Kids on the Internet, Guiding

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Lesson 1
We'll start the course off with a broad survey of what's on the Internet for kids. You'll learn some basic Internet terms and definitions, and find out how to get the most out of your browser. We'll end with an informative discussion about Internet etiquette (also know as netiquette).

Lesson 2
In this lesson, we'll discuss potential Internet risks and the various privacy issues you'll need to consider to keep kids safe online.

Lesson 3
Today you'll discover an array of techniques for keeping Internet access safe for children. We'll examine the essentials of adult involvement, and by the time you complete this lesson, you and your kids will have written a safe use contract.

Lesson 4
In this lesson, you'll learn important skills for Internet searches. You'll understand how to identify and use search tools, kid-friendly search resources, and bookmarks.

Lesson 5
Today, you'll practice techniques for communicating with other people on the Internet?people such as teachers, students, club members, and independent keypals. We'll also explore the basics of e-mail, chat rooms, instant messengers, discussion groups, Web sites, and newsgroups.

Lesson 6
In this lesson, you'll discover that the Internet holds many possibilities for exciting projects for kids?projects in which they can collaborate with other children from all over the world. You'll also learn how to use Web sites to both transfer information and to seek it from peers and experts.

Lesson 7
Would you like to be able to teach your kids the basics of planning and organizing a Web site? Today, we'll preview the possibilities for creating Web pages and investigate some simple online Web page generators.

Lesson 8
Having a Web page is great, but it really starts to get exciting when you can add your own graphics to it. Today you'll find out how to place your own scanned images on a Web page, and how to download copyright-free images to use. You'll also learn the basic coding needed to display these graphics.

Lesson 9
In this lesson, you and your kids will learn to alter and customize a simple Web page to fit your needs. You'll use basic HTML code to do this?the language that goes on behind the scenes of the Web. HTML is a lot easier than most people think and you don't need to know much to get started. You'll find out how to do basic text formatting and get simple layout tips.

Lesson 10
Anyone can publish a Web site with false information. So, today you'll learn how to evaluate a Web site's validity. We'll also further explore advertising and privacy issues.

Lesson 11
In this lesson, you'll learn more techniques for customizing your Web site, including the use of free chat-room, quiz, calendar, and guest book resources.

Lesson 12
It's time to upload your customized Web site to a free hosting service. In this lesson, you'll find out how to host it with your own Internet Service Provider or with another free service. We'll also discuss what to do if you want your own domain name. Finally, we'll explore selected resources on the Internet that are excellent for kids.