Internet

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies

Two-Steppin' the Internet:
Step 1--Learning How , Step 2--Teaching Others

Accessing the Internet:
Adaptations/Assistive Tech | Public access in NC | Free Internet services |

| SSPBI (Brain Injury) | CRDS home page | Dept Home page |

The potential of the Internet is endless. The Net is an inexpensive method of accessing and publishing information. Similarly, the Internet is a new social forum for many users. For recreation professionals and recreation therapists, this medium could increase the durability of services, increase our consumers’ knowledge of resources, and motivate increased independence to recreate. Program possibilities are only limited by our creativity. Imagine teaching safe and constructive Internet use to consumers , publishing web directories of community resources, and building email forums. The Internet demonstrates potential as both a means and an end for meeting recreation goals.

The resource links provided here are suggested web sites that include good content for increasing personal knowledge of the use of the Internet. These sites are only suggestions and not endorsements of any specific product. Visit the sites that interest you and expand your skills and competencies. Return to these sites to develop, encourage, and support consumers' Internet use. Be sure to visit the links discussing the accessibility and familiarize yourself with the diverse possibilities for the Net. Help ensure that the Internet is a tool for everyone!

Happy Surfing!

updated: 9/00

General Internet -- understanding the basics
Information for learning the Internet is available directly online in the form of tutorials. These tutorials provide good teaching formats that breakdown skills according to learners needs.
Learn the Net
Beginners Central
Internet 101
Novices to the Internet may prefer working with an instructor whom they can directly ask questions. The North Carolina community colleges offer continuing education courses covering Internet Basics. In addition, NC community colleges offer a course titled Introduction to the Internet, CIS 172, which is a full credit course available online (class instruction provided via the Internet).
North Carolina Community College home page
Similarly, short Internet training sessions at Senior Centers and Learning Centers affiliated with SeniorNet.com.
Listing of Learning Center locations in South

Web Browsers -- software programs for accessing the web pages
While there are many different web browsers available, Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are the most popular. Each is available free to download.
Free Netscape Navigator (included in Netscape Communicator)
Free Internet Explorer
Browser Basics (information for using either Netscape or Explorer)
Tips for using Netscape Navigator:
Configuring Netscape Navigator
Accessibility shortcut features for Netscape Navigator 4
Tips for using Microsoft Internet Explorer:
Accessibility shortcut features for Microsoft Internet Explorer 4
Accessibility features for Microsoft Internet Explorer 5

It is also important to be aware that Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are not the best browser choices for everyone. The following are examples of accessible browsers, including browsers designed specifically for persons with disabilities. The accessibility capabilities vary, many include a built-in voice that reads the text of a web page.
BrookesTalk (free demo available)
EIAD Touch Screen
IBM Home Page Reader (free demo available)
MultiWeb (free download available)
Opera (free download available)
pwWebSpeak (free demo available)
Sensus
Simply Web 98 (free download available)
VIP Browser (free demo available)
Screen reader software can also be used for navigating a text on a computer screen proving speech or braille output. In addition to other computer applications, this can be applied to web browsers. Examples of some screen readers include:
Jaws for Windows (free demo available)
HAL (free demo available)
Window-Eyes (free demo available)

For a more thorough overview of alternative methods for accessing the web, explore the following collection of pointers and examples.
Alternative web browsing

Using Email -- sending messages electronically
Email basics
Email programs built into popular browsers:
Using Microsoft Outlook Express
Using Netscape Messenger
Options for free web based email:
Yahoo
Hotmail

Netiquette -- the necessary social skills
Basics
Guidelines (comprehensive guide)

Safety on the Internet-- surfing and communicating safely
Because the Internet is part of "real world," real world safety precautions must be honored. The Internet is not regulated by anyone, which opens the door to some risks. Not all information that appears may be accurate. Also, just as people in person can be rude, obnoxious, and exploitative, the anonymity of the computer allows them to be even more so, if they choose.
When learning and teaching new users about the Internet, the following safety rules should be reviewed.
Safety Rules for the Internet
Never give out identifying information such as home address, SSN, or telephone number in a chat room, discussion board, or on an unsecured site.
Decide whether you want personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information revealed.
Never arrange a face-to-face meeting alone with someone you met over a computer. Only arrange to meet in a public place.
Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable.
Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
Remember everything you read may not be true.
Filters
Various software tools are available to assist with filtering certain incoming content and blocking certain outgoing information.
GetNetWise Tools (a good resource for selecting from various safety software options)
Other links discussing safety:
GetNetWise
Internet 101 Safety

Designing Web Pages -- learning the skills of hypertext markup language
Make a web page online:
Tripod Site Builder
Web pages can be created with an WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor. This means that you design your page visually, as if you were using a word processor, instead of writing the markup tags in a plain-text file. Examples of popular editor tools include Netscape Composer (included free in Netscape Communicator), Macromedia's Dreamweaver, or Microsoft's FrontPage.
Netscape Composer: Web Authoring
FrontPage 98: Creating a Web site
FrontPage 2000: Creating a Web site
Dreamweaver
HotMetalPro (often recommended for its accessibility features, free evaluation download available)

A web page designed with a WYSIWYG editor still uses hypertext markup language (HTML), the editor just writes the HTML for you. Eventually, a web author will benefit from learning at least the basics of HTML, especially for ensuring that a web site is accessible.
NCSA's Beginner's guide to HTML (printing, downloading, and photocopying for non-profit use!)
HTML interactive tutorial

Making sure your web pages are Accessible
Accessibility for all users and all browsers must be sought when designing public web pages.
Basic overview
Accessibility Guidelines
BOBBY-accessibility validation tool
Lynx It-a tool to check how your site reads without graphics
Online course for web designers to learn about accessible design is available through the html writers guild
Adaptations and Assistive Technolgy for computer use
Technology is constantly expanding. Access for all persons is becomign easier and easier. The following links are recommended to stay current regarding access fro persons with disabilities:
WebABLE
Microsoft Accessibility home page
Apple Disability Resources
IBM Accessibility Center
Sun Microsystems Accessibility Program
The Trace Center at Univ of Wisconsin
For consulting and borrowing assistive technology in North Carolina:
Generations/Tadpole
Check-It-Out Equipment Loan programs
NC Assitive Technology Project
Partnerships in Assistive Technology
Public Access Locations in NC
Public libraries are quickly becoming a dependable place across NC to find computers linked to the Internet. Both metro and rural libraries offer public access to the Internet. Similarly NC Community Colleges provide opportunities for the public to use computers linked to the Internet. Many Senior Centers are now becoming locations for older adults to access computers linked the Net.
Partial listing of NC public libraries
North Carolina Community College home page
Senior Internet training locations

Free Internet Service Providers in NC
Internet access can be achieved with a computer, a modem and an Internet Service Provider. More and more ISPs are offering FREE services in NC. If opting to use a free service provider, check to make sure the provider offers a local access number is available in your area.
This market is constantly changing. Many of the companies orginally listed on this site have gone out of business. Often companies provide free access in exchange for palcing an advertising banner on user's browser screen. Howeever some companies provide free access without banners.
A list of free Internet providers and services is available at:
freedomlist.com
| Dept Home page | CRDS home page |

This page was developed as resource for technology training provided by grant project, Services and Supports for Persons with Brain Injuries (SSPBI).
Any questions or comments about this page should be sent to: bzook@email.unc.edu

Some instruction links provided by:
Learn the Net , UNC-CH ATN , Newbies-U , Internet 101

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