Chapter 8: Integrating the Internet into the Curriculum

There are so many different ways that teachers can integrate the Internet into the classroom today. When teachers plan to integrate a web-based lesson or activity into their curriculum, it is important to first evaluate how the Internet will be beneficial or not beneficial to the lesson, and what the real purpose of the lesson or activity. According to Roblyer and Doering ( 2010), teachers should answer the follow questions when integrating the Internet into a lesson or activity.

• What is the curriculum-related purpose of the activity?
• Does the Internet enhance the activity?
• How will students use online resources (as opposed to just locating them?)
• Do students have the necessary information analysis/information synthesis skills, or am I including these in the instruction?
• Do I have the necessary time and support for the activity?

By first answering these questions, teachers can begin to fully understand how exactly their lesson will be enhanced by using resources such as the Internet.

One example of a Internet based activity mentioned in the chapter is webquests. Webquests, if structured well, can be very beneficial to a lesson. Webquests promote exploration and investigation. Students can work at their own pace and have the opportunity to learn independently. From personal experience, I find that webquests add to the class by providing information in a different format. Webquests can be a break from lecture. I have had bad experiences with webquests though. Some webquests are very boring and frustrating. It is never fun to do a webquests where you spend the whole time trying to find certain links because of poor instructions, or where it is so difficult to find the answer you want to just give up. Integrating technology can be very beneficial, but it must be well thought out and well executed.