Integrating Technology in Teaching Social Sciences: An Evaluation of the Extent of Using Modern Technologies in the Classroom

Authors

  • Zahwa Salamah Mutair Al-Anzi Assistant Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Technology, College of Education Taibah University – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55074/hesj.vi51.1678

Keywords:

Educational technology, social sciences, active learning, benefits of technology, technology challenges

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the extent of using modern technologies in teaching social sciences in the classroom. It also sought to identify the challenges faced by teachers in integrating technology into their teaching, and to explore the benefits for students in using these technologies. The study used a mixed methodology, applying questionnaires to a sample of 75 teachers. The results showed that the level of using modern technologies in teaching social sciences was high, as teachers frequently use technological tools and digital platforms. The study also found that technologies contribute to increasing student engagement and improving their understanding of abstract concepts. However, teachers faced major challenges, including lack of resources and infrastructure, and inadequate training in using technology. The study concluded with a set of practical recommendations to improve the integration of technology in teaching social sciences, including developing training programs for teachers, identifying appropriate tools, and enhancing cooperation between educational institutions and technology companies.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Afzal, A., Khan, S., Daud, S., Ahmad, Z., & Butt, A. (2023). Addressing the Digital Divide: Access and Use of Technology in Education. Spring 2023. https://doi.org/10.54183/jssr.v3i2.326

Aini, M. (2025). Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensuring Equitable Access to Education Technology. Assoeltan: Indonesian Journal of Community Research and Engagement. https://doi.org/10.70610/edujavare.v3i1.800

Aini, N. (2025). Digital divide in education: Challenges and solutions. Journal of Educational Technology, 15(2), 112–125.

Alshammari, R. (2021). Technology integration in Saudi classrooms: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Education and Learning, 10(3), 45–56.

Baikuna, L., Hidayatuloh, F., Rizal, M., Fitria, N., Anjelina, N., Mahendra, R., Marlina, M., & Nisak, A. (2023). Peran Teknologi Pendidikan Dalam Pemanfaatan Pembelajaran IPS. JURNAL PENDIDIKAN DAN ILMU SOSIAL (JUPENDIS). https://doi.org/10.54066/jupendis.v2i1.1182

Bećirović, S. (2023). Challenges and barriers for effective integration of technologies into teaching and learning. Springer.

Bernstein, D., Hochberg, E., Gasca, S., Berson, M., Franklin, K., & Shank, P. (2025). Bridging Disciplines: Integrating Computer Science and Social Studies in Rural Middle Schools. Proceedings of the 56th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education V. 1. https://doi.org/10.1145/3641554.3701920

Bos, D., Miller, S., & Bull, E. (2021). Using virtual reality (VR) for teaching and learning in geography: fieldwork, analytical skills, and employability. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 46, 479 - 488. https://doi.org/10.1080/03098265.2021.1901867

Chan, C., Bogdanović, J., & Kalivarapu, V. (2021). Applying immersive virtual reality for remote teaching architectural history. Education and Information Technologies, 27, 4365 - 4397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10786-8

Chimbunde, P., & Moreeng, B. (2023). The Promise of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Unleashing the Potential of Virtual Reality in the Teaching of History Curriculum. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review. https://doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v6i12.1682

Chukwuma-Nosike, C. (2023). Benefits and Ways of Integrating Technology in Teaching of Social Science Courses in Universities in Nigeria. Frontiers of Contemporary Education. https://doi.org/10.22158/fce.v4n4p1

Corrales, M., Rodríguez, F., Merchán, M., Merchán, P., & Pérez, E. (2024). Comparative Analysis between Virtual Visits and Pedagogical Outings to Heritage Sites: An Application in the Teaching of History. Heritage. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7010018

Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2019). How to design and evaluate research in education (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Hamadi, M., El-Den, J., Azam, S., & Sriratanaviriyakul, N. (2021). Integrating social media as cooperative learning tool in higher education classrooms: An empirical study. J. King Saud Univ. Comput. Inf. Sci., 34, 3722-3731. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JKSUCI.2020.12.007

Hamilton, D., McKechnie, J., Edgerton, E., & Wilson, C. (2020). Immersive virtual reality as a pedagogical tool in education: a systematic literature review of quantitative learning outcomes and experimental design. Journal of Computers in Education, 8, 1 - 32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-020-00169-2

Johnson, A. M., Jacovina, M. E., Russell, D. G., & Soto, C. M. (2022). Challenges and solutions when using technologies in the classroom. Educational Technology Research and Development, 70(4), 1123–1140.

Jong, M., Tsai, C., Xie, H., & Wong, F. (2020). Integrating interactive learner-immersed video-based virtual reality into learning and teaching of physical geography. Br. J. Educ. Technol., 51, 2063-2078. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12947

Kalyani, L. (2024). The Role of Technology in Education: Enhancing Learning Outcomes and 21st Century Skills. International Journal of Scientific Research in Modern Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.59828/ijsrmst.v3i4.199

Kaminskienė, L., Järvelä, S., & Lehtinen, E. (2022). How does technology challenge teacher education?. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-022-00375-1

Kurt, S. (2019). Educational technology: An overview. Educational Technology Journal, 12(3), 45–59.

Lampropoulos, G., &, K. (2024). Virtual reality and gamification in education: a systematic review. Educational technology research and development. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-024-10351-3

Li, M. (2024). Exploring the digital divide in primary education: A comparative study of urban and rural mathematics teachers' TPACK and attitudes towards technology integration in post-pandemic China. Educ. Inf. Technol., 30, 1913-1945. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12890-x

Liao, Y. (2023). Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality Technology on Online Learning Outcomes. Int. J. Emerg. Technol. Learn., 18, 62-73. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v18i13.41201

M., Ajwar, M., Kertih, W., & Lasmawan, W. (2024). The Use of Technology in Curriculum Development and Social Studies Learning Design in Elementary Schools: A Critical Analysis and Literature Review. Jurnal Humanitas: Katalisator Perubahan dan Inovator Pendidikan. https://doi.org/10.29408/jhm.v10i3.26986

Martin, F., Ceviker, E., & Gezer, T. (2024). From digital divide to digital equity: Systematic review of two decades of research on educational digital divide factors, dimensions, and interventions. Journal of Research on Technology in Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2024.2425442

Matkovič, M. (2024). THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY IN TEACHING GEOGRAPHY IN SECONDARY SCHOOL. GAMTAMOKSLINIS UGDYMAS / NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION.

https://doi.org/10.48127/gu-nse/24.21.42

Merchán, M., Merchán, P., Pérez, E., Salamanca, S., & Corrales-Serrano, M. (2025). Virtual reality as a didactic tool for teaching history to early childhood teachers in training. Interactive Technology and Smart Education. https://doi.org/10.1108/itse-12-2024-0309

Milkova, E., Moldoveanu, M., & Krcil, T. (2025). Sustainable Education Through Information and Communication Technology: A Case Study on Enhancing Digital Competence and Academic Performance of Social Science Higher Education Students. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104422

Muslimin, M., & Indrawati, R. (2024). Digitalization and Education Equity in Remote Areas: Challenges and Strategic Solutions. Journal of Education, Humaniora and Social Sciences (JEHSS). https://doi.org/10.34007/jehss.v7i2.2356

N, S. (2024). Rethinking Social Science Education through Immersive Technology: Exploring New Paradigms for Engagement and Learning. International Journal of Enhanced Research in Educational Development. https://doi.org/10.55948/ijered.2024.0116

Nurhayati, T., & Halimah, L. (2024). THE VALUE AND TECHNOLOGY: MAINTAINING BALANCE IN SOCIAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE ERA OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. International Conference on Aplied Social Sciences in Education. https://doi.org/10.31316/icasse.v1i1.6840

Nurhayati, S., & Halimah, L. (2024). Ethical considerations in AI-based education. International Journal of Ethics in Education, 12(1), 33–47.

Oshiogwemo, A. (2025). Use of Technological Instructional Materials for the Effective Learning of Social Studies in Building Resilient Future. DELSU Journal of Educational Research and Development. https://doi.org/10.61448/djerd22123

Özdemir, D., & Ozturk, F. (2022). The Investigation of Mobile Virtual Reality Application Instructional Content in Geography Education: Academic Achievement, Presence, and Student Interaction. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 38, 1487 - 1503. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2022.2045070

Parong, J., & Mayer, R. (2021). Learning about history in immersive virtual reality: does immersion facilitate learning?. Educational Technology Research and Development, 69, 1433 - 1451.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-021-09999-y

Prince, M. (2004). Does active learning work? A review of the research. Journal of Engineering Education, 93(3), 223–231.

Putra, A., Khalidy, D., Handoyo, B., & Van Thang, H. (2023). Construction of Immersive Experiences: Development of Virtual Reality Technology to Facilitate Physical Geography Learning. Int. J. Emerg. Technol. Learn., 18, 47-60. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v18i19.40859

Rachbauer, T., Graup, J., & Rutter, E. (2025). Digital literacy and artificial intelligence literacy in teacher training. Forum for Education Studies. https://doi.org/10.59400/fes1842

Rawal, S. (2024). Digital divide and teacher preparedness in technology integration. Journal of Education and Information Technologies, 29(2), 215–230.

Rawal, D. (2024). Mapping of school teachers’ digital competency in the context of digital infrastructure: a systematic review and empirical study of India. Journal of Professional Capital and Community. https://doi.org/10.1108/jpcc-01-2024-0016

Reyes, Y., Estefany, A., Ordoñez, Y., Lema, W., Ramírez, A., & Figueroa, C. (2025). Technological resources to encourage dynamic student participation in the area of social studies. Southern perspective/Perspectiva austral. https://doi.org/10.56294/pa202531

Roelofsen, M., & Carter‐White, R. (2022). Virtual reality as a spatial prompt in geography learning and teaching. Geographical Research. https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-5871.12551

Rojas-Sánchez, M., Palos-Sánchez, P., & Folgado-Fernández, J. (2022). Systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis on virtual reality and education. Education and Information Technologies, 28, 155 - 192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11167-5

Saravanakumar, A., Kaminskienė, L., & Valverde-Berrocoso, J. (2023). Teachers’ digital competencies and challenges in technology integration. Computers & Education, 195, 104–118.

Saravanakumar, A., Raja, G., & Sivakumar, P. (2023). Transforming education: Perceptions and challenges of technology-enabled teacher education programmes. Open Access Research Journal of Engineering and Technology. https://doi.org/10.53022/oarjet.2023.5.2.0077

Sedlak, M., Šašinka, Č., Stachoň, Z., Chmelík, J., & Dolezal, M. (2022). Collaborative and individual learning of geography in immersive virtual reality: An effectiveness study. PLoS ONE, 17. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276267

Segovia-García, M., Guerrero-Bermúdez, Á., Ganchozo-Loor, M., & Intriago-Giler, L. (2025). Innovación pedagógica en entornos de aprendizaje digitales. Multidisciplinary Collaborative Journal. https://doi.org/10.70881/mcj/v3/n1/43

Segovia-García, A., Val, M., & López-Bueno, J. (2025). Evaluating digital tools in social sciences education. Journal of Social Studies Research, 49(1), 77–92.

Tarman, B., Kilinc, E., & Aydin, H. (2021). Barriers to the effective use of technology in social studies education. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 21(1), 45–62.

Val, M., & López-Bueno, J. (2024). Teacher training and digital readiness: A comparative study. International Journal of Educational Technology, 41(3), 87–102.

Val, S., & López-Bueno, H. (2024). Analysis of Digital Teacher Education: Key Aspects for Bridging the Digital Divide and Improving the Teaching–Learning Process. Education Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14030321

Valisova, A. (2020). Digital technology in the context of social science teaching at secondary schools. **, 25-40.

https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0014.6557

Valverde-Berrocoso, J., Fernández-Sánchez, M., Dominguez, F., & Sosa-Díaz, M. (2021). The educational integration of digital technologies preCovid-19: Lessons for teacher education. PLoS ONE, 16. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256283

Valverde-Berrocoso, J., Garrido-Arroyo, M. C., Burgos-Videla, C., & Morales-Cevallos, M. B. (2021). Trends in educational technology research: A review of the literature. Journal of Computers in Education, 8(1), 1–23.

Vesna, L., Sawale, P., Kaul, P., Pal, S., Snv, B., & Murthy, R. (2025). Digital Divide in AI-Powered Education: Challenges and Solutions for Equitable Learning. Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management. https://doi.org/10.52783/jisem.v10i21s.3327

Villena-Taranilla, R., & Diago, P. (2025). Challenges and Implications of Virtual Reality in History Education: A Systematic Review. Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105589

Villena-Taranilla, R., Diago, P., & Rubio, J. (2025). Virtual Reality as a Pedagogical Tool: Motivation and Perception in Teacher Training for Social Sciences and History in Primary Education. Education Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15040493

Vuletić, J. (2024). Virtual reality in geography teaching as a source of student motivation. Zbornik radova – VI Kongres geografa Srbije sa medunarodnim ucešcem - zbornik radova. https://doi.org/10.5937/kongef24063v

Weisberg, L., & Dawson, K. (2023). The Intersection of Equity Pedagogy and Technology Integration in Preservice Teacher Education: A Scoping Review. Journal of Teacher Education, 74, 327 - 342. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224871231182129

Yadav, S. (2022). Enhancing social science instruction through technology integration. Journal of Social Studies Education, 46(2), 134–150.

Zeng, J. (2021). Study on the application of information technology in college social science curriculum. Proceedings of the 3rd World Symposium on Software

Downloads

Published

2026-01-25

How to Cite

Integrating Technology in Teaching Social Sciences: An Evaluation of the Extent of Using Modern Technologies in the Classroom. (2026). Humanities and Educational Sciences Journal, 51, 718-747. https://doi.org/10.55074/hesj.vi51.1678