Instructional Strategies and Resources: Utilizing the Internet as a Technology Tool in Family and Consumer Sciences Classrooms

The Internet is one pedagogically appropriate tool that can be successfully used to teach family and consumer sciences knowledge and skills. Strategies for integration of the Internet include locating and evaluating online information, using templates for technology integration, using family and consumer sciences content specific Web sites, using communication tools such as blogs and wikis, and using online assessment tools. Introducing these skills to pre-service teachers helps to develop their competence in and comfort with technology as a learning tool. The desired outcome is better preparation to engage students in multiple learning opportunities in a technologically advanced world. An answer to the question “what should students know and be able to do? ” after completion of a particular course of study has been sought throughout the history of education, most recently by the development of national content standards. The National Association of Teacher Educators for Family and Consumer Sciences (NATEFACS, 2004) recently developed and approved ten standards related to the initial preparation of family and consumer sciences middle school and high school teachers. Standard Six indicates family and consumer sciences initial teachers will be able to “facilitate students ’ critical thinking and problem solving in famil