WIT 2003

Introduction

Web-based projects engage students, allow them to apply what they have learned, and teach them to be lifelong learners. As educators, we can not realistically expect students to memorize all the information and facts that are available. We can, however, teach them to read, understand, follow directions, figure things out, question, and find the information they need in any given situation. The Internet facilitates this process. The Internet provides inexpensive tools for communication of information and inquiry (after the initial start up costs of computers and Internet access). Furthermore, in this everchanging world, one certain thing is that technology moves forward not back. So we need to prepare students for tomorrow, not yesterday. Students today will need to be able to successfully use a computer and navigate the World Wide Web in their future professions and personal lives. This module will attempt to give you some food for thought about the benefits of using the Internet and a few tips on getting started. You will find some very handy web addresses (URLs) to add to your collection and hopefully get some ideas about how to begin using the Internet in your classroom right away.

Work your way through the four considerations. An activity sheet is available for printing or you can simply record your work on notebook paper. Keep in mind that you are developing your own Internet activities as you look at the web sites used in this module. Consider what will work for you and your students. 

For more information about what is at stake, read the article at the following URL: http://www.childrenspartnership.org/pub/pbpg98/partI98.html

Feel free to contact us with feedback about this module.

This module was developed by Robin Brown and Michelle Warden for the Web Institute for Teachers, 2003.