The Internet
A WebQuest for GPA 90
Introduction to Computers

Introduction | Task |Process | Requirements | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits 

 Introduction

You are employed by a major research and consulting firm. Your help is needed. A local business wants to set up internet access for potential clients in a remote location. Unfortunately the clients do not know what the internet is, many are afraid of any "new" technology ruining their way of life. Now it is time for you to use what you already know and to do research to build on that knowledge. Your firm has been asked to investigate and prepare a presentation on different aspects of the internet an World Wide Web.

The Task

As a group, you will work together and create a PowerPoint presentation for this company. The presentation will be for the people of the remote communities explaining: 

• what the internet is
• how it works
• when it was developed, and 
• how they can assure that they can use it safely.

The final presentation needs to be relevant to the needs of the company to inform their clients without overwhelming them with too much information. You will find more information than you will be able to incorporate into the presentation. You will need to decide what information will be the most useful for the community.

The Process

Each of you will be assigned one of the following fields and related links:

Print out and use this worksheet to help your group stay organized and on task

1. A brief history of the internet. 

The clients need to be shown that this is not "new' technology. You must answer some essential specific questions.
    -How was the internet developed?
    -Over what time period was it developed?
    -Who were some of the main people involved in the development of the internet, and what did
     each contribute?

Use the links below to help in your research or search for your own.

2. How the internet works. _*

The clients need to know how a computer is physically connected to the internet and how all computers world wide can send and receive information. You must answer some essential specific questions.
    -How does a home computer connect to the internet?
    -How are computers connected throughout the internet?
    -How do computers communicate and transfer information through the internet?

You may find that graphics are necessary to help you explain some of the connections. 
You must Define in simple language any technical terms that you use in your presentation.

Use the links below to help in your research or search for your own.

3.How can they ensure internet safety.

The clients are concerned about the safety of their children and students "surfing the web". You must relieve their concerns by explaining the possible concerns and providing some suggestions for internet safety. You must answer some essential specific questions.
    -What are the risks?
    -What are some guidelines and safety measures to follow?

Use the links below to help in your research or search for your own.

4. What is the World Wide Web

You must provide for the clients an understanding of the difference between the internet and the World wide web. You must answer some essential specific questions.
    -What is the World Wide Web?
    -What is an Internet Browser?
    -What is a web address and how does a web address provide a specific web site?

Use the links below to help in your research or search for your own.

Requirements

Each group must fully answer the essential and specific questions in your topic.

Each group must complete a presentation of no less than 6 slides.
 -Title page/introduction: The title of your presentation, the name of your group, what questions are
      you addressing,  who are the group members?

- 4 (at least) content slides developing your topic explanations.

- Bibliography slide which contains references to all information, graphics, and multimedia used in
  your presentation.

 Each group member must participate in the final presentation.

Evaluation

You can use of this rubric to determine how you and your group will be evaluated after your project is completed. 

Your individual grade will be an average determined by the other class members, you, and your instructor. You will be required to complete a group skills performance, and group member evaluation sheet.

Credits

Gary Vrinten 
ICS Ltd. 2002
Please contact the author if you are using this webquest for educatioal purposes.

Conclusion 
Once you have completed your Presentation, you should have a better idea of all the work that goes into producing a presentation to provide information to company employees. You should have gained skills that can be used in other classes and on the job.

You should have a clear understanding of the internet, the world wide web, and some tips for using this resource safely.