This content is located in CAPS under Internet Technologies: Communication for Grade 11.

Teaching Grade 11 students about the uses of computer/digital communication provides them with essential knowledge for navigating modern technologies effectively. This topic introduces tools and platforms like RSS feeds, blogs/vlogs, podcasts, wikis, GPS and geo-tagging, and social networks, exploring their purposes, advantages, and relevance in daily life.

To engage students in the classroom, bring these tools to life by making their uses relatable. Here are creative ways to approach the topic:

RSS Feeds

Introduce RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds by demonstrating how they simplify information gathering. Ask students to follow news topics relevant to their interests using an RSS feed aggregator, like Feedly. For a classroom activity, let them compare how RSS feeds differ from manually visiting websites for updates.

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level: Understanding and Applying: Students identify and organise topics to track trends and changes.

Blogs/Vlogs

Discuss blogs and vlogs as platforms for sharing information, ideas, or experiences. Have students create short blog posts on a topic of their choice, like a favourite hobby or local community issue, using free tools like WordPress.com. For vlogs, encourage them to record a 1-minute video to present their blogs visually.

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level: Creating: This activity nurtures creativity and communication.

Podcasts

Use podcasts to illustrate audio content distribution. Assign students to listen to educational podcasts, such as those on technology or entrepreneurship, and summarise the main points. Extend the learning by guiding them to record their own mini-podcasts using apps like Anchor or Audacity.

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level: Analysing and Evaluating: They evaluate podcast effectiveness in conveying information.

Wikis

Explain how wikis, like Wikipedia, facilitate collaborative knowledge sharing. Create a class wiki using free platforms like PBWorks. Assign small groups to contribute to topics, such as summarising lessons or explaining tech terms. Students can also debate the reliability of wiki-based information.

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level: Applying and Evaluating: They analyse wiki content and apply it collaboratively.

GPS and Geo-Tagging

Make the topic of GPS and geo-tagging tangible by demonstrating mapping tools like Google Maps. Assign tasks where students search for their school, landmarks, or a planned route. Discuss how GPS is used in industries like logistics or tourism. For geo-tagging, have them geo-tag photos of significant locations using mobile devices.

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level: Understanding and Applying: Students explore real-world applications of GPS technology.

Social Networks

Introduce social networks as platforms for connecting and sharing. Facilitate a debate on the pros and cons of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter), focusing on their influence on personal branding, business marketing, and community building. To deepen engagement, analyse how different demographics use these platforms.

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level: Evaluating and Creating: This promotes critical thinking and reflective analysis.

These interactive approaches not only make the topic relevant but also empower students to appreciate how these tools enhance communication and collaboration.