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9-10
Internet Positives and Negatives
Project type: Assignment
Related topic:
Inventing the Internet Age
Inventing the Internet Age
Subjects
Business Studies
Summary
Students discuss in an open forum the positive and negative aspects of the Internet.
Duration
2-3 lessons
Purpose
To gather facts to support a viewpoint
Before Exploring
Have the class vote with a show of hands on whether the Internet is good thing or a bad thing. Ask a few volunteers to explain their answer. If no one offers any negatives, ask the class to brainstorm a few ideas.
Outline the Opportunity
Divide the class into groups of six. Three students will concentrate on positive aspects and three on negative aspects of the Internet. Everyone in class will review the additional clip “Peter Gzowski learns to surf” as a starting point. Groups members will then divide up the following clips evenly: clips 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10 and the additional clips “Telidon, information and e-mail,” “Interactive networks disappoint,” “Computer hackers tap into electronic bulletin boards,” and “Year of the Internet.” Students search for and record facts and opinions supporting their position. Each group meets to collate its findings and prepare to discuss the issue from its point of view.
Revisit and Reflect
Gather the groups and invite each to present its summary in an open forum where students share the positive and negative aspects of the Internet. Invite each side to ask questions and state opinions during the discussion. Following the discussion, ask students whether they think there is a definitive answer to whether the Internet is a positive or a negative.
Extension
Each student can write a summary of the discussion adding their own reflection on whether they believe the Internet is a positive or negative influence on people’s lives.
