The assignments are designed to give them hands-on experience with what was just demonstrated. The first class session provides a basic Netscape and Internet orientation and gets everyone acquainted with the mouse and Windows software. Experienced Internet users are asked to assist those around them who may not be as familiar with the Internet. Students are not taught how to create their own web sites, as this can be learned in other required computer classes, or in the free workshops sponsored by the student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery. A key component in this class is the evaluation of Internet resources.
Evaluation is a major part of the students' final project.
For the final project, students demonstrate their mastery of Internet research by locating at least eight web sites on a particular topic, which is chosen by them and approved by the instructor. Their opening paragraph describes the topic, what they found, and who would benefit from this prepared list of sites. Using the five criteria discussed in class, they evaluate each site and offer a conclusion as to its usefulness. Spelling and grammar count toward the final grade. This requirement helps students improve their writing skills, and is part of a campus-wide effort.