"Welcome to the Web" is an interactive set of web pages which can be used to teach children (and adults) about the Internet. They can be used in the classroom / computer room and children are welcome to explore them as they wish (although they have been designed to use in sequence).

The resources are in split into six sections:

1) The Internet - teaches children about the basic concepts involved in the Internet (World Wide Web, Hyperlinks, Image Maps, Back button etc). This introductory lesson also gives valuable practice in visiting and navigating around web sites.

2) Guestbooks - explains what guestbooks are and why web designers include them on their sites. Also teaches important form-filling skills and give practical experience in signing guestbooks.

3) Web Browsers - teaches about the main functions of a web browser (including how those functions can be accessed). Also differentiates between the two main browsers, with separate instructions for users of each.

4) Searching the Internet - gives key advice for those seeking to learn how to find information on the net. Restricts searching to those search engines which are intended for children (Ask Jeeves for Kids, and Yahooligans).

5) Researching on the Net - finding information on the net is great, but it is also important to know how that information can be used. This section explains about printing, using the Find tool to locate specific information within web pages, copying and pasting text, and saving images from the web.

6) The Welcome to the Web Challenge - When the children have completed all of the sections of Welcome to the Web, they can complete this exciting challenge. It requires them to use all of the skills which they have learnt. This section is available in a Flash and non-Flash version, although it is suggested that users download and install Flash (here) if it is not currently available on their systems (the Flash version is far superior to the non-Flash version, and is much more interactive).

When children complete the challenge, they are able to print a personalised certificate to show their competence in using the Internet.

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Each section (except the Challenge) has worksheets which, although not compulsory, can be used to direct children's attention to important parts of the resources, and to test their knowledge. The worksheets can be quickly found (and printed) by clicking on the links below:

The Internet	Worksheet 1 Worksheet 2
Guestbooks	Worksheet 1 Worksheet 2
Web Browsers	Worksheet
Searching the Net	Worksheet
Researching on the Net	Worksheet

I have refrained from giving teachers access to the worksheet answers, as it would be advisable that any teachers wishing to use the resources with children, use them before the lesson (and thus work out the answers for themselves beforehand!).

The Welcome to the Web resources can be found at the following address:

http://www.welcometotheweb.org.uk

Ken Maslin, an ICT advisor from Newham LA, has produced some wonderful resources linked to the Welcome to the Web site:

• Unit Plan - This is designed to guide children through using 'Welcome to the Web' in the classroom
• Active Primary Flipchart - A flipchart file which supports the unit plan. If you don't have Active Primary you can download a flipchart reader from www.prometheanplanet.com.

Comments Please!

The Welcome to the Web resources have taken a very long time to create. I would love to hear your comments about them, and if you have used them in school at all. Did the children enjoy them? What did they learn?

Comments can be sent to mark@teachingideas.co.uk (Many Thanks)

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