Netlingo

Activity: Tech Talk Icebreaker

Objective: Engage students and introduce the topic of technology terms and text shorthand.

Instructions: (students work in pairs/teams and then share with the class)

• Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of understanding tech terms and text shorthand in modern communication.
• Ask students to share any tech terms or abbreviations they know and use frequently.
• Write a few of these terms on the board and discuss their meanings as a class.

Activity: Exploring Net Lingo

Objective: Familiarize students with the Net Lingo website and its features.

Instructions:

• Introduce Net Lingo as a comprehensive resource for tech terms and text shorthand.
• Explain the different features of the site, such as browsing by category, the "word of the day" feature, and the iPhone app.
• Highlight how this resource can be useful for both students and teachers.
• As you explore the site, have students throw out suggestions, discoveries

Activity: Demonstration of Net Lingo

Objective: Show students how to navigate and use Net Lingo to look up tech terms and abbreviations.

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  Instructions: (use student suggestions of terms they are interested in, or discussed in their pairs)
• Demonstrate how to browse the dictionary, look up specific terms, and use the "word of the day" feature.
• Show how to find terms by category and how to use the search function.

Activity: Decoding Text Messages

Objective: As pairs, students practice using Net Lingo to decode abbreviations in text messages.

Instructions:

• Distribute the prepared handout with text messages full of abbreviations.
• Reading aloud: have students read the messages on the worksheet aloud to their pair.
• In pairs or small groups, have students use Net Lingo to 'translate' the messages into standard English.
• In pairs, students complete the comprehension questions on the worksheet
• Circulate the room to offer assistance and ensure students are using the website correctly.

Activity: Translation Challenge

Objective: Assess students' ability to use Net Lingo and understand tech terms and abbreviations.

Instructions:

• Conduct a quick, informal quiz where students translate a few new text messages or emails with abbreviations.
• Ask each pair or group to present one translated message to the class.
• Provide feedback and correct any misunderstandings.

Activity: Create Your Own Text Messages

Objective: Apply knowledge of tech terms and abbreviations in a practical context.

Instructions:

• Have students create their own text messages or emails using abbreviations and tech terms.
• Exchange messages with a partner and use Net Lingo to decode each other's messages.
• Share some examples with the class and discuss the decoded messages.
• Students bring text messages from home/friends for students to decode.
• Encourage students to explore Net Lingo on their own and bring new tech terms or abbreviations they find interesting to the next class.
• Integrate the use of tech terms and abbreviations in future lessons to reinforce learning.