Using the Internet to Increase Understanding of Topics in History, Science or Language Arts
Introduction -- The Task -- The Process -- Conclusion
The internet is a vast resource of information. Finding that information can be tricky. Some of the things studied in school may not be posted on a web page and some information that is posted is wrong. As reseachers, we need to learn what we can look for, how to search for it, and how to evaluate that the information as factual. The purpose of this Quest is to learn how to utilize the World Wide Web for information gathering, how to evaluate the information found, and to produce a report.
Introduction -- The Task -- The Process -- Conclusion
The task of this activity is to investigate a new perspective on a topic at school, determine the accuracy of the source of information and write a report that can be submitted to one of your teachers. Before you can begin though, you must learn how to use the internet, a web browser and search engines. Follow the process below and you will begin to understand how to effectively use the internet and become a quality researcher!
As you read these pages, you will notice words that are in bold letters. These are words that you need to know. You should write them down and see if you can find the definitions during your research.
Introduction -- The Task -- The Process -- Conclusion
The following links will lead you through the process of using the internet as a research tool. As you complete each lesson, you should click on the house at the bottom of each page. This will return you to this page so you can select the next topic. You may want to use the arrows on each side of the house instead. These will lead you either backward or forward. (Left is backward, right is forward.)
There are basically 6 steps that can be covered during one week's time. I am included a rough time frame for each activity in order to help you finish before the week is over. They are:
Introduction to the internet and web browsers
(1/2 class period)
(1/2 class period)
(1 class period)
(1/2 class period)
(1 to 1 1/2 class periods)
(1 to 1 1/2 class periods)Introduction -- The Task -- The Process -- Conclusion
Now that you have completed these lessons, you should have an understanding of how to find information on the internet and to evaluate that information. The internet is a vast and valuable source of information. We all need to learn how to tap into this source for our benefit. What you have accomplished is just the beginning of what I hope will be a lifelong quest for information.
This webquest was developed in April, 1999 by Barry McDowell for "Educational Uses For The Internet" at New Mexico State University. Questions and comments should be directed to snbmcdow@hotmail.com