This year we are very grateful to finally have computers that are fast enough to make teaching Internet skills a realistic goal. Although most of you have grown up with computers, it can be hard to use the Internet effectively. In computer class this year, each student in grades 5-8 will earn an Information Superhighway Driver's License. This license will be proof that you:

know what the Internet is and the basic vocabulary used when talking about it;
understand our Acceptable Use Policy;
know how to find information online;
can decide whether you can trust a source of information on the Internet;
understand the idea of copyright and is able to properly cite Internet sources; and
knows how to keep yourself safe while using the Internet.

To learn these skills and earn your license, you will complete five WebQuests. A WebQuest is a special kind of Internet project., and we'll be doing lots of them in computer class. You must do these WebQuests in order, and each one is worth 20 points. The grades for all of these Quests together will equal one homework grade.

Here they are:

1. Getting Your Permit. In this Quest you'll learn some facts about the Internet and a few of the words we use when talking about it. You'll also learn about Internet safety and our school's Acceptable Use Policy (that thing you had to have your parents sign before you could go online)....

2. Finding Your Destination. This Quest will show you how to search the Internet more effectively. There's more to the web than Yahoo! and Ask Jeeves!

3. Testing Road Conditions. Here you'll visit and evaluate a few websites to see what's out there. Can you believe everything you read?

4. The Cyber-Thieves. Here you'll find out what happens when students think they can just copy and paste schoolwork off the Internet.

5. Taking Your Road Test. In this Quest you'll show off the skills you've learned.