Computer-based Lesson - Local Public Transportation by Lorry Shoniber

 

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Final Activity

 

Title:  Local Public Transportation

 

Learner Level:  Adult ESL Intermediate and Beginner

 

Pre-Instruction:

Survey students to see who has a driver’s license and what they know about the Wichita Transit system.

 

Survey questions:      Do you drive a car?

                                    Do you have a driver’s license?

                                    How to you come to school?

                                    Do you ever ride a bus?

                                    Do you see the bus in your neighborhood/near your house?

                                    What is the name of the bus route near your home?

                                    How much does it cost to ride the bus?

                                    Where and when can you get a bus that will take you home?

                                    How long might you wait on the corner to get on the bus?

                                    Why does our city have a public transit system?

                          

Duration: 1 week (4 days), 1 hour per day and additional outside time for projects.     

 

Materials:

  • Oxford Picture Dictionary, Unit 8, Page 104

  • Internet access, computer, printer, copier, tape player, OP Dictionary, tape player.

Objectives: Develop language and access to information of the local public transportation system.      

  

Procedure:

 

Day 1

  1. Use the guide in the Teacher’s Book of the Oxford Picture Dictionary, 1998 edition, Unit 8, page 104.

  2. Introduce the new words emphasizing words 1-8 and trolley. .

  3. Follow the OP Dictionary practice for the Chalkboard, Conversation and practice the Interview questions if some use public  transportation.

  4. Have the students complete the survey questions about the local transit system offering teacher or peer assistance as needed.

 

Day 2

  1. Review the vocabulary words from page 104 of the OP Dictionary. In general review the information learned from the surveys the previous day.

  2. Have the students go to the computer skills lab and visit the official Wichita government web site. Give them the address and directions to the Wichita Transit office.  http://www.wichitagov.org/  City offices, Wichita Transit.      

  3. Have the students find and write 4 categories of information listed under Wichita Transit. Give them time to explore the entire site.

  4. Have the students return to the classroom and introduce them to a choice of 2 transportation learning projects:

 

Project 1 – (Beginner) Research web sites to teach student’s home neighborhood. Print the routes in a Printer-Friendly form. Visit the Transit Center in a group and ask the staff questions about using the bus to commute across town. Record information gathered and report on the follow day. Every group member must report orally. Make copies of learned information to share with peers.

 

Project 2 – (Intermediate) Hold a group discussion of how to improve the Transit system for the entire community. Research web sites for other cities on the Internet to learn what other transportation systems are available in cities of similar size and in neighboring communities. Use the local newspaper web site to gather opinions or facts on local transportation. Make and present a chart of the information learned. Locate contact information for city officials on the city web site. Send an email to the mayor and district representatives offering positive suggestions for improvements and possible funding.

 

Day 3

Review questions and answers used in Project 1 to standardize the language. Begin group reporting of the Transit Center visit. First they will name and show the printed version of a bus route to each of their neighborhoods. Then they will use a role play approach where one reads a Transit Center question and another answers. Have pairs of student record the questions and answers on tape and listen to the recordings. Have them type, then print edited questions and answers in a word processing program.  Share copies with other learners.

 

Project 2 group will continue to brainstorm ideas related to the local transit system and create charts of the research information. They will formalize the text of the email to be sent to the city officials. They will be an audience to Project 1 group.

 

Day 4

The group will review the pronunciation and meanings of the entire list of vocabulary words on page 104 of the OP Dictionary. Project 2 group will report using the transportation charts created. They will share a teacher approved email message and demonstrate sending the email. Students will independently answer the survey questions used on Day 1 of the unit.

  

http://www.wichitagov.org/

 

Bus Routes, printer friendly versions

Your Input > Contact Elected Official

 

Evaluation: Participation and completion of the projects. Students will show improved understanding of the survey questions.