Support Group Activity: Surfing the Net

Objectives:
• To explore the internet for resources on teaching and learning
• To use internet resources and web resources for teaching and learning

Materials:
A computer lab with a computer for each participant (or each pair – of participants)

Essential Question:
How can the Internet be used to improve a teacher’s practice?

Procedures:
Step 1 – The group brainstorms educational terms or phrases for searching the Internet. (Terms such as Classroom Management, FCAT, instruction strategies and so on.) Chart responses.
Step 2 – The group determines criteria for selecting a useful website. (For example, easy to navigate, relevant content.) Chart criteria.
Step 2 - The group has 30 minutes to explore the Internet using the search words from the brainstorming list.
Step 3 - Each participate will use the criteria to select at least two promising sites.
Step 4 – Each participate shares one site they selected and why they selected it as a promising site. (If you have a large group, divide the group into teams of four to share, then the teams can present one of the sites they discussed to the large group.)
Step 5 - Closing Questions: How can this activity help improve a teacher’s practice?

Source: Dr. Amy Tsukuda