subjects, but particularly with the use of the internet. Students should be able to read the articles good or bad, but be able to distinguish between the two. Like Molly, I agree with your thought to make this a positive experience. I can see how teachers may be frustrated with the use of the internet- particularly when students are using it, but it is crucial to the dynamic of the classroom and the lesson being taught that students/teachers approach the activities with a good attitude and desire to learn. Teachers should teach professional use of the Internet, not be angry and encourage misuse of the Internet.
ReplyDeleteIf we have not yet taken sides, I believe that “History Wars” will make educators take a side. Is teaching traditional subjects like American and World History more important than teaching social studies through a multicultural approach? I believe that we should incorporate the multicultural approach in social studies. Whether we like it or not, the United States is becoming part of a world system. In order to succeed in the future, we must teach our students fundamental principles that will give them a better understanding of other countries. This has to be taught by a teacher because the internet does not always give accurate information.
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