Internet-based project work

Kuei-Min Huang, Phd

Multi-Media in TESOL

What is a project?

Project based instruction is an authentic instructional model or strategy in which students plan, implement and evaluate projects that have real–world applications beyond the classroom

Learning activities that are interdisciplinary, long-term and student-centered are emphasized

What is a project? (con.) Project work have roots in the

constructivist approach (Lev Vygostky, Brunner, Piaget, Dewey)

Constructivism views learning as the result on mental construction.

Children learn by constructing new ideas or concepts based on their current and previous knowledge

Why use project work?

It provides motivation. Students choose the project which plays an active role in the entire process.

It provides meaningful content for the students.

It deals with real-world problems It presents a tangible product that

can be shared with the audience

Possible Drawbacks

Noise: However it could be a good sign that children are enjoying the activity

Time: Work can be divided into class work and home work

Using L1: As long as the final product is presented in English, the usage of L1 does not matter . However, it is important to encourage students to use L2

Different levels: The brighter students can work independently and the teacher can support the weaker ones.

WHY internet-based projects?

It encourages cooperative learning and stimulates interaction.

It encourages critical thinking skills. It is a structured way for teachers to

begin to incorporate the Internet into the language classroom.

It gives learners quick access to a wealth of information.

HOW?

Choose the topic

Make the task clear

Find the resources

Decide on the outcome

Internet-based Project

My favourite actor

First Lesson

Learners

- choose the actor

- mind-map what they know about him

- make a list of the things they don’t know

Second lesson

Learners

- visit sites

- complete their mind-maps

Teacher

- provides sts with a model biography

- works on structures and vocabulary that he/she wants sts to include in their work

Third lesson

Learners

- write the biography

- work it up into a poster with illustrations and photographies

Internet-based simulations

Bring real-life contexts to the classroom

Internet gives sts access to authentic websites that enable them to carry out these simulations

Sample simulation

Student awards

Situation

As chairperson of the student commitee you have been nominated to present the student awards this year. Your job is to propose the prizes for each student:

1- Best student - $300 prize money winner: Pablo Coria. Interests: computers

2- Best volunteer - $200 prize moneywinner: Juan Perez. Interests: science

3- Best sporting achievement3- Best sporting achievement - $ 150 prize moneywinner: Sofia Sac. Interests: extreme sports

Visiting Sites

Your committee has decided to buy the prizes online. Visit the following online shopping sites and find three possible prizes for each person

www.amazon.co.ok www.dell.co.uk www.dell.co.uk www.deremate.co

m

Reporting

Complete this chart. Include a picture of each potential prize, as well as the site it is available from and the price.

Person Suggestion 1

Suggestion 2

Suggestion 3

Pablo

Juan

Sofia

More detailed stages

1. Identify the situation or problem 2. Outline project goals and objectives 3. Agree on the product: poster,

presentation, brochure, exhibition, wall newspaper, debate, guide book, letter, multimedia presentation, oral presentation, string display, poster, book, simulation, survey report, theatrical performance, video, website, written report.etc.

4. State the rules: responsibilities, deadlines, roles.

More detailed stages (con.)

5. Decide the time allocated for project work weekly

6. Instructor prepares students for the demands of gathering information

7. Students gather information 8. Instructor prepares students to

compile information