How
do I integrate
the
Internet into my curriculum?
[ Overview | Guidelines | Plug-ins | Assistive
Technology Resources
]
Overview
| This web page is designed to give some basic guidelines to consider when integrating the use of the Internet into the curriculum. Also, links to the most commonly required free plug-ins (tools your computer needs to be able to hear audio clips, see video clips etc.) are listed. Additionally, in order to increase the accessibility of the Internet to students with disabilities, links to information regarding assistive technology are given. |
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It
must be noted that the Internet is only as effective as the educator
who is using it. The Internet is not designed to take the place
of quality teaching. It is instead a tool to be used to enhance
pre-existing lessons. Use of the Internet should be used to enrich
what is already being done, this way it can be guaranteed to
meet identified learner outcomes.First, have a focus and identify an objective.Search the Internet for resources that will enhance
instruction of that objective. Where do I go to get started? is a good
starting point when looking for sites to match a specific curricula.
Search Engines are also great places to begin looking.Determine what amount of involvement in the Internet
you would like your students to have. There are varying degrees
with which students can participate in the Internet. For
example, surfing for informational purposes, visiting sites that
showcase events, and vicarious adventures require minimal involvement.
Whereas, mentoring projects, data collection or exchange, and
collaborations necessitate more involvement. For a more detailed
explanation go to Multimedia
Schools, Jan./Feb. '98.Assess the availability of resources within your school.
Do you have one internet connection in your whole school? or
in your classroom? Are there computer labs available? Does your
media center have projection equipment so that one Internet connection
could be more visible to all your students? Do students have
access at home?Decide what kind of groupings to place your students
in to best facilitate the use of available resources. Maybe instead
of individuals working independently, partners, or cooperative
learning groups would be more appropriate.Make sure to preview sites to be used, not only to
insure that they are active but safe as well. Double check to
see if you have all the required plug-ins necessary to take full advantage
of what the sites have to offer.Assess your students with disabilities to see if the
intervention of assistive
technology is needed
to facilitate them in using the Internet.Most importantly, have fun! Let the students steer,
you just provide the directions. |
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Assistive Technology Resources
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[ Overview | Guidelines | Plug-ins | Assistive Technology Resources ]
