Free makeITfair webquest for students - 29-01-2009

Every day students spend hours using the latest electronic gadgets, mobile phones, MP3 players and game consoles. Meanwhile young people in the developing world work for hours every day under harsh conditions and for low wages in order to produce these gadgets.

The makeITfair campaign wants young people across Europe to know about labour abuses and environmental problems in the supply chain for the electronics industry. We want young people to get active to make a difference! Our specially-designed webquest challenges students to start their own mobile phone shop – so they can see for themselves how to balance problems encountered along the supply chain with the demands of consumers.

Not many people know about the problems involved in the production of these products - for example the environmental impact of the mining of metals used in mobile phones, or the bad working conditions in the Chinese laptop factories. Without giving the students a feeling of guilt when using a phone, an MP3 player or a computer, this webquest will raise awareness about the problems involved and will also discuss how consumers and other actors could contribute to a different attitude and a change in behaviour and production techniques. They will also learn about the linkage they have with citizens in developing countries.

What is a webquest?

Using a webquest, students can gather information independently but in a structured manner, and organise this information, resulting in their own piece of work. The quest represents the motor as well as the motivation for the student to embark upon a guided investigation.

Who is the webquest for?

The webquest is suitable for 14 to 16-year-old students. It takes two hours to complete (with additional assignments) and is relevant for social studies, geography and economy. The webquest is available in Englisch, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, German and in de near future also in Polish.

Where can I find it?

The webquest is available for free at the makeITfair website. Just log on to www.makeitfair.org/webquest and choose the flag of your country or language. There is a downloadable worksheet for students, as well as a teacher’s manual (most of your questions will be answered in this document) and four different brochures for students to use in class. For more detailed information, teachers can consult the summaries of makeITfair’s research.

Dutch and English printed brochures, summaries and posters can be ordered for free from info@somo.nl or by phone on +31 206391291.

Please contact Fair Trade Center (www.fairtradecenter.se) for Swedish versions.

Please contact Finnwatch (www.finnwatch.org) for Finnish versions.

Please contact Germanwatch (www.germanwatch.org) for German versions.

Please contact Karat (www.karat.org) for Polish verions