1. Think carefully about your learning objectives when constructing assignments that require use of the Internet.

• How will the assignment facilitate student learning?
  
• What should students know when they have completed the assignment?
  
• Is the assignment necessary?
  
• Is the Internet the best tool to meet your objectives?
  

2. Demonstrate Internet software in class if possible, and distribute written instructions and guidelines to Netscape.

3. Acquaint students with Internet resources so that they can see the range and types of information on the Web.

4. Provide guidelines for evaluating sites. The Internet is a very unfiltered environment; the majority of the resources do not go through the scholarly process of peer review. An expert's home page may be listed alongside one from someone with considerably less knowledge in the area. Students may assume that both sites are equally authoritative because they appear together during an Internet search.

5. If you know the URL, provide it. Providing the URL (Uniform Resource Locator is the electronic address) is analogous to providing the exact call number and title of a book that you want your student to use.

6. Make sure the students understand exactly what you expect to be the outcome of the lesson. Do not give the students a broad topic, like "India," and expect them write a report including all the information you want without giving them exact guidelines, how the information is to be presented, and how the information will be assessed.

7. Do not ask students to go to a website you have not visited. Titles can be deceiving. Some websites are intentionally mislabeled to guide unsuspecting users to inappropriate websites.

8. Be aware of the temporary nature of many resources. Some Internet resources have a relatively short shelf life. They frequently get deleted or moved to another address..

9. Always monitor students as they use the Internet. If you have been to the website, it is easy to see if students are in a site that you have not approved. You should never leave the students unsupervised to "explore."

10. Allow enough time for completion and plan for alternative sites. Few students have Internet access at home and access may not be widely available at the time you plan to use the assignment. Allow for malfunction of the equipment or the web site. If possible, have a variety of sites and/or resources from which the student may choose.

11. Coordinate your assignments with units that may be affected. Involve the library and teachers from other areas.

12. Make sure that each student has signed an Internet Agreement Form BEFORE they are allowed to access the Internet.