Integrating the Internet into the Classroom
The use of technology, the Web in particular, has become an important skill for both students and teachers to master. The Internet has a vast amount of information and infinitely many uses, but it takes practice to learn to effectively navigate its resources. This week’s tips focus on finding ways to guide students in their research and use of the Web.
This Week's Tips
Use the Internet with a Unit of Study (Monday)
Integrate the Internet into a unit of study by setting up a learning center. Find a Web site with the information needed for one component of the unit. Post the Internet address and clear directions for the assignment near the computer. As students work independently or in small groups, they can rotate through the computer learning center. Continue to monitor computer use as you move throughout the classroom.
Manage Time on the Internet (Tuesday)
Encourage students to make good use of their computer time. Before class, bookmark the sites that should be used with the lesson. This allows students to focus on content, rather than undertaking a time-consuming search. Bookmarking also eliminates the simple errors that are frequently made when typing in Web addresses.
Organize Information on the Internet (Wednesday)
Create a graphic organizer for students to use as they research on the Web. The Internet provides such a wealth of information that students frequently find it difficult to limit their research. A graphic organizer helps learners choose concepts and facts that fit the assigned topic. Students whose learning styles are more global and visual will also find these organizers helpful.
Use Computer Software with the Internet (Thursday)
Demonstrate ways in which the Internet can be integrated into other computer applications. Have students create a database of organized information. This could consist of countries of the world in social studies, various polygons in math, animals in science, or short stories in English. Students can learn that the Internet is a tool we can use to enhance our presentations.
Teach Students to Cite Internet Sources (Friday)
Build a respect for the work of others by requiring the citation of Internet sources.To cite an online source, have students consistently adhere to a recognized style, such as that established by the Modern Language Association (MLA). Students can also cite video clips, sounds, images, and e-mail.
