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Article issued September 26, 2001
Computer Learning Month
Join HLN as we celebrate Computer Learning Month! It's an opportunity to take a look at the important roles computers, software and the Internet play in our lives, and particularly in our children's education and their future.
Many children can't imagine a life without the computers. Computers and the Internet are important tools of our children's day.
The Internet allows learners to access a wealth of information and expand their horizons. Nowhere are the challenges of effectively using the Internet and technology greater than in education.
Computer Learning Month is a time to focus attention on the importance of technology to learning. This year HLN is focusing on the Internet and information literacy.
Join us as we celebrate Computer Learning Month with activities and lessons that enable you and your child to take full advantage of the riches of cyberspace.
What is the Internet?
The Internet is a super-network. It connects many smaller networks together and allows all the computers to exchange information with each other. Information travels through fiber optic cables and phone lines from one computer on the Internet to another The Internet includes different "protocols"(common rules for communication) like email, World Wide Web, FTP, and telnet.
The Internet began in the 1950's at the Advanced Research Projects Agency -- a department of the US Government. The ARPA investigated the uses of technology and computers. One basic idea was networking which allows different types of computers to all talk to each other.
The Internet's original purpose was to help professors and researchers share information regardless of their locations. It has since grown to include people, organizations, and companies all over the world. No single group is in charge of the Internet.
Many people think the World Wide Web is the Internet. The Web is only one piece of the Internet. To access the Web you use software called browsers, such as Netscape and Internet Explorer. You might think of the Internet as a highway, and the World Wide Web as a vehicle that uses that highway to get from place to place.
To be online information literate you need to know why, when, and how to use electronic resources and the World Wide Web. Developing skills to evaluate online or print sources will help you become a knowledgeable information user.
The information literate learner knows how to:
- efficiently and appropriately access and choose information sources
- critically evaluate the reliability and usability information
- synthesis information for his/her use
- give credit to the creator
Learn More!
General Resources about Computers and the Internet
Education World's Getting Started Series:
LESSON 1:
Internet Safety
Concepts:
You will learn about Internet safety, Internet terms, using online information
Lesson:
Children and teenagers can gain many benefits from being online, but they can also be targets of crime and exploitation in this as in any other environment.
They need parental supervision and common sense advice to be sure that their experiences in cyberspace are safe and productive.
The majority of Internet sites are safe. However, sometimes the virtual world contains sites that are not appropriate for children. Just like you wouldn't let your child wander around in the real world without first setting some rules, you shouldn't let him/her wander around the Internet unsupervised.
Two sites offer valuable information for your review before discussing with your children about Internet safety concerns.
Teach your children to be safe while surfing the Internet. Set some rules and as much as possible oversee their journeys in cyberspace.
To ensure a safe online trip for your children, review some of the safety tips together. Have your learners examine one or more of the following sites and complete the activities or quizzes.
Additional Resources:
LESSON 2:
Information Literacy
Concepts:
You will learn about online information resources, using reference aids, report writing skills, and citing sources.
Lesson:
Much of the information on the Internet is worthwhile and beneficial. Sometimes it can be hard to find the quality information among all the ads, chat rooms games and other distractions.
To effectively & efficiently utilize electronic media and manage the wealth of Internet resources you need to learn a few guidelines and skills. You can attain the knowledge you need at Oregon School Library Information System .
Kindergartners through high school learners are given the opportunity to find out about
- Technology Terms
- Searching Strategies
- The Research Process
- Online Tools
- Search Engines and Directories
- Citing online sources
The tutorials guide the learner and the online quizzes will help him/her check their knowledge. Novices and seasoned surfers will find valuable information.
Choose either the elementary or secondary level site. Navigate your way through the "How To's" or Tutorials and take the online quizzes to see what you've learned.
Additional Resources
LESSON 3:
TEK Camp
Concepts:
You will learn about basic techniques of navigating on the World Wide Web, and simple ways to print, copy and paste and download from a web site.
Lesson:
Certain skills are required before a child can successfully use the Internet. TEK Camp will help children attain the basic dexterity necessary to
weave their way through a web site
- print out information from a site
- copy information from a web site and paste it into a word processing document
- download information
- send e-mail
- perform simple searches
Younger children can safely learn to navigate their way through cyberspace at TEK Camp.
Help your child complete the adventures at TEK Camp. Both of you will enjoy the journey.
Additional Resources:
LESSON 4:
Web Search Strategies
Concepts:
You will learn about online information resources, researching online
Lesson:
Before beginning a search on the Internet you should spend some time thinking about your topic. Identify the main ideas. Write down your keywords and phrases. Be sure to include synonyms. Spelling counts, always check your spelling.
To be a successful Web surfer you'll need to know how to use the search engines and directories available on the Internet. Web Search Strategies presents an easy-to-follow process on using search engines and subject directories for finding what you need on the World Wide Web.
Review the Web Search Strategies topics and work your way through the exercises in the tutorials. At the end of your review, be sure to click on the Practice link and complete the scavenger hunt.
Additional Resources:
LESSON 5:
Evaluating Web Pages
Concepts:
You will learn about Internet literacy, evaluating information
Lesson:
Is all of the information on the World Wide Web accurate, well organized and useful?
The World Wide Web can be a valuable place to research many topics. But not all of the information you find will be worth using. Anyone can post a web page or site. Many of the pages you find through search engines are self published, put out by businesses with something to sell or organizations that want you to believe their point of view.
How can you be sure the information on the Internet is valid, timely, and factual? If you want to use it for research, you need to cultivate the habit of healthy skepticism, of questioning everything you find and learn to evaluate web resources. The ability to critically evaluate information is an important skill in this information age
Review the American Library Association's What Makes a Great Web Site
and Yahooligan's Evaluating Web Sites .
Next complete one of the evaluation exercises listed below to help you attain the skills necessary to become an expert at determining the value of web information.
Additional Resources:
Article by Valerie Guarini, HLN Curriculum Development
Article © Homeschool Learning Network, All Rights Reserved.
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