This document discusses using internet-based projects in the classroom and provides examples. It notes that internet projects allow incorporation of online resources without technical expertise, encourage group work and communication, and support language learning. Steps are outlined for choosing topics and outcomes. Simulations and webquests are introduced as project types. Simulations bring authentic contexts while webquests provide online materials for mini-research projects. Basic low-level projects focus on skills while high-level encourage complex thinking. Examples cover countries, dates, places, tenses, opinions, and debates. Overall, the internet provides real-world knowledge and stimulates authentic collaborative learning when used for simulations and webquests in the classroom.
2. Reasons to use internet based projects in
the classroom
They are a structured way for teachers to begin to incorporate the internet into the
language classroom ( no specialist technical knowledge is needed)
They are group activities and lend themselves to communication and the sharing
of knowledge
They can be used simply for language learning purposes
They encourage critical thinking skills
3. Steps to prepare internet-based projects
Choose the Project topic
Make the task clear
Find the resources
Decide on the outcome
4. Internet-based Simulations
Internet-based simulations bring real-life contexts to the classroom.
Internet gives learners access to authentic websites that provide relevant content
to carry out simulations.
address potential real-life situations in order to appeal to the learner.
5. SIMULATIONS FIELD
Business English General English
• Real websites General context
• Learner’s reading Small groups would plan
• Information processing Award
• Planning More real
• Communication skills Shorter simulations are also possible
• Technology skills
• Real situation
6. Webquests
Webquests are mini-projects in which a large percentage of the
input and material is supplied from the Internet.
Webquests can be teacher-made or learner-made, depending
on the learning activity the teacher decides on.
According Bernie Dodge, a webquest is 'an inquiry-oriented
activity in which some or all of the information that learners
interact with comes from resources on the Internet'.
7. A Real WebQuest....
• requires higher level thinking
• makes good use of the web.
• is not a research report or a step-by-step science or
math procedure.
• is not just a series of web-based experiences.
8. Steps to Create a Webquest
1. Introduction
2. Task: explains clearly and precisely what the learners will have
to do as they work their way through the webquest.
3. The process: guides the learners through a set of activities and
research tasks, using a set of predefined resources.
4. Evaluation: involves learners in self-evaluation
5. Conclusion
6. Credits & References
http://zunal.com/
9. Basic projects
Examples
Low -level projects: Ideal opportunity for
developing specific communication skills.
Require access to internet and Word processing
software
Some projects can be focused on:
Countries and nationalities
Dates
Places
Past tenses
Likes and dislikes and opinions
High- level projects: offer the opportunity of
examining a serious issue in dept. encourages
complex thinking and reasoining processes
Require access to internet and Access to video
recording equipment.
Debates
Class discussions
Role play
10. Conclusions
Internet can be used as an access point to real world knowledge which
learners may lack
Internet can act as a springboard for authentic, relevant simulation work
and as the source of materials which promote collaborative learning,
communication, learning sharing and higher level thinking skills
Internet explores the area of motivation and considers how it can be
increased with careful taks design and judicious choice of internet content