Internet Research Strategies

K-5

Students should almost never be set free on an Internet browser(Explorer, Firefox, etc.) For them free browsing can be unsafe and a real waste of academic learning time. You wouldn’t go on a class trip to Washington D.C. and let them run free through the city would you? The Internet is much bigger than any city you would visit on a field trip. It reaches almost every corner of the world! That’s why educators should scaffold internet research for grades K-5. Visit this web article for a deeper discussion on the topic of “Scaffolding for Success” at http://fno.org/dec99/scaffold.html.

Strategies to allow Internet research at the elementary level:

Two weeks prior to your study, allow the class to create a list of questions to be addressed during the unit study. If they don’t include the SOL questions add such questions. Team up with your Instructional Technologist to gather web links related to the questions. Create an investigation resource the class can use to answer their questions.

Saved searches on NetTrekker D. I (http://school.nettrekker.com/frontdoor/) (WPS Teachers may use Atomic Learning videos located at http://216.12.40.160/moodle/mod/resource/view.php?id=3483 for video tutorials)
A podcast with URL links embedded into them
Thematic web pages (WPS Kindergarten Social Studies Page)
Wiki page housing applicable links (http://wpsva.wikispaces.com/Ecosystems+and+VA+Resources)
Blog holding pertinent info (such as this blog )
On-Line Bookmarks Del.icio.us (http://del.icio.us/) or Portaportal (http://guest.portaportal.com/wpsva)
Create or use a Webquest (http://webquest.org/index.php)
Create a Google doc housing your web links (http://www.google.com/google-d-s/tour1.html)
Use a folder on your school server holding web links
A plain, old Microsoft Office or AppleWorks document housing hyper links

6-12

Students without information access and analysis skills are severely handicapped in their adult lives. They will always be susceptible to misinformation and manipulation. They may be trapped in their current lifestyle and unable to solve problems that arise. They are as a “sheep among the wolves.” You may say I am exaggerating… If so, I suggest you try to a reflective exercise. Live without using the Internet for one week -even a day. Then decide if I am exaggerating. I know I would have a very different understanding of the world with out my internet experiences.

Students should have effective research strategies modeled to them all their lives. However, it is imperative that educators arm students with the skills needed to access information, to validate information and to apply information gathered when solving problems or answering questions. Formal instruction on Internet searching strategies must begin by or at 6th grade. If you have a safe Internet searching tool such as Nettrekker D. I. (http://school.nettrekker.com/frontdoor/), then it may begin as low as 2nd or 3rd grades. However, be sure not to waste academic learning time when showing search strategies.

They must also have an understanding of how the web works. This will allow them to investigate website authorship/ sponsorship, protect private information and more. See web links in the Internet safety section for resources on this topic.

Be sure students understand the effective research behaviors. allow them to complete the following exercise. Compare the Big Six Research model to Dr. Jamie McKenzie’s Research Cycle models.
(Found at http://www.big6.com/kids/ and http://fno.org/dec99/rcycle.html.) Describe the general components of effective researching behaviors. List the components you will use in your life. Explain the pros and cons of effective research behaviors? Write how your teachers could assist you to incorporate these practices during class time.
It is best to create a research agenda which states the objectives for each class period. Student must adhear to the time constraints.

Provide reflection time at the end of each research period. Allow the students to summarize their learning in a journal, notebook, on-line blog, etc. During the actual research period, you might provide students with verbal reminders to their remaining time. For example, “You have 30 minutes before you move onto the next phase.”

Strategies to allow Internet research grades 6-12:

Integrate research and writing

• Allow students to research best practices when writing and essay
• Provide students with an authentic question or debate question and allow them to research the concept then write their argument

All of the K-5 strategies may be used for some of your research activities

Web Safety Links

NetSmartz http://www.netsmartzkids.org/indexfl.htm

iKeepSafe http://www.ikeepsafe.org/PRC/

Kidz Online http://www.kidzonline.org/TechTraining/video.asp?UnitQry=safety