Computer Technology and Social Studies - Perceptions of Preservice Teachers

This study has its rational basis in the proliferation of technology throughoutevery aspect of the contemporary world. Specifically the purpose of thisstudy is to explore the perceptions attitudes and knowledge of preserviceteachers as they pertain to technology in social studies education.This investigation examines whether preservice teachers want to use computertechnology in social studies their motivations and how they plan toemploy computer technology in social studies instruction. In addition thefactors that influence social studies preservice teachers' use of computertechnology will be explored and described.The value of this study lies in three areas: 1) Growing interest technology'suse in classrooms and limited research illustrate the importance of examiningintegration of information technology as teaching and learning tools on theattitudes and practices of preservice teachers. 2) Adding to the body ofknowledge in preservice teacher education and information technology integrationis important for methods courses. 3) And the prescriptive findings ofthis research provide an effective model for integrating information technologyin social studies teacher education. The book is addressed to researchers ineducation teachers and preservice teachers especially in social studies.