CSC 230

WebQuest

Introduction

The development of the Internet and World Wide Web represents a revolution in technology, providing us with almost unlimited and instantaneous access to information and communication. The ability to use the Internet has become a very useful resource and an essential skill for anyone in the Information Technology field. This WebQuest is designed to help students achieve a better understanding of Internet history and the differences between major elements of the Internet.

Task

The quest is to "surf" the Internet/World Wide Web to find certain information and then to write a research paper based on the information found. Here are the main steps of the assignment:
  • Research the history of the Internet and World Wide Web. During the research you should learn that the World Wide Web and the Internet are two different things.

  • Write a paper that describes the Internet and World Wide Web. Include a description of what they are, how they are related to each other, important dates and the names of people/organizations who are credited with key developments.

  • The report shall:
    • Be no more than three pages
    • Have a clean, easy to read font (size 12)
    • Use 1.5 line spacing
    • Identify references
Review the rubric in the evaluation section below for other guidance as necessary.

Resources

The links below are provided for your convenience. Students are not limited to using only these sites, any site may be used that is deemed appropriate. The links are set to open a new browser window to allow for easier navigation. To return to the WebQuest page, simply close the newly opened window.
Web History from W3C
webopedia - an online technical encylopedia/

Process

  1. Conduct a quick review of all links on the Resources page.
    • Briefly skim the pages.
    • Scan through the links as quickly as possible during this step.
  2. Build an outline for the report.
    • Select enough information for the report.
    • Look for different information from each web site.
    • Try to find any obscure data that would make for an interesting read.
  3. Write a rough draft based on the outline.
    • Brain storm the ideas, don't pay close attention to the smoothness.
    • Go back and start to arrange the sentences for better flow.
    • Have someone proof read the rough and offer suggestions.
  4. Produce a smooth final report.
    • Spell check and look for grammatical errors
    • Proof read! Do not rely solely on the spell checker.
    • Submit the report for grading.

Evaluation Rubric
Category Percentage Weight Evaluated Characteristics
Organization 20% Opening, body and closing paragraphs
Follow the "Task" guidelines
Clear and Concise 30% History and differences explained well
Dates are included
Readability 30% Flow and content
Grammar 20% Two points deducted for each error
Completion N/A

Two points deducted for each day late
Students who fail to turn in a report after one week will receive a grade of zero

Conclusion

There are two goals in this WebQuest:
  1. Provide exposure to the background of the Internet/World Wide Web.
  2. Help students develop their writing skills.

At the completion of this assignment students should have gained a better understanding and appreciation of the Internet and WWW.

Disclaimer: The user is responsible for determining the accuracy of the information contained within. I have made an effort to provide valid information, but I cannot be held responsible for incorrect data. R. Poland