oftentimes grammar is taught without any emphasis on it applicability to the students’ lives. while it is true that most students can get away without a strong understanding of grammar, this does not mean grammar is absent in students’ lives. the internet is arguably the most powerful form of communication now, and it is especially popular with teenagers. as such, students should be more interested in the lesson if it is connected to that which interests them. another advantage to this style of lesson is that it does not compress a vast amount of information into one lesson and a couple handouts; instead, students are given ample time to explore the usage of each group of commonly confused words without being overwhelmed. yet another advantage is the use of the class message board, which allows classroom time to be extended in order to allow for more discussion if needed, and especially to allow for shy students to interact with classmates and express their opinions without anxiety related to public speaking. a clear disadvantage is the possibility of certain students not having access to a computer or the internet at home, but this concern is rapidly decreasing. besides, students will have an entire week to complete this lesson, and could easily make arrangements to do it at the library or somewhere else that does have access to the internet. for students not allowed by their parents to use the internet or access certain web sites, exceptions can be made as to where they may search (e.g., local newspapers).
