Strengthening Curriculum using the Internet

The simplest way for integrating the Internet with classroom curriculum is to create a hotlist. This is a webpage of sifted links that have been chosen due to their excellent content matching a particular subject area. This style of webpage offers quick access to exceptional resources.

Here are some suggestions as you create your lists:

1. Include annotations. Annotations of the links should be included so that visitors can "look before they leap." Within these descriptions, you might include specific information that you want your students to find or interact with.
2. Clearly identify the topic/subject area. This organizational tip will help you in the future.
3. Avoid overkill. Don't get carried away with lengthy lists of links. With young students, offer them only one or two choices for exploration. As student become older you can include more links, but try to keep your list of links to ten or less. If you discover more links within a category, then either create a sub-category of links or re-evaluate the list you have and replace your links with new ones.
4. Check for dead links. You should periodically check to make sure that your links are still active.

Examples of hotlists:

• Gander's Academy (elementary example)
• China Hotlist (high school example)

Creating your hotlist - a 2 step process:

1. Now that you've researched all six NETS standards for students, you can either use those links or use these two webpages to find other Internet resources for your students:
   • Lesson Plan Resource Links
   • List of Search Engines
2. Finally, download, save then edit the Word document listed below to record the sites you find. Share your resources with other teachers!

Go to the next page for tips on how to create a Treasure Hunt.