Optimizing ICT-based Learning of Social Studies in Primary Schools Heri Maria Zulfiati 1 , Suyanto 2 , Hadjar Pamadhi 3 heri.maria@ustjogja.ac.id 1 , suyanto@uny.ac.id 2 , hpamadhi@uny.ac.id 3 Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia 1,2,3 Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa, Yogyakarta, Indonesia 1 Abstract: In the current era of globalization, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) becomes a fundamental requirement in determining the quality and effectiveness of the learning process. An active, innovative, creative, productive and fun learning process is one of the factors that can support the success of learning because when learning is done in a fun way, then the learning material will be readily accepted and understood by students. To promote the social studies learning, it is necessary to provide a variety learning media. The purpose of using learning media is to clarify the delivery of subject matter and focusing students' attention on the subject matter. Creating a varied and active learning environment is very important, therefore, choosing a strategy using the right learning media is one of the keys. Social studies are one of the sciences related to the development of human life in terms of economy, social relations, culture, history, law and interaction along with the natural environment closely related to the level of human civilization, including today's technology. All aspects of human life are the objects of social sciences study. Therefore, in order to clarify such broad learning materials and experiences, the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for elementary school students is worth considering. In addition, the varied and active learning media is indispensable in learning in today's era. With the principles of effective and efficient use of ICT, the social studies learning will be optimizing, attracting, and stimulating the power of creativity. ICT becomes one of the social learning media which is widely used because it increases the effectiveness and efficiency of learning processes. Keywords: Social Studies, ICT, Primary Schools 1. Introduction Current information and communication technology has an impact on various aspects of life including education. Changes in the learning processes are in line with conventional systems whereas the methods of knowledge transfer uses a blackboard as a principal means of pursuing knowledge from teachers (a teacher-centered approach) by recording and memorizing changes in the learning processes and spaces managed by format statics and teachers become the only source of information developed into in certain places and at particular time spans. Learning usually involves facilities in the form of materials/books such as development and utilization of networking facilities such as computer technology and the Internet. In a current globalized era, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) has become a fundamental requirement in determining the quality and effectiveness of the learning processes. Dryden and Vos [1] conclude from their research that an educational system proves successful if its self-image is more important than the subject matter. Thus, the concept of future education is directed to identify how students learn excitedly. One of the approaches and methods that can be used to improve that aspect is the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) used in the learning processes. [2] who said that Interaction, which can evolve from written correspondence to oral / verbal contacts to video and eventually to face-to-face meetings, has been put forward to build trust between groups through collaboration and cooperation in joint task history, law and interaction along with the natural environment mainly concerned with the level of human civilization, including today's technology. Students learning in the context of social studies are expected to have the ability to develop the knowledge, values, attitudes and skills of other people, the nation and the state of Indonesia [3]. All aspects of human life are the object of social studies. Therefore, in order to clarify the learning materials , it is necessary to widespread and constantly experience these developments. The growing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is now very supportive. 77 Social studies are related to the development of human life both in terms of economy, social relations, culture, ICASI 2018, April 23-24, Medan, Indonesia Copyright © 2018 EAI ISBN: 978-1-63190-162-1