Navigating the Digital Landscape: Essential Resources for Learning About the Internet
The Internet has become an indispensable tool for communication, education, and entertainment. Understanding its workings, navigating it safely, and utilizing its resources effectively are crucial skills in today's digital age. This article explores a range of resources designed to enhance your understanding of the internet, from basic concepts to advanced safety practices.
Understanding Internet Basics
Before diving into the vast ocean of online content, it's essential to grasp the fundamental concepts of the internet. This includes understanding internet vocabulary, accessing the internet, using browser toolbar buttons, URLs, and hyperlinks. A valuable resource for this is the "Internet Basics: What is the Internet?" module from WiscOnline Basic Computer Skills MOOC. While the demonstration uses Chrome on a Windows 7 computer, the core principles apply across different browsers and operating systems.
Connecting to the Internet
Accessing the internet requires understanding the various ways to connect. As instructors have recently switched to online learning, the most popular way that students access the internet is through their smart phone.
Navigational Features of Web Browsers
Familiarizing yourself with the common navigational features of web browsers installed on personal devices is key to efficient internet use. This involves identifying the purpose of each feature and understanding how to use them effectively. Transferring knowledge of a familiar browser to use an unfamiliar one becomes easier with a solid grasp of these basics.
Enhancing Digital Skills with Google Applied Skills
Google's Applied Digital Skills program offers a free online curriculum designed to teach practical digital skills. The curriculum employs a series of videos that guide learners through creating projects from scratch using various Google apps. These lessons align with crucial digital skills, such as accessing and navigating the internet safely. By exploring the Google Applied Skills Lessons, users can enhance their abilities to use the internet productively and responsibly.
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Addressing Connectivity Issues
Troubleshooting connectivity issues is an important aspect of internet usage. When faced with problems, attempting to resolve them independently and seeking support when needed are valuable skills. Resources like "Internet Tips: How Do I Check My Internet Speed?" can help diagnose and address common issues.
Internet Safety and Responsible Usage
The internet, while a powerful tool, can also be a dangerous place. Equipping individuals with the skills to think critically and make informed choices online is crucial. Several resources focus on promoting safe and responsible internet usage.
Webonauts Internet Academy
Webonauts Internet Academy, a game developed by PBS Kids, takes players through an intergalactic world where they navigate key topics related to safe and responsible internet usage. The game highlights important internet habits, such as contributing meaningfully to a community, thinking critically about the credibility of sources, and understanding the necessity of keeping personal information private.
Common Craft and Common Sense Media
Common Craft, LLC specializes in creating explanations on various topics. While not overtly academic, they endeavor to educate people in the most effective ways possible. They offer videos on net safety. Common Sense Media provides complete lesson plans and resources for educators to teach students Internet safety at any level. Their Toolkit for Teachers offers grade-specific resources (K-12) and lesson materials.
FBI SOS
The FBI SOS game functions similarly to PBS Kids’ Webonauts Internet Academy but is likely to be appealing to a more mature audience. The game includes a step-by-step teacher’s guide (pdf), detailing everything you need to know in order to navigate through everything effectively. Students only have one opportunity to take the exam at the end of the game, so remind them of this and encourage them to do their best, and lastly, this is a game, so remember to make it fun for your students. Learning about something this important should be serious, but it should also be enjoyable and engaging for students.
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Resources for Educators and Caregivers
Educators and caregivers play a vital role in guiding students and children toward safe and responsible internet use. Several resources are available to support them in this endeavor.
Virginia Department of Education Guidebook
The Virginia Department of Education has created a comprehensive resource for educators, parents, and caregivers in relation to student activity on the Internet. This guidebook provides information for adults at all levels, whether they are school administrators, teachers, or caregivers.
CyberWise and Common Sense Media
CyberWise’s tagline is “No grownup left behind!” Their Learning Hubs teach adults all about the latest apps. Common Sense Media is a fantastic resource to help caregivers navigate all types of media use with kids. Check out the section on Privacy and Internet Safety for a wealth of information on topics from making YouTube safer for kids to setting parental controls on a child’s phone.
Addressing the Digital Divide
Access to affordable internet service and computers is a significant barrier for low-income families. Several organizations are working to bridge this digital divide.
EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn has a mission of creating social and economic opportunity by connecting low-income families to affordable internet service and computers, and delivering digital skills trainings.
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PCs for People
PCs for People is a non-profit organization centered on getting low-cost computers and affordable broadband internet into the homes of low-income individuals. As a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, they provide refurbished desktop and laptop computers with licensed copies of Windows 10.
InterConnection
Since 1999, InterConnection has been working to reduce e-waste while working to increase access to technology in low-income communities.
The Ongoing Importance of Digital Literacy
While Safer Internet Day is important, educators know that to truly support students in making smart choices online, digital citizenship and media literacy need to be woven into conversations and activities year-round, both at home and at school.
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