Computer-based Lesson - Public Transportation by Meg Murphy

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Final Activity

Title:                     Public Transportation

Learner Level:     High Beginner to Low Intermediate ESOL

Pre-Instruction:

Prior to starting the unit on transportation the students should be surveyed orally as to how familiar they are with the local transit system. Students will watch a video on the transit system and be encouraged to share their personal transit experience stories.

Duration:             The unit will be presented in 30 to 45 minute segments over 8 classes.  

Materials:

Text “Survival English” Transportation unit. Vocabulary worksheets, Web site MBTA the ”T” on Line. Digital Camera.

Objectives:

To familiarize students with the Boston Mass Transit system, build a working vocabulary so students can verbalize their questions and request to T officials. Familiarize students with transit web site and learn to do searches for trip planning.    

• Procedure: Introduction to vocabulary using word lists, flash card and text. Students practice transportation based conversations in pairs, recording conversation  to listen to as homework.

• Introduce students to web site MBTA The “T” on Line. Discuss with students how they might use site. Find best way to work, an appointment, etc.

• Students complete several practice trip plans on the web site and print results.

• Students develop their personal transit guide to three locations they go to frequently and report back orally to their peers.     

Evaluation:

Students form teams and plan a class or team trip to a cultural spot in Boston using the transit system. School provides funds for students fares and admissions but students will be required to do the purchase transactions themselves to practice using vocabulary. Students will document their trip with school’s digital camera and write a short group journal entry upon completion of the trip.