Social Studies Research and Practice
ISSN: 1933-5415
Social Studies Research and Practice
Volume 3, Number 1, Spring 2008
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TECHNOLOGY FEATURE
From PowerPoint to Podcasts: Integrating Technology into the Social Studies
Christy G. Keeler
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Eric Langhorst
South Valley Junior High School, Liberty, MO
Abstract
This article begins with a discussion of the need to integrate technology into K-12 social studies classrooms and continues by introducing and providing social studies-based examples of the Moersch Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi) framework. The authors argue that LoTi levels do not coincide with teachers’ needed technology skill levels. As a result, the article offers suggestions for encouraging adjustment toward greater technology-infused social studies instructional methods based on teacher skill level. Using text and tabular formats, the authors provide numerous technology integration methods for social studies teachers who are “Starting Out Easy,” “Taking the Next Step,” or “Beginning to Excel” with technology.
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About the Author(s)...

Christy G. Keeler, Ph.D. is the pedagogy scholar for Clark County School District’s Teaching American History Grant and a part-time instructor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Keeler’s research interests are in the fields of educational technology, instructional design, and social studies education. Contact info: christy@keelers.com

Eric Langhorst is an eighth-grade American history teacher at South Valley Junior High School in Liberty, Missouri, and an instructor at Park University. Mr. Langhorst created and broadcasts “Speaking of History…” via iTunes and actively integrates technology into his classroom instruction. Contact info: speakingofhistory@gmail.com