DOCUMENT RESUME CE 076 099 ED 417 344 Using the Internet as an Instructional Tool. TITLE Hudson River Center for Program Development, Glenmont, NY. INSTITUTION New York State Education Dept., Albany. Office of SPONS AGENCY Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education. PUB DATE 1997-00-00 NOTE 112p. Docu-Center, Inc., 1 Mill Street, Batavia, NY 14020; AVAILABLE FROM http://www.hudrivctr.org ($3.50 plus shipping); Publication Sales Desk, New York State Education Department, Room 309 Education Building, Albany, NY 12234. Classroom Teacher (052) PUB TYPE Guides EDRS PRICE MF01/PC05 Plus Postage. Adult Basic Education; Adult Literacy; Adults; Computer DESCRIPTORS Mediated Communication; *Computer Uses in Education; Information Retrieval; *Information Sources; *Internet; *Online Systems; *Search Strategies; Teaching Methods 353 Project IDENTIFIERS ABSTRACT This manual is designed to help adult educators to understand and use the Internet in teaching adult students. The manual examines what the Internet is, how one can connect to it, and how it can be used. It also describes ways to communicate on the Internet, identifies sites where information can be accessed, and explains how search tools are used. Included in the manual are 15 sample lessons that provide specific goals and objectives, identify required instructional materials and resources, and offer activities that demonstrate how the Internet assists in meeting these goals. Specific topics covered include the following: e-mail, listservs, Internet relay chat, Usenet news groups, multi-user environments, file transfer protocol, Gopher, and the World Wide Web. An appendix contains 104 online Internet resources, and a glossary defines 107 terms. (KC) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * from the original document. * * ******************************************************************************** 0 0 Co Co c:Z 0 0 Co 0 Co Co Co Co Co Co 0 Co Co Using The Internet As An Instructional Tool U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement ED ATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the perpn or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent .41111116. official OERI position or policy. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY NEW YORK TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) THE STATE OF LEARNING The University of the State of New York 0 The State Education Department Office of Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education Workforce Preparation and Continuing Education Albany, New York 12234 iF 0 0 USING THE INTERNET AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL The University of the State of New York Regents of the University Elmira CARL T. HAYDEN, Chancellor, A.B., J.D. Bayside LOUISE P. MA'rrEONI, Vice Chancellor, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Bronx JORGE L. BATISTA, B.A., J.D. Chappaqua J. EDWARD MEYER, B.A., LL.B. Rochester R. CARLOS CARBALLADA, Chancellor Emeritus, B . S . Hollis ADELAIDE L. SANFORD, B.A., M.A., P.D. Staten Island DIANE O'NEILL MCGIVERN, B.S.N., M.A., Ph.D. New Rochelle SAUL B. COHEN, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Peru JAMES C. DAWSON, A.A., B.A., M.S., Ph.D. Tonawanda ROBERT M. BENNETT, B.A., M.S. Lloyd Harbor ROBERT M. JOHNSON, B.S., J.D. Albany PETER M. PRYOR, B.A., LL.B., J.D., LL.D. Syracuse ANTHONY S. BOTTAR, B.A., J.D. New York MERRYL H. Thai, B.A., M.A. New York HAROLD 0. LEVY, B.S., M.A. (OXON.), J.D. Brockport ENA L. FARLEY, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. President of The University and Commissioner of Education RICHARD P. MILLS Chief Operating Officer RICHARD H. CATE Deputy Commissioner for Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education JAMES A. KADAMUS Assistant Commissioner for Workforce Preparation and Continuing Education JEAN C. STEVENS Team Leader for Adult, Family, and Alternative Education BARBARA SHAY The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or career Portions of this status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services and activities. publication can be made available in a variety of formats, including braille, large print or audio tape, upon request. Inquiries concerning this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the Department's Office for Diversity, Ethics, and Access, Room 152, Education Building, Albany, NY 12234. Requests for additional copies of this publication may be made by contacting the Publications Sales Desk, Room 309, Education Building, Albany, NY 12234. ii USING THE INTERNET AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL Acknowledgments We would like to thank all who contributed to this guide. The document was produced by staff of the Hudson River Center for Program Development, Inc. Barbara Smith and Kay Peavey lent their expertise to developing the document and sample lessons. Colleen Dowd contributed sample lessons and supervised the document's publication. Linda Headley Walker of the New York State Education Department and Jim Weiler reviewed the document for technical completeness and correctness. Randy Fisher contributed his writing, formatting, and editing skills. Emily Hacker reviewed the document for accuracy and applicability to its target population. Barbara Shay, of the New York State Education Department, provided tremendous support, offering insight and direction to the project. Funds provided by The University of the State of New York, The State Education Department, Office of Workforce Preparation and Continuing Education, under Section 353 of the Adult Education Act. 4 iii USING THE INTERNET AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL Table of Contents Forward I 1 Introduction 5 II 6 Goals and Objectives III Overview of the Internet IV 7 Communication Tools: V e-mail 10 listservs 12 Internet relay chat 15 usenet news groups 16 multi-user environments 17 other communication tools 18 Information Access: VI file transfer protocol 19 20 Gopher World Wide Web 21 24 Search Tools VII 27 Conclusion VIII Sample Lessons (1 IX 15) X Handouts Appendix A Resources XI Glossary of Internet terms XII 5 Page 1 USING THE INTERNET AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL Forward I 1.:Making the Internet Easy to Use as an Instructional Tool Editor's note: There will never be a better time to grow with the Internet. This manual is designed to minimize your growing pains. We examine what the Internet is, how you can connect to it, and how Also, we describe the different ways you can you can use it. communicate on the Internet, identify sites where you can access information, and explain how search tools make your search for information simple. You will also find sample lessons that: provide required instructional specific goals and objectives; identify materials and resources; and offer activities that demonstrate how the Internet assists in meeting these goals. The Internet is an important instructional tool, providing tremendous opportunities for adult educators and adult learners to communicate in ways never before possible and access information never before available. Yet, while today's children are being raised in an "on-line" culture, most adults do not know how to use the Internet. Many of us lack a clear understanding of such common terms as 4r----- information highway, World Wide Web, and e-mail. -...,,r ,, :...,,,,...,.:::, There are compelling reasons to resist em- bracing the Internet as an instructional tool for adult education. It re- quires costly computers, technological expertise, and considerable detective skills to fmd the needle in this haystack of information. Fortunately, these pressing issues are rapidly being addressed, because the Internet is here to stay. Page 2 USING THE INTERNET AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL The Explosive Growth of the Internet We have entered the information age, a period that will take us far into the next century. Indeed, futurists indicate our emergence in the age of information is as significant as the advance of civilization from nomadic to agrarian to industrial societies. Information is knowledge. But information is also very big business and the Internet is the most powerful driver for growth in information sharing. In fact, Internet-related start-up companies are stunning the financial world by going the largest public and achieving multi-billion dollar market valuations overnight in history. The Internet is rapidly becoming integral to virtually every industry. To prepare adults for today's competitive workplace, educators need to teach them how to use it. The Internet can open doors to countless opportunities, both professionally and personally, bringing the world to our fingertips. Barriers to the Internet Are Coming Down The two major reasons why the Internet has not been widely used as an adult education instructional tool are cost and complexity. However, cost is coming down and complexity is giving way to simplicity. The price of personal computers The Internet is more affordable than ever before. drop even as processing power has dropped dramatically and will continue to computers designed increases. Recently, use, known as network specifically for Internet (NPCs), have been personal computers lower prices than traditional introduced at significantly PCs. The price of NPCs will also continue to drop. using the Internet was too In the past, getting on and widespread public complicated for acceptance. That is no longer the case. Connection to the Internet can be accomplished with easy-to-install software, most of it free. Today's new programs make navigating the Internet much simpler than ever before. 7 Page 3 USING THE INTERNET AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL Real Degrees Distance Learning: Virtual Instruction The Internet gives new meaning to distance learning. It permits us to communicate to anyone else who is on the Internet, anywhere in the world. We can correspond images, and over phone lines, by wireless transmission, in writing, by voice, with even through video conferencing. Today, hundreds of colleges and universities are offering Bachelor of Arts and master's degrees through Internet classes, providing an unparalleled degree of geographic freedom, flexibility, and cost control. In the next decade, we will see the Internet incorporated into all levels of mainstream education. Using e-mail (electronic mail), "chat channels," and other Internet environments, educators and adult students can access information or join discussion groups on any one of thousands of subjects, from parenting to health care, sports to entertainment, current events to history, job opportunities to how to write a resume. The growing number of Internet literacy programs is of particular relevance to adult students with These skills. literacy limited foster participatory programs literacy education. They provide an opportunity for learners not only to better use the Internet, but also to communicate effectively, think critically, explore creatively, in confidence gain and self - expression. In addition to covering three main communication, infor- subjects this manual contains 15 hands-on lessons mation access, and search tools incorporating different aspects of the Internet, related handouts, a list of resources, and a helpful glossary of Internet terms. The lessons help educators teach students how to use the Internet to send information as well as to obtain data on a broad array of topics. S Page 4 USING THE INTERNET AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL What Is Next? The Internet is continuously adding new and greater capabilities. From shopping and banking, to entertainment and health care, to countless other applications, on- line services are changing our work and personal lives. This is an exciting time for educators to embrace the Internet because it is still in its infancy. No one has been left behind. Best of all, your imagination defines the Internet's potential. What is next? Get on-line! Page 5 USING THE INTERNET AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL TOOL Introduction II Technology is a vital resource for educators in K-12 and adult classrooms. Because of the extensive use of computers in virtually every facet of today's society, advanced technology is influencing the classroom more than ever before. For more than a decade, computers have been used in computer-assisted instruction (CM). Now, adult educators are being challenged to utilize the Internet in their instruction so students will be prepared to fully participate and communicate in the increasingly high-technology world of work. Adult educators face numerous barriers to incorporating the Internet into their instructional framework. Outdated computers, lack of phone lines, and absence of modems are common complaints. Cuts in federal and state budgets require that allocations for adult education programs be reprioritized, which often places technology improvements out of reach. How Educators Can Help Internet technology is becoming more available as decision-makers learn more capabilities and prices for hardware and software become more about its affordable. Educators play a pivotal role in getting their classrooms on-line by: making administrators realize the importance of access to the Internet, and pursuing funding and other options for updating equipment. These are challenging, but also exciting times for adult educators. We must make and other key sure this excitement becomes contagious, not only to administrators decision-makers, but to students. Everyone involved with adult education will benefit from the virtually limitless opportunities for communicating better and in wonderful this participation through hands-on more active, learning technological adventure on the Internet. To keep abreast of the rapidly changing Internet developments, we, the authors of this manual, ask educators to share what they learn with one another and with us. We hope to continue to promote integration of the Internet into all adult education classrooms and other places of learning.