History Teaching with ICT: the 21st century's 'gift of Prometheus'?

Abstract

The intention of this paper is to put forward a case for using Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and in particular, computers and their software, CD-ROMs and the Internet, to enhance the teaching and learning of history. This proposal focuses on history taught at senior levels in schools in New Zealand, but could also include the history-based units in social studies. The article is comprised of four sections: the first is an historical perspective, the second concerns combining history with ICT to show how it can enhance the content and skills in teaching history. The third deals with the way different teaching and learning styles can be promoted and developed in conjunction with ICT, and the last section discusses the value of a future symbiotic relationship between ICT and history’s place in the curriculum. The intention is not to discuss what is available through ICT for history teaching and learning, but to examine the theory associated with its possibilities.