This content is located in CAPS under Internet Technologies: Internet and the WWW for Grade 10.

The Internet is a vast, interconnected network that has revolutionised communication, learning, and commerce. Teaching students about its structure, functionality, and significance in everyday life is essential for empowering them to navigate and contribute to this digital ecosystem confidently.

Introducing the Internet

Begin by exploring what the Internet is: a global network connecting millions of private, public, academic, and government networks. Explain its purpose as a platform for communication, data sharing, and accessing information.

Teaching Tip: Use an analogy, such as comparing the Internet to a massive library, where each book represents a webpage, and the library’s catalogue serves as the search engine.

Key Concepts to Cover

Here are the essential aspects of the Internet and the WWW for Grade 10, along with ways to make these concepts practical and engaging.

1. Internet vs. World Wide Web (WWW)

Explain the difference between the Internet (the hardware and infrastructure) and the World Wide Web (a service built on top of the Internet, consisting of web pages accessed through browsers).

• Activity Idea: Show students an image of a physical network (e.g., cables, routers) to represent the Internet. Then, display a website to explain the WWW, highlighting how it relies on the underlying infrastructure.

2. Internet Addresses and URLs

Teach students about Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) and how they serve as web addresses. Break down the components of a URL, such as the protocol (http://), domain name (e.g., google.com), and path (/search).

• Interactive Exercise: Provide students with a few URLs and ask them to identify the different parts. Challenge them to guess the purpose of a website based on its domain name.

3. Hyperlinks and Navigation

Hyperlinks connect web pages, creating the “web” structure of the WWW. Show students how to recognise and use hyperlinks to navigate.

• Hands-On Activity: Ask students to find and follow hyperlinks on a website to explore how pages are connected. Discuss how hyperlinks make information accessible.

4. Types of Websites and Their Purposes

Explain the different types of websites: blogs, e-commerce sites, educational resources, social media, etc. Include examples students may already know, such as Wikipedia (educational) or YouTube (entertainment).

• Scenario Task: Create a scenario where students act as entrepreneurs deciding what type of website they need to promote a product or service. Have them identify the purpose and main features of their site.

5. Using Search Engines

Search engines like Google are essential tools for finding information on the WWW. Teach students basic search techniques, such as using keywords, filters, and operators (e.g., “AND,” “OR,” quotes).

• Real-Life Application: Present a challenge, such as finding three websites with useful resources for a school project. Encourage students to apply advanced search techniques to save time.

6. Safe Internet Practices

While exploring the Internet, students should be aware of safe practices, such as recognising secure sites (e.g., HTTPS) and avoiding phishing attempts.

• Discussion: Share real-world examples of internet scams or insecure sites. Ask students how they would evaluate whether a site is safe to use.

Relating to Real Life

Contextualise the Internet in everyday scenarios. For instance:

• Homework and Research: Explain how to use credible sources online for schoolwork.
• Communication: Highlight email and instant messaging as common uses of the Internet.
• Shopping and Entertainment: Discuss online shopping and streaming platforms as part of students’ lives.

Bringing the Lesson Home

Finish the lesson with an engaging project. For example, ask students to create a simple digital “Internet Guide for Beginners,” where they summarise the concepts they’ve learned using creative tools like Canva or Google Docs. This reinforces their knowledge and promotes digital literacy.

Encourage students to reflect on how the Internet has influenced their lives and to consider its future potential.