Created by Arlene Cianelli, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council

Lesson Plan for "Ten Good Sites"

Learning Level: GED

Background Knowledge Required:

• Some prior knowledge of word processing

• Some prior experience using a web browser

Time needed for activity: @ six 2-hour sessions

Materials Needed: Computer with word processor and Internet access

                                     One three-ring binder

                                     Three-hole paper or hole punch

                                     "Developing Keywords" handout

Learning Objectives:

• Students will sharpen their writing and critical thinking skills in preparation for the GED

• Students will learn to evaluate Web sites for content, construction and clarity.

• Students will develop greater skill in searching the web via keywords.

• Students will gain knowledge of copying and pasting between two programs

• Students will create (or add to) a professional -looking Internet resource guide

Activity:

• Ask each student to select a topic of interest.

• Have students develop a list of keywords for searching (see attached handout)

• Have students open the word processing program.

• Have students log on to the web.

• Discuss what makes a good Web site in terms of content, presentation, and navigability.

• Demonstrate how to highlight a web address, copy it and paste it into word processor.

• Using various search engines, have each student find "ten good sites" for his topic.

• For each "good site" identified, have student write a 3-4 sentence review of the site. (Be sure to include a description of topics/sub-topics the site covers, as well as the student’s opinion on quality of content, construction, and clarity of the site.)

Evaluation: Have students proofread each other’s reviews for content, clarity and sentence construction; students should also check each other work for accuracy of web address.

• Assemble reviews in a binder alphabetically by topic (or add to other groups’ reviews)

Optional: Have some or all participate in creating artwork for cover, etc.

• Encourage all levels of learners to use the binder for surfing.

Developing Keywords for Searching the Web

The most challenging part of searching for topics on the web is developing appropriate keywords. If you choose your keywords well, you’re certain to find lots of interesting sites. Use this worksheet to create a list of keywords for your topic.

My topic is ________________________

The general field of interest my topic belongs to is __________________

Some related words or phrases associated with this topic are:

__________________                                            __________________

__________________                                            __________________

__________________                                            __________________

Some places associated with this topic are:

__________________                                            __________________

__________________                                            __________________

__________________                                            __________________

Some famous people or organizations associated with this topic are:

__________________                                            __________________

__________________                                            __________________

__________________                                            __________________

Remember: Use quotes around two or more words when searching.