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

Web browsers are integral to modern communication, acting as gateways to the World Wide Web. Teaching students the typical features of web browsers not only enhances their understanding of internet technologies but also equips them with practical skills for efficient online navigation.

To make this topic relatable and engaging, focus on the three core features: Bookmarks, History, and Home Page Settings. Here’s how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom:

Bookmarks: Saving Time and Staying Organised

Bookmarks allow users to save and access frequently visited websites with ease. This feature is especially useful for students conducting research or working on long-term projects.

• Activity Idea: Ask students to explore websites related to a given topic, such as “environmental conservation.” Once they find three useful websites, teach them how to bookmark these pages. They can organise the bookmarks into folders, e.g., “Climate Change” or “Recycling Tips.”
• Real-World Connection: Demonstrate how bookmarks are used in everyday scenarios, such as saving favourite recipes or accessing study materials quickly. Relate this to productivity at work or in university life.

History: Tracing Digital Footsteps

The history feature in browsers keeps track of visited websites, making it easier to revisit them. It’s also a tool for evaluating digital responsibility.

• Activity Idea: Have students browse for information on a project topic for 5-10 minutes. Then, guide them in accessing their browsing history to revisit a page they forgot to bookmark.
• Digital Literacy Tip: Use this feature to teach responsible internet use and privacy. Explain how clearing browser history protects sensitive information on shared devices.

Home Page Settings: Personalising the Browsing Experience

The home page is the first page a browser displays when opened. Customising it can save time and create a tailored user experience.

• Activity Idea: Ask students to set their browser’s home page to a useful educational website, such as their school’s portal or a subject-specific resource like a coding tutorial site.
• Contextual Relevance: Relate the home page to real-life routines. For example, just as students might organise their study desks for quick access to materials, setting a helpful home page ensures they start their browsing with purpose.

Bringing It Together

• Scenario-Based Learning: Create a scenario where students are part of a digital marketing team researching competitors. They can use bookmarks to save competitors’ sites, history to trace their research, and the home page to set their company’s website for quick updates.
• Discussion Prompt: Open a discussion on how these features help professionals, such as journalists or researchers, manage their workflow efficiently.

These practical activities ensure students not only learn theoretical concepts but also appreciate the real-world utility of browser features. The focus on accessible and simple tools like bookmarks, history, and home page settings keeps the lessons grounded and achievable in under-resourced classrooms.

Encourage your students to share how they use these browser features in their daily lives or studies, fostering peer learning and collaboration.