Return-Path: <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h6GILI725935; Wed, 16 Jul 2003 14:21:18 -0400 (EDT) Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2003 14:21:18 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <108F55FC93DEA6429086EC1757B6E3E6B9F794@exchange2.ad1.softcom.biz> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Glenn Groulx" <glenng@softcom.biz> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:2926] what is Internet Literacy? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 4618 Lines: 125 Hello, I think that Internet Literacy consists mainly of the following areas: Use of the Browser Online Resources Using Applications (Synchronous and Asynchronous) Online Services Online Communities Understanding Terms and Concepts Social Issues: netiquette, safety, privacy Students find the following resources useful: Itools.com Searchenginewatch.com Webopedia.com Mapquest.com Download.com Most students proceed through a process of getting used to various tools, and their range of activity is limited at first, gradually increasing as they gain confidence. Most people do not go further than search engines when searching the web for resources, even though search engines cover less than 10% of the world's online resources. Aside from technical skills development, the need to have learners interact in English brings up a need to support these learners. I think that we need to take a look more at low-tech alternatives to delivery of instruction for a global EFL audience. IRC is quite good for this. As is a mailing list for students to discuss ideas, in conjunction with resources that guide learners to compose their ideas. The crucial thing in any case is dialog, trust and presence. Learners need to fell they are interacting with someone who can provide them with more than a grade, and have a dialog in a safe, respectful manner. I can immediately think of ways in which most internet tools, used incorrectly, would be counterproductive, even destructive. I am interested in the idea of project-based learning, but am concerned that traditional-minded learners may resist it and the effects may be less than satisfactory. I love the idea of using virtual buddies that help one another, for example. An international classroom visit between two classes would be quite interesting! EFL learners can interact with other leaners (internet literacy class) and a framework can be set between the facilitators and participant in advance of the online encounter. The issue of scaffolding is an interesting topic that I am working on implementing more, as the learning extends itself out of the classroom. Research strategies, expressing opinions in online debates, maintaining personal privacy, useful resources, personal publishing (blogging jumps to mind) are all tools that can be used to help learners become more confident. Regards, Glenn -----Original Message----- From: David J. Rosen [mailto:DJRosen@theworld.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2003 1:05 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:2924] RE: Supported Distance Learning Hello Glenn, Can you say a bit more? What does "Internet Literacy" consist of, as you use the term? What online learning (Web sites?) do your students use -- and which ones do they find especially helpful? Is their main goal English language learning? Have you found particular software (free or commercial, Web-based or locally-run) which helps them in learning English? Since you are interested in engaging your learners more, do you know about and use project-based learning? For example, do your students have e-mail addresses, and pen pals? Do you have a group of learners that would be interested in matching up with another group or class, in another country, to do an international classroom virtual visit? Tell us what kinds of "scaffolding" you think your students need to be more confident in using technology. Mouse skills practice? Introduction to basic tools such as word processing? A basic introduction to how to use the Internet? A portal of Web pages with useful adult-oriented information, but reviewed and selected for adults who need to improve their English reading skills? Something else? Looking forward to hearing more. David J. Rosen Guest Moderator NIFL Technology DJRosen@theworld.com Glenn Groulx wrote: >Hello, my name is Glenn Groulx. > >I am teaching Internet Literacy in a mixed mode (both online learning >and F2F teaching occurs) and I teach a wide number of different >learners: men and women of different social/cultural backgrounds; >newcomers to Canada with limited English; those who are retired and want >to learn new things, university and college-educated, net-savvy as well >as complete beginners. > >Each class has its own unique challenges, and I would like to engage my >learners more and provide scaffolding when required to help them build >confidence with using technology, and the Internet in particular. > >The key is for me is to be flexible, and try accommodating different >learners as much as is possible. > >Regards, >Glenn Groulx > >
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