|
|
THE STUDY GUIDE
Guide for Students and Parents
Using Information from the Internet: Guide to Students
Extract from "Students on the Internet" (Biologist (1998)45 (4))
The main conclusions drawn from this article are as follows:
1. Students need to seriously and critically evaluate all material.
2. The URL should be quoted in a separate reference list from one which relates to non-web documents.
3. The URL address should be quoted in full, as well as the author's name, where possible.
4. All images should be attributed to the author's URL and name. If possible, permission should be obtained from
the author.
Netiquette
Abbreviations
URL = Uniform Resource Locator (Web Site address)
FTP = File Transfer Protocol (for transferring files across the Internet)
HTTP = Hypertext Transfer Protocol (used to carry information between user's computer and the Web site)
HTML = Hypertext Markup Language (the language in which all Web pages are written)
WWW = World Wide Web
TCP/IP = Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (the language that all computers use when connected to the Internet)
PPP = Point to Point Protocol (protocol which allows your computer to connect to the Internet via a modem)
GIF = Graphics Interchange Format ( image files saved in this format can be 'seen' by a Web browser e.g. Internet
Explorer or Netscape Navigator)
JPEG = Joint Photographic Experts Group (another image file format which can be viewed on the Web. This type of file is 'compressed' to reduce its size; this makes it load faster)
JAVA = programming language developed by Sun Microsystems which allows multimedia effects and interactivity within Web pages.
Hypertext = These are usually presented as underlined text with the words in a different colour from the rest of the text. If you click on a hypertext you can be sent to another part of the site you are looking at or a different site altogether.
Ten Tips for concerned Parents
(information taken from the Magazine Internet @ access made easy - issue nine)
1. Set clear rules
Use the Internet as you would the TV or any other media. Work out an agreement about Internet usage, such as the number of hours per week. Make it clear what it should be used for and what it should not be used for.
2. Make the Net a family activity
Use the Net with your child as you would look through a textbook with him/her. Pick some of the sites shown below and browse through them together.
3. Choose a family friendly ISP
Choose your OSP or ISP carefully. Some offer a package which is especially for families. This can include individual e-mail addresses, Net filtering and blocking unsuitable chat rooms and newsgroups. Ask the ISP if it offers this type of service.
4. Follow the sites the children have visited
There is usually a menu which will offer a list of the last twenty or so sites visited. Keep a good check on this.
5. Learn from 'History'
The 'History' option on a Web browser, such as Internet Explorer 4 (GO menu - History), will also give you a list of recently visited sites. The keyboard function Control-H will do the same.
6. Protect Privacy
One of the first rules your child should understand is that no personal details are ever given online.
7. Avoid Chat Rooms
It is best to have a rule that 'chat rooms' are not allowed.
8. Teach your Child 'Netiquette'
See the references above.
9. Watch for Viruses
Any downloaded material should be checked for viruses. It is essential that you have an up-to-date virus scan and that any user should know how to make such a check.
10. Be realistic about Net Filters
Net Filtering Software
Parents should note that these have to be purchased. Online Service Providers (OSPs), such as AOL, usually have their own Net filtering systems. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) do not provide this service.
Net Filters can do a lot but they are no substitute for parental supervision. Keep an eye on your children when they are on-line.
Search Engine
Use the safe surf option from Google.
Top of page |
|
The Open Door Web Site