Introduction

In order to be sure that only qualified navigators are cruising on the information highway, you'll need to earn an Internet license.  This license entitles you to classroom access.  With access, the Universe is at the fingertips of you and your students.

Some of you have read about it, heard about it, seen it, or used it.  All of you have the key to it---being  able to turn on your computer.

So........ladies and gentlemen....START YOUR ENGINES!!!!
 
  

The Task

You will be searching for web sites that will enhance your current curriculum.  You'll be able to save your favorite web sites in a folder, name that folder, and save it to a disk.  When you present your disk to the local Chief Validator of Internet Licenses (a.k.a. your Media Specialist), you'll receive your license.  So, let's put it in gear and get started!
 

BUT WAIT....LET'S NOT GET A TICKET!!  We need to know how to get around.  First, move your mouse around the page but don't click.  You will notice that normally it is just an arrow.  But if you put it over a word or phrase that is colored and underlined, it will change to a pointing finger.  This means that you can click on that "link" and go to the page that is connected to it.   Let's try it:   point here and click  to read the "Rules of the Road."

 It's time to get back to our trip.......scroll on down to Process...or click below on Process.
  

The Process
 

This is where we start our journey to make you accomplished web cruisers.

REMEMBER:  Even if you click all over the Internet and think you are lost, this web site is saved in your Favorites.  Just click on Favorites, open your file, and click on this site.  It will bring you right back home!  Think of it as breadcrumbs.....

Come on, come on.....we've waited long enough....the only problem we'll have is finding so many wonderful sites.....

1. You need to know the difference between searching and browsing.   Mike Weglein's page on Searching and Browsing is an excellent resource.  After clicking and reading it, click back to continue our trip.
2. Use two of the search engines listed in Resources to find at least one web site for each of the following:  Social Studies, Science, Math, and Language Arts.  Each time you find a web site you want to keep, save it to your folder.
3. Use two of the directories listed to find at least one web site for each.  Again, don't forget to save the sites to your Favorites folder.
4. Use two of the teacher sites listed to find web sites. Save at least one site for each topic.

Resources

In this section, you will find many resources to use during your trip.  Since you will be using search engines first, Alta Vista is an excellent place to start.  Another very popular search engine is InfoSeek.  Other search engines are listed below.

When you begin looking at directories, Yahoo is the first and foremost to try.  You will also be able to find resources appropriate for students when you visit the Yahooligans web site.  This is a MUST SEE site.  Other directories are listed below.

Of all the teacher sites available, one favorite is the Classroom Connect site.  Their Connected Teacher is well worth the look.  The Discovery Channel School is outstanding.  While you are there, do not neglect to check out Kathy Schrock's Page.  It is a not-to-be-missed resource.

Other sites:

• A very highly recommended site, created by David Leahy at Greenway Elementary School is Connecting Students.  Stay there a while and investigate all of the different pages.

• You might want to check out the Web 66 page, too.  You can use the Web 66 site to check out school web pages from all over the world.

• Wayne' World Kid Stuff K-12 has lots of links to many other pages.

• Information Please has a Kids' Almanac on line that has many resources.

• The Internet Public Library Youth Division also has resources targeted to K-6 in all areas of the curriculum.

Other Directories include Magellan and About.com.

Don't forget to copy your web sites to a disk.  The instructions are located in the Process section. 

Evaluation

Although this trip is certainly used for staff development, the evaluation of it is based upon the following rubric:
 
 

Conclusion
         WOW!Look at what you've done!
You can travel all over the Internet...you can save those sites you want...you can bring all of these things right into your classroom!  Just remember how excited you were when you found some of the sites you saved.  Now think how excited your students will be when they get to ride along--of course, some of them are quite experienced as Internet drivers.

                    And when you're ready to organize those web sites or have any questions, come back and see us.