E-Sheets for the Social Studies Classroom

     I came across a website that directed me to a strategy to integrate technology in the classroom called "E-Sheets." This strategy is based around the research students would do in the classroom and how to make sure they stay on task. This strategy will help students use technology in a useful way with social studies rather than getting distracted by all the other things on the internet. This website broke down the "E-Sheet" process, what the sheet would look like, and the best ways to use it in the classroom. The E-Sheet is broke into two different parts that consist of "one to three websites" chosen by the teacher and a series of questions that the teacher creates "to guide the student through the information on the selected websites." Even if the material were to be historical, geographical, or political, the students can still work on their literacy skills and reading comprehension by getting specific information from the websites. The website continues to explain that an "E-Sheet" can be distributed in three different ways that are the most successful. It explains that it can be given to the student as a printed worksheet, a website, or a Microsoft word document. On this website the sheet is called an "E-Sheet" which stands for an electronic worksheet but it may also be referred to as an interactive worksheet or web worksheet.
      The website also addresses why it is useful to use a sheet like this in reference to integrating technology in the classroom. There are about 5 different reasons why it is important but I think the most important reason is the last one. The website explains that, "the e-sheet teachers information literacy skills such as how to critically read websites for useful and appropriate content." I feel that it is important that students can learn how to use technology to their advantage while also increasing their literacy and reading comprehension skills. If a student has to answer specific questions that the "E-Sheet" would provide then students are consistently thinking about the content, learning how to manage websites, and developing their literacy skills. I think this is particularly important in the social studies class because the content can become blurred if other things are being used while learning the information. Since there is so much factual information involved in the social studies class, students can get preoccupied while working with the technology. With an "E-Sheet" students can have a better opportunity to stay on task and learn the content and how to use technology. I think "E-sheets" can be a really successful teaching strategy for not only Social Studies teachers but all content area teachers as well.

http://www.bama.ua.edu/~rmayben/tim/esheetws.htm