Step 1: Understand What the Internet Is

The internet is a global network that connects computers and devices around the world. It allows you to:

• Access information
• Communicate with others
• Collaborate and learn online

The internet helps learners:

• Discover new information quickly
• Improve research skills
• Develop critical thinking
• Learn in different ways

Step 2: Learn How to Search Smartly and Identify Reliable Information

Searching online is a skill. Better searches help you find better results.

Smart Searching Tips

• Be specific when searching
• Use quotation marks for exact phrases
• Use keywords such as CAPS, Grade, and Subject

Example:

"Effects of climate change Grade 12 CAPS"

The CRAAP Test

Not everything online is true. Use the CRAAP Test to evaluate websites and information.

Currency

• Is the information up to date?

Relevance

• Is the information useful for your topic?

Authority

• Who created the information?

Accuracy

• Is the information correct and supported by evidence?

Purpose

• Is the website educational, informative, or biased?

Step 3: Practice Your Internet Skills

“Real or Fake?” Activity

Your facilitator will show different websites or online topics.

1. Decide whether the information is REAL or FAKE
2. Discuss your reasons
3. Explain why the information can or cannot be trusted

This activity helps you improve your critical thinking and digital literacy skills.

Step 4: Understand What an Email Is

An email is a letter sent electronically over the internet. Emails are commonly used at schools, colleges, and workplaces to communicate professionally.

Professional emails should always be:

• Clear
• Correctly written
• Easy to understand

Step 5: Learn the Structure of an Email

A professional email normally includes:

To (Recipient)

• The person receiving the email.

Subject

• A short sentence explaining the purpose of the email.

Example:

Request for Cultural Trip Information

Salutation (Greeting)

• A polite greeting at the beginning of the email.

Examples:

• Good morning Sir
• Good afternoon Mam

Message Body

• The main part of the email where you explain why you are writing.

Attachments

• Files that are sent with the email.

Signature / Closing

• A polite ending followed by your name.

Step 6: Learn How to Attach Files and Use CC & BCC

How to Attach a File

1. Open your email
2. Click the Attach 📎 button
3. Choose your file Click
4. Open or Upload
5. Send your email

Important Tips

• Check the correct file
• Use clear file names
• Make sure the file is attached

CC (Carbon Copy)

• Used when others should see who received the email.

BCC (Blind Carbon Copy)

• Used when recipients should NOT see who else received the email.

Step 7: Write a Professional Email

Activity

You are a Grade 12 learner in Knysna preparing for future studies and the workplace. Your Life Orientation teacher, Mr Koekemoer, is applying for funding for selected learners to attend a Digital Careers and Technology Expo in George.

To support the application, he needs learners to send a professional email explaining why attending the expo would benefit them. You have also been given a PDF document about the event to attach to your email.

Your email must be professional and well-structured.

Your Email Must Include:

• A clear subject line
• A polite greeting
• A short description of the Digital Careers and Technology Expo
• Why the expo is important for Grade 12 learners
• Why you would like to attend
• A sentence explaining that the PDF document is attached
• A polite closing
• Your name

Attach the PDF of Digital Careers & Technology Expo to the email and send the email to Grade 12s: (gr12poe@klearning.co.za), cc Nonqaba (nonqabac@kilt.org.za) & bcc Bradley (bradleyb@kilt.org.za) & Phumela (phumelam@kilt.org.za)