A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

New Guide Helps Parents Cruise the 'Net

Confused about where and how to find information for your child's report on animal species that live in water? Ever wonder where such Internet jargon as navigating, cruising, and engine come from? You can learn about this and much more in the Parents Guide to the Internet, a new booklet from OERI and the Office of Educational Technology.

This Internet primer is designed to help the novice, especially parents and caregivers, make the best use of the information superhighway as an educational tool. The Guide provides parents and caregivers with basic information about how to use the computer to find information and communicate with others. It offers insight into the benefits of getting on the information superhighway and navigating the journey, as well as tips for safe traveling.

The Guide suggests how families can allow their children to tap into the wonders of the Internet while safeguarding them from its potential hazards. In addition to suggesting a variety of sites to visit, the Guide includes information on how to:

• identify community locations that offer free Internet access;
• make sense of computer and Internet terminology;
• search for information online;
• protect children from offensive material;
• teach children about online safety;
• use technology to benefit children with special needs;
• find family-friendly Internet sites;
• select a home computer; and
• choose an Internet Service Provider or Online Service.

Single copies of the Parents Guide to the Internet are available free by calling 1-877-4ED-PUBS. If you want more than one copy, the book is available for 50 cents each from the Consumer Information Center, Dept. 372-E, Pueblo, CO 81009. Charge card orders may be phoned to (719) 948-4000. The publication also is available online at http://www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/internet/

[U.S. Department of Education 1998 Regional Conferences on Improving America's Schools]

[Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) Sparks Interest, Debate]