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Future of the Internet
Project type: Web Quest
Related topic:
Inventing the Internet Age
Inventing the Internet Age
Subjects
Science
Business Studies
Business Studies
Summary
Using a variety of Web-based resources, students will identify one future technology related to the Internet and prepare and deliver a presentation outlining its impact.
Duration
1-2 lessons
Purpose
To research future technologies and their impact on information technology
Before Exploring
Many predictions involving the affect of the Internet on our lives have come true: we take on-line banking, downloading of music and video, and instant messaging for granted. But many other predictions have not materialized. There has been no demise of textbooks in the school, and newspapers and books in print have not disappeared. We haven’t achieved the paperless office. Most of all, the notion that we would never leave the confines of our homes and our streets would become semi-deserted alleyways is mere science fiction. What does the future hold for the Internet?
Outline the Opportunity
Students will prepare, and then deliver in a format of their choice, a presentation about the next 20 years in the life of the Internet. They will research one new technology and how it changes the way we interact with the Internet and with the world around us. They will speculate on the how these changes will affect the look of our society, and include a personal opinion about whether these changes will be beneficial or problematic.
Revisit and Reflect
Students present their findings to the class. After each presentation, have the class write a short summary and answer the questions: Do you think this a beneficial enhancement? Does it have the potential to cause problems? At the end of all presentations, invite students to discuss the various changes.
