The new project for the term 2009/2010 just started. This time to bother if we are already lost in digital space or of we still know who we are. And with whom. As Spock put it:

The creature within me is gone. I am free of it, and the pain. I am also quite blind. An equitable trade, Doctor. Thank you.

–Spock in ‘The Immunity Syndrome’

Using media all the time and already not knowing how to do without them it is getting more and more exciting – and more dangerous. Dangerous? Must be some outdated teacher writing. But haven’t you ever wondered when you leave the legal territory of the Internet and who participates in what you do in your far out digital world? What happens to your personal data and who the person might be who asks you for an appointment in real life? And, if you are mother or father, what potential harm can be done to your children – and your bank account via your children?

Lots of questions we started to think about. In a very restricted way, but we did our best to gather some information for all those who know even less. The CTA 09 a of the BBS Naturwissenschaften worked out some topics with one general structure:

1) What is this topic about?

• Definition
• Explanation
• Examples

2) Own experience

3) Advice for others, where help is available

 The presentations in class are expected to be done as follows:

•  15 minutes maximum
• Everybody in the group presents a part of the topic
• Any media that are available can be used.
• Make the presentation as descriptive (anschaulich) as possible.
• Write a handout of about one page, that you give to the class after your presentation.

 The students worked out  information about 

 Timeframe:

 3^rd March: Brainstorming, finding topics, organisation, timeframe

10^th March:  Internet research

17^th March:  Working on the texts

24^th March:  Working on the texts

EASTER HOLIDAYS

14^th April:   Texts should be finished, first presentation of the results.  The texts are put on the Internet by and by at   http://english-for-runaways.blog.com

21^st April: Presentations

28^th April:  Presentations

5^th May:  Presentations

The goal of this project is …

 … to use the media we are talking about.

… to read English, technical texts and understand them.

… to summarize the main points and structure them reasonably.

… to think about own experience with the topic the students chose.

… to give those who are in need of it a helping hand. Online or in class, where they are able to exchange personal experience e.g. with mobbing or legal problems.

… to present their findings in class in English, supported by PowerPoint, Interactive Whiteboards, Videos and vice versa. You can find information about the different topics at

• Search engines
• Youtube
• Music download+upload
• WIKIs
• MMORPGs
• Social networks
• Crime on the Internet
• Mobbing
• Viruses
• Internet language
• Experience with the Internet

By the way: On 7 October 2010 there will be a special day at the BBS Naturwissenschaften that deals with Internet addiction and gambling (Präventionstag Spiel- und Internetsucht), arranged by the department for religious education. Maybe you will  find some relevant information there.

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http://english-for-runaways.blog.com