Introduction
The Internet can be a valuable resource in giving students multiple perspectives. The example used in this activity deals with the transfer of Hong Kong to Chinese control; however you may choose to use any current news item. For example: the status of the Eurodollar, the plight of refugees in Africa or recent elections in another country.
Student Objectives
Materials
Students must have online access. Ideally, this lesson will take place in a classroom, but if no computers exist in the classroom, small groups of students may be sent to the library or media center to complete this activity and then return to the classroom for debriefing.
Procedure
Remind the students about June 30, 1997-- the date that Great Britain returned the colony of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China. Ask students to explain the significance of this date for citizens of the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong. Discuss the reasons for the return of Hong Kong. Does the return mean the same thing to a resident of Hong Kong as it does to a citizen of the People's Republic of China? What might this changeover mean to a British subject?
Ask students how they could research the various points of view regarding this historic event. Brainstorm sources of information (newspapers, journals, live interviews etc.). How can technology give us access to the information that we need?
Divide the class into work groups and assign the following to each group:
After each group has completed its task, reconvene full group and debrief findings. Discuss and analyze differing points of view.
Summary
The advantages of using the Internet to conduct this type of research are obvious. However, one must always be particularly careful when using primary sources. What are some of the pitfalls of relying on only primary sources for research? How can you minimize these risks?
Proceed to Activity #2.
Return to the introduction, A Global Perspective on Virtual Reality.
Return the American Forum's On-Line Materials page.