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Teaching ‘Hyperlinks’ for Grade 10

Posted on: 14/04/2025

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Teaching

This content is located in CAPS under Internet Technologies: Communication for Grade 10.

Hyperlinks are an essential component of online communication, allowing users to navigate between different web pages, sections within a document, or even multimedia resources. Understanding hyperlinks is foundational for learners to engage with the digital world effectively. Teaching this topic offers an opportunity to connect theory with everyday web use, empowering students to explore and create links in digital environments.

To teach hyperlinks effectively in a Grade 10 classroom, the focus should be on their purpose, function, and practical applications. Here’s how to make this topic interactive and engaging for students:

Start with Real-World Relevance

Begin by asking students to identify hyperlinks on popular websites or in their email inbox. They should look for underlined or coloured text and buttons that redirect them to other pages. Encourage discussion about their experiences with hyperlinks, such as how they use them when shopping online, researching for projects, or navigating social media.

Visualising Hyperlinks

  1. Paper Chain Links Activity: To introduce the concept, use strips of paper to represent “links.” Write webpage names or topics on each strip and connect them to create a visual “web.” For example, link “South African history” to “Apartheid timeline,” then to “Nelson Mandela biography.” This tactile approach helps students grasp the interconnected nature of hyperlinks.
  2. Hyperlinks in Familiar Contexts: Open a Word document or webpage and demonstrate how clicking on a hyperlink directs users to another location. Explain the difference between internal hyperlinks (linking to sections within the same document) and external hyperlinks (leading to different websites).

Hands-On Creation

In a computer lab or using devices:

  1. Practical Task – Word or PowerPoint: Guide students to insert hyperlinks in a Word or PowerPoint document. For example:
    • Link text (“Visit Google”) to an external website (https://www.google.com).
    • Link text to another slide within a PowerPoint presentation.
    • Create a link to an email address using mailto:.
  2. Classroom Webpage: Use free tools like Google Sites or WordPress to have students build a simple webpage with hyperlinks. A project could involve linking text or images to resources about a specific topic, such as South African landmarks or CAT tools.

Interactive Learning

  • Scavenger Hunt: Give students a list of questions or tasks requiring them to navigate hyperlinks on a predefined educational website (e.g., National Geographic Kids or South African History Online). This activity hones their navigation skills and understanding of the purpose of hyperlinks.
  • URL Shorteners: Demonstrate tools like Bitly to create shortened URLs. Discuss scenarios where this is useful, such as sharing links on social media.

Bloom’s Taxonomy in Action

  • Remembering: Define “hyperlink” and list types (text, image, buttons).
  • Understanding: Explain the purpose of hyperlinks and their importance in e-communication.
  • Applying: Create a document or webpage with hyperlinks.
  • Analysing: Compare different hyperlinks on a webpage for effectiveness.
  • Evaluating: Critique hyperlinks on a poorly designed website and suggest improvements.
  • Creating: Design an interactive presentation or webpage using various hyperlink types.

Addressing Under-Resourced Classrooms

For schools with limited computer access:

  1. Offline Simulations: Use printed webpages or documents and ask students to highlight and annotate hyperlinks with coloured markers.
  2. Pair Work: Have students share devices during practical sessions, alternating roles between creating and observing.
  3. Low-Cost Tools: Suggest free platforms like Google Docs, accessible on mobile phones, to practise hyperlinking.

By connecting hyperlinks to real-life scenarios and involving students in hands-on tasks, you can make this topic engaging and relevant. Encourage learners to explore hyperlinks critically, considering their impact on online navigation and communication.

How do you teach hyperlinks in your classroom? Share your tips, tricks, and favourite activities in the comments!