- Always choose Internet projects based on your curriculum, not on a
desire to use the Internet.
- When you are trying to think of a different way to teach a
curriculum unit, topic or concept, consider using the Internet. Start
with curriculum and then move to the Internet.
- Find a project that you want to do with your students.
Spend some time exploring the projects available based on your
curriculum needs. Compare on-line projects. You can find the Internet
project niche that is right for you.
- Start small. Keep it simple. Once you are confident in your skills,
equipment, and network, start building up to larger projects. Most
Internet projects are associated with a level of difficulty. When
you’re participating in your first Internet project, consider what
level you’re comfortable with. It’s a good idea to aim low at
first, to see what kinds of issues you run into.
- Choose a structure for your activity. Decide on details of your
project (grade level, time frame, deadline, educational purpose) and
share them with the students.
- Join a Project with no timelines (You can join one with a timeline
but sometimes the constraints don’t meet your needs.)
- Choose your electronic tools. Will your project be an email project?
Web based? Electronic conferencing? Remember, choose a tool with which
you are already comfortable.
- Set up your computer(s) so that your students can access the Web
site quickly. Depending on their age and Internet experience, you may
want to bring the site up before the activity, set a bookmark, or
write the address of the page on an index card taped to the monitor(s).
- Give clear directions to your students. Give specific websites and
specific directions and tasks to do on the site such as recording
information, making a comparison, making a decision, etc.
- Before the lesson, create a graphic organizer, diagram, data sheet
or worksheet to go with the Web site. This will help keep your
students on task and promote the use of Internet research skills.
- Before going online, students should brainstorm about exactly what
they are looking for and review any directions or data sheets. This is
a good way to get focused.
- Be sure students have adequate time to complete any online
research.
- Create closure once the project is completed.
- Try out a project with a teacher friend from another school!
- Use the Internet Project
Guide Sheet to prepare for using the project with your
class.
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