Effectiveness of Computer Technology in the Social Studies

The purpose of this review was to examine the literature on the effectiveness of computers in social studies instruction and learning. Studies exploring computer activities including simulations, drill and practice, educational games, tutorials, database management, word processing and writing, and graphing were included. Assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of computer technology in the social studies remains in its infancy with a limited research base. The author explores required shifts in the pedagogical functioning of social studies educators and associated future research directions for the integration of computers into the social studies curriculum.