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Course Description

This course gives students a basic understanding of the Internet, who uses it, and how it is used. Skill building topics will include: email, blogs, browsers, search, feeds, ftp, downloads, rich media, and social media. The course will explore a variety of communication methods on the Web.

Prerequisites

None.

Recommended Textbook(s)

Technologies Required

Competencies

Topic Competency Evaluation Methods
Introduction to the Internet Outline the history of the Internet from inception to current day citing important dates, people, and organizations that aided in its development and growth
  • Timeline
  • Final Exam
Define web-related keywords: Internet, World Wide Web, Email, Chat, User Agent, Web Browser
  • Course Blog
  • Timeline
  • Final Exam
Recognize and understand the role of the entities that govern, aide, or improve the web
  • Timeline
  • Final Exam
Define Internet Technology keywords: HTML, (X)HTML, CSS, Javascript, AJAX, PHP, Python, Ruby on Rails, .NET, ASP/ASPX, Framework, Information Architecture, Personal Computer, Server, Domain, Client, Host, DNS, TTL
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
Explain the relationship between client and server computer citing differences in purpose, hardware, and location and maintenance
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
Diagram the underlying structure/schema of the Internet, Intranet, WAN, LAN, MAN
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
  • Explain the use of the web and societies interests in it
  • Explain how the internet has changed the way people work and live
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
Discuss current trends of the web (interaction and social media)
  • Course Blog
  • Final Exam
Define Internet Protocols and their general use: SMTP, FTP, IP, TCP, UDP, and the OSI Reference Model
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
Searching and Finding Information Define search engines in a generic and specific sense
  • Web Scavenger Hunt
  • Final Exam
Understand and use Boolean Operators to conduct both broad and acute searches
  • Web Scavenger Hunt
  • Final Exam
List and Discuss popular search engines
  • Web Scavenger Hunt
  • Final Exam
Email, Mailing Lists, and Communication Recognize methods of interpersonal communication using the web: email, mailing lists, instant message, and forums
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
Identify Email & Mailing List ettiquette
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
Prescribe uses of email and how it has changed the way people work
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
Identify professions that do not use email and cite reasons why
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
Entities that use the Internet Identify entities that use the Internet

(commerce, education, general, social, accessibility)
  • Technology Research
  • News Aggregation
  • Final Exam
Lineate the chronology of business use of the web as a tool
  • Timeline
  • Final Exam
Identify use of the Internet as a tool in education
  • Technology Research
  • News Aggregation
  • Final Exam
Review how current trends in web use have influenced its use in business and education
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
Rich Media Identify common file extensions: .html, .css, .js, .php, .zip, .jpg, AND MORE
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
Optimize files for uploading using compression tools to decrease file size (Zip, Rar)
  • Final Exam
Use download tools to optimize file downloads
  • Final Exam
Identify rich media types and websites that socialize their use
  • Technology Research
  • Final Exam
Methods of sharing information Define each of the information types: Blogs, Forums, Wiki, Feeds, RSS, Online Chats, podcasts, communicating
  • News Aggregation
  • Final Exam
Define software as a service
  • Web Scavenger Hunt
  • Final Exam
Identify Types of websites: brochureware, applications, static/dynamic, etc
  • Web Scavenger Hunt
  • Final Exam
Define RSS and use feed aggregating tools to collect information
  • News Aggregation
  • Final Exam
Use social sites to aggregate information
  • News Aggregation
  • Podcast Library
  • Final Exam
Create and Utilize a blog and syndicate RSS/Atom feeds,
  • Course Blog
  • Final Exam
Create a podcast
  • Course Blog
  • Final Exam
Safety Identify methods of identification of a person by photographs and meta info
  • Final Exam
List methods to increase healthy use of the Internet
  • Web Scavenger Hunt
  • Final Exam
Define addiction and how it applies to technology and the Internet
  • Web Scavenger Hunt
  • Final Exam
Cite methods of identification of Internet addiction
  • Final Exam
Describe the cause and effects of Carpal Tunnel and safe methods of avoidance
  • Final Exam
Identify organizations that can help individuals with Internet safety problems (protecting minors, addiction, etc)
  • Web Scavenger Hunt
  • Final Exam
Define spam, virus, phishing, spoofing, packet sniffing and other illegal/dishonest methods of acquiring information.
  • Web Scavenger Hunt
  • Final Exam
Identify common scam themes and utilize protection methods and tools
  • Final Exam
Define Internet Security
  • Final Exam
Describe the difference between HTTP and HTTPS
  • Final Exam
Identify methods of securing a website so users can enter sensitive information
  • Final Exam
Legal and Ethical Considerations Locate laws that govern web business both federal and state
  • Course Blog
  • Final Exam
Prepare content for the web
  • Course Blog
  • Final Exam
Review laws that govern intellectual property in diverse forms
  • Course Blog
  • Final Exam
Identify the Creative Commons liscensure and how to create one
  • Course Blog
  • Final Exam
Cite the boundaries of using third party work, when is it appropriate, when is it not
  • Web Scavenger Hunt
  • Course Blog
  • Final Exam

Assignments

Internet Fundamentals Assignment Rubrics

Course Blog

Setup a blog using WordPress, Blogger, or another comparable system. Each week of the course, write one blog post that expands upon the topics discussed in class or readings. Each post should be at least 200 words in length, and should contain images and links where appropriate.

Recommended: Subscribe to your classmates’ blog RSS feeds using Google Reader, Netvibes, Bloglines, or another RSS reader of your choice so you can learn from your peers.

Course Blog Grading Rubric
Criteria Performance Quality Score
0 points 1 point 2 points 3 points
Blog Posts (evaluated weekly) Blog post was not published on time, is poorly written, does not contain content relevant to the course, or does not meet the post length requirement. Blog post was published on time, contains some spelling and/or grammatical errors, meets the post length requirement, but content is not very relevant to the course, or does not expand upon course topics. Blog post was published on time, contains no spelling and/or grammatical errors, meets the post length requirement, and the content expands upon course topics. Blog post is published on time, is very well written with no typos, grammar, or spelling errors, expands upon course topics, and exceeds the minimum post length. Post contains images where relevant to the content, and links to plenty of sources and resources.  

Timeline

Draw (or develop using Digital Design Tools) a timeline for the history of the Internet citing important dates, events, and people. For each date cited include at least one image, the date, event name, and a summary of the event. You should begin with events and people that lead to the creation of the Internet, not with the creation itself. There are no limitations in size or methods used. Be creative and make it visually appealing.

Timeline
Criteria Performance Quality Score
0 points 1 point 2 points 3 points 4 points
Timeline No work was submitted. An incomplete timeline is presented; some media demonstrates the events. A timeline outlines some of the important dates of the organization and development of the Internet. Some media demonstrates the events in chronological order. A timeline outlines most of the important dates of the organization and development of the Internet. Images, rich descriptions, and supplemental text is used to demonstrate an understanding of the events in chronological order. An attractive timeline clearly outlines the important dates of the organization and development of the Internet. Images, rich descriptions, and supplemental text is used to demonstrate a clear understanding of the events in chronological order.  

Technology Research

In a small group research a specific Internet technology such as PHP, Ruby on Rails, .NET, JQuery, Personal Computer, Broadband Internet Access, etc. Your teacher/professor will asign a specific technology to each group of two or three students.

Your team will create a presentation for your research with minimal text but rich graphics.

Questions to answer:

  • What is the technology?
  • Who developed it? When? Why?
  • What groups were/are responsible for managing it?
  • Explain its growth or diminishment.
  • What are related technologies?
  • Are there certifications for its use? If so, what? Where and how can one acquire them?
  • Predict the future for the technology.
Technology Research
Criteria Performance Quality Score
0 points 1 point 2 points 3 points 4 points
Information Presentation is not completed. The information provided is incomplete or does not answer the questions provided (see assignment description). Little is orated, most of the information is written on the presentation. The information provided somewhat answers the questions provided (see assignment description). Some of the information is orated, much of the information is presented on the slides and read. The information provided mostly answers the questions provided (see assignment description). Most of the information is orated. The information provided clearly answers the questions provided (see assignment description). A focus is made on oration and graphical media.  
Presentation Presentation is not completed. The presentation is incomplete and/or the members did not actively participate equally. A presentation is given in which some members are actively participating. A timely, organized presentation is given in which most members are actively participating. The presentation is attractive. A timely, organized presentation is given in which all members are actively participating. The presentation is visually attractive.  
Peer Evaluation No peer evaluations submitted. Peers cite no positive characteristics of the students work. Peers cite some positive characteristics of the students work. Peers cite mostly positive characteristics of the students work. Peers cite positive characteristics of the students work.  

News Aggregation

Using an aggregation tool of choice (Google Reader, Netvibes, etc) collect and sort feeds in the following categories:

  • Accessibility
  • Business Management
  • Design
  • Web Programming

In addition, choose two more categories of your interests. These categories can be general ( Usability ) or specific ( Web Typography ), it is up to you, but will be more fun if its something of interest to you.

You need at least 5 feeds per category. Export the OPML file and write an abstract explaining the process of finding and adding the feed to your agregator. Explain the joys of feed aggregation.

News Aggregation
Criteria Performance Quality Score
0 points 1 point 2 points 3 points 4 points
OPML Organization No OPML file is submitted. The OPML file is incomplete. The OPML file separates the feeds. The OPML file is organized with titles for each feed and are separated into categories. The OPML file is clearly organized with appropriate titles for each feed and is organized into folders/categories with well suited names.  
Abstract No abstract is submitted. The abstract is incomplete or does not explain the process of finding and adding a feed to a feed aggregator. The abstract somewhat explains the process of finding and adding a feed to a feed aggregator. The abstract explains the process of finding and adding a feed to a feed aggregator. The abstract clearly explains the process of finding and adding a feed to a feed aggregator.  

Podcast Library

Using an agregation tool of choice (iTunes, Google Reader, Netvibes, etc) collect and sort podcast feeds.

Choose a single podcast, listen it, then complete the next steps. Write an abstract evaluating the podcast. Anser the following questions:

  • Give a detailed description of the podcast. Date published, url, author(s), website topic, podcast topic, author(s) tone, guests (if any).
  • Discuss the material of the podcast. What was said?
  • Review what you heard. What is your evaluation of the authors words? Is he/she correct? Did you enjoy it? Did the author defend his/her arguments well? Explain. etc
  • Write a two or three sentence summary of the podcast.
Podcast Library
Criteria Performance Quality Score
0 points 1 point 2 points 3 points 4 points
Abstract No abstract is submitted. The abstract is incomplete. The abstract discusses the podcast and submits an evaluation. Little details and explaination are given. The summary is somewhat concise. The abstract paints a picture of who developed and produced the podcast. There is a discussion of the material presented and the students evaluation. The summary is concise and sumarrizes the podcast citing all important notes from the abstract. The abstract paints a clear picture of who developed and produced the podcast. There is a discussion of the material presented and the students evaluation. The summary is concise and sumarrizes the podcast nicely citing all important notes from the abstract.  

Web Scavenger Hunt

Using a search engine find answers to the following questions. For each question list the query string you typed to find the answer and the rank/position of the answer with the correct answer. If you click on links that yield no answer, note that.

  1. In regard to Internet Protocols, explain what is meant by the “handshake”.
  2. Who is Tim Berners-Lee and what was his role in development of the Internet?
  3. In what year was the first World-Wide Web software created by Tim Berners-Lee?
  4. What is a homepage?
  5. What is a digital design?
  6. Give three examples of web programming languages.
  7. What does W3C stand for? What year was the group formed? Who formed it?
  8. What year was the Web Standards Project formed? Who formed the group?
  9. Project Gutenberg puts public domain literature and information on the Internet. What was the first document posted?
  10. Douglas Engelbart was a computer visionary of the 1960’s. What did he invent that you find handy?
  11. Define SaaS.
  12. What is a computer virus?
  13. What was ENIAC?
  14. List three causes and 3 symptoms of Internet Addiction Disorder.
  15. Aside from the W3C and WaSP, list two entities that help govern the web.
Web Scavenger Hunt
Criteria Performance Quality Score
0 points 1 point 2 points 3 points 4 points
Web Scavenger Hunt No answers submitted. No or few queries are shown and the answers are incomplete. Some Query strings are listed. The questions are answered in incomplete, non-succinct words or phrases. Query strings are listed for each question showing the growth of the query. The questions are answered in sentences Multiple Query strings are listed for each question showing the growth of the query. The questions are answered in complete, succinct sentences  

Examination Questions

Introduction to the Internet

  • In a few paragraphs, outline the history of the Internet from inception to current day.
  • Name 2 agencies that govern, aide, or improve the web and/or its technologies; describe each organization.
  • Explain the relationship between client and server computer citing differences in purpose, hardware, and location and maintenance.
  • Draw a LAN in a star configuration. Be sure to label each device.
  • Explain the sociological impact of the Internet; citing at least 2 specific examples.
  • Explain what an Internet Protocol is. Name and describe 2 examples.

Searching and Finding Information

  • Explain what is meant by a “searching algorithm”. How can variation in an algorithm modify the searches use and meaning?
  • Explain boolean operators. At the conclusion demonstrate a search string using boolean operators for all articles from Time magazine about the North Korean/South Korean Border containing the word communism but none that mention Russia.
  • List and describe characteristics of a good search engine.

Email, Mailing Lists, and Communications

  • List and describe methods of electronic communication.
  • What are the sociological effects of email and other online communications.
  • What is email ettiquette? Is it identical to Message Board/Forum ettiquette? Explain.
  • List clients for each: private communication, semi-private communication, public communication, semi-public communication.

Entities that use the Internet

  • Review how current trends in web use have influenced its use in business and education.
  • Specifically, how do educational institutions use the Internet?
  • How do current trends in the web influence its use by business and education?

Rich Media

  • Classify and label the following file extensions. Identify what the file is used for. .html, .css, .js, .php, .zip, .jpg, [teacher should place more file types discussed here.]
  • Explain the difference between lossless and lossy compression.
  • Explain what is meant by file “optimization”.
  • Describe rich media.
  • List and discuss download optimization tools.

Methods of Sharing Information

  • Define each term: Blog, Forum, Wiki, Feed, RSS, Chatroom, and Podcast
  • Explain software as a service.
  • Compare and contrast types of Web sites: brochureware, applications, static, and dynamic.
  • Explain the term “aggregate” and its application to RSS feeds and social sites. Give examples of each.
  • What is a blog? What software, services, etc make blogging possible for non-technical people? What are the sociological implications of blogging?
  • Explain and give examples of microblogs.
  • Outline the steps for producing a podcast, in general terms.

Safety

  • Review and discuss the common misconception of anonymity when using the Internet. What measures can someone take to locate a person? Suggest methods of enhancing your security online.
  • What classifies as technology or Internet addiction; describe behaviors and tendencies. What methods would you suggest to someone who suffers from one of these addictions?
  • Describe the cause and effects of Carpal Tunnel and safe methods of avoidance.
  • Name and discuss two common scam themes.
  • List a checklist of actions a user should take (or look for) when entering sensitive information on a website.
  • In general terms, explain the things an ecommerce site needs to securely accept purchase and process credit card payments.
  • What is HTTPS?

Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • Where can one find information regarding National and State laws and regulations for conducting ecommerce?
  • Explain methods of preparation for content exclusively for the web.
  • Explain Creative Commons liscensure.
  • List the limitations to using a third party's work. When is it appropriate, when is it not?

Learning Modules

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Contributors

Primary Course Developers: Jeffrey Brown and Holly Marie Koltz