Computer-based Lesson - Researching Supplemental Material for a Novel by Elizabeth Swanson

 

Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom - Final Activity

 

Title: Researching Supplemental Material for a Novel -The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

 

Learner Level: Advanced ESOL or GED students with computer competency on the Internet and with Word.

 

Pre-Instruction:

Students have read at least half of the novel The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. This novel tells the story of East Indian parents raising their children in the United States. Part of the novel is set in India and the main character is named Gogol, after the author Nikolai Gogol.  These two unrelated aspects of the novel bring up many questions for students.

                          

Duration: Four- 2 hour class periods, plus extra time in open computer labs as needed.    

       

Materials: One computer for each student with Internet access, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint.

 

Objectives:

  • Improve research skills using search engines

  • Strengthen writing skills with peer correction and Word features such as spell and grammar check

  • Encourage sharing of information with classmates and questions during final presentations

 

Procedure:

In this lesson, students will gather information about a question they have after reading the novel The Namesake. Such as what is the Taj Mahal or what are the major religious festivals of India? Who was Nikolai Gogol? Students will present ( in 3-5minutes) their findings in an oral presentation to the class or by using PowerPoint.  Students will also hand in a one page typed essay of their findings.  

 

Class 1 - Students will determine their topic and write three questions about it. Such as- The Taj Mahal- Where is it? Who built it? Why is it so famous? In this class, we will review the basic methods for using search engines.

 

Class 2 - Students will compile information by cutting and pasting and saving their information on a disk or jump drive. Students will write their one page findings on Word. We will review spell and grammar check features of word.

 

Class 3 - Students will share what they have written with other students or with the teacher for editing and corrections. Those who opt to present on PowerPoint will prepare a brief presentation with downloaded images.

 

Class 4 - Students will present their reports on a topic related to the novel, either oral reports or PowerPoint presentations. All students must hand in their final one page report.   

 

Students will take quick quiz prepared by teacher on major point of each persons report.          

 

Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated by teacher observation throughout the four class periods. The quiz after the presentations will also assess if they listened to classmates. The one page written report will also be graded for content and grammatical accuracy.