Teaching Social Studies with Video Games

ET
IL

Maguth, B. M., List, J. S., Wunderle, M. (2015). Teaching social studies with video games. The Social Studies, 106(1), 32-36. doi: 10.1080/00377996.2014.961996

Summary:

This article highlights the use of interactive video games as instructional tools in the classroom.  Students used the game Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings to build up a civilization.  This game was chosen because it could be aligned with state standards, had an easy to use interface, and good enough graphics to keep students engaged.  The teacher assessed student learning by having students write reflections related to academic content standards such as geography, trade, economics, etc.  Students were required to make connections between class discussions and the video game.  Teacher and student found the game to be a success in allowing students to practice academic content in “real world” scenario that was engaging.  The article even attributes this teaching strategy as an example of learning through play—a theory of Vygotsky and Piaget.

Evaluation:

This article highlights the importance of information and technology literacy in our classrooms.  While this article did not highlight the role of a teacher librarian, I can only imagine how much more beneficial the outcome would have been if teacher and teacher librarian had co-taught this assignment.

Implementing change in traditional topic

Shibrie Wilson

CA, CO, IL

Dillon, S., & Laughlin, A. (2016, March 7). Unbury the past: apps and websites for exploring ancient worlds, mix it up. Retrieved from http://www.slj.com/2016/03/collection-development/mix-it-up/unbury-the-past-apps-and-websites-for-exploring-ancient-worlds-mix-it-up/

Summary: Kids should be aware of other ancient civilization and histories and not limited to Ancient Greece and Egypt. Dillon and Laughlin created a bibliographic of reliable sources available to students and teachers. Websites were chosen based on frequency of utilization in their own librarian careers. All five websites provide free access and labeled by grade and includes target audience either for students, teachers, or both. Each website contains different interfaces for students to use. For example, National Geographic Ancient World News contains information about discoveries or recent destructions. Ancient  World News contains information about discoveries or recent destructions; Ancient Civilizations Online is an online textbook and covers places such as Egypt, the early Middle East, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Africa, South Asia, China, Japan, and South and Central America. There also downloadable apps available for purchase to enhance research. Also, utilizing accounts such as twitter to collaborate with other educators who have quizzes, daily post, and pictures. 
Review: Really wish I would have known about this blog earlier. Recently, had classes come in for research and I provided resources we have in print and online but this would have expanded their research. This is an awesome resource in which teachers can collaborate with TLs to find more information and develop lesson. I appreciate that it provides grade levels appropriateness. Looking forward to working with this in future.