ICT CLASS - USAGE OF INTERNET SKILLS.

KINANGO TECHNICAL & VOCATIONAL COLLEGE

P O BOX 6-80120

SAMBURU- MOMBASA

 

 USAGE OF INTERNET SKILLS

TRAINER:  MR MWASI

            EMAIL(assignments):teachermwasi8@gmail.com 

FOR MORE NOTES VISIT

  BLOG SITE: http://tmwasi.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTERNET SKILLS

 

UNIT CODE: ICT/CU/ICTA/CC/05/4/A

 

Relationship to Occupational Standards

This unit addresses the unit of competency: Understand the Internet

 

Unit Description

This unit covers the competencies required to understand how internet communication and browsing is done. It involves defining internet terminologies, identifying requirements for internet connectivity, identifying internet access and web browsing techniques and identifying application areas for the internet.

 

Summary of Learning Outcomes

1. Explain fundamental concepts of Internet connectivity and application
2. Demonstrate ability to use a web browser to provide and customize access to preference
3. Select a suitable search engine to find information
4. Conduct online communication effectively and safely

 

 

Learning Outcomes, Content and Suggested Assessment Methods

Learning Outcome	Content	Suggested Assessment Methods
1. Explain fundamental concepts of Internet connectivity and application	q  Definition of Internet terminologies. q  How the internet works q  Uses of the Internet q  Internet connectivity requirements. q  Impacts of using the Internet	Oral questioning Observation  Written test
2. Demonstrate ability to use a web browser to provide and customise access to preference	q  The world wide web concept q  Universal Resource Locators (URLs) q  Internet Domains ü  Parts of a domain ü  Choosing a domain extension (.com, .net, .org, .ac, .edu,.co,.gov) q  Purpose of a web browser q  Comparison of various web browsers ü  Google Chrome ü  Mozilla Firefox ü  Opera ü  Safari ü  Internet Explorer q  Common web browser features üNavigation, Stop button, Refresh button, Home button, Book mark button, History üAddress bar üTabbed browsing q  Using a browser ü  Opening/closing a browser ü  Entering a URL in the address bar ü  Refreshing a web page, stopping a web page downloading. ü  Activating a hyperlink. ü  Opening a web page in a new tab, new window. ü  Opening, closing tabs, windows. Switching between tabs, windows. ü  Navigating between pages ü  Completing, submitting and resetting a web-based form ü  Using the browser history q  Customization of web browser ü  Appearance settings: Display/hide built in toolbars, fonts ü  Deleting history/temporary files ü  Setting the default home page ü  Synching email accounts with browser activities ü  Start-up options ü  Allowing and blocking popups and cookies ü  Adding, deleting and showing favourites/bookmarks ü  Privacy settings ü  Download location settings ü  Language options q  Web outputs ü Download/save files to a location ü Copy web page contents, URLS to a document, email ü Previewing and printing a webpage .	Oral questioning Observation Written test Practical test
3. Demonstrate ability to effectively search and evaluate web content.	q  Purpose of search engines q  Comparisons of various search engines ü  Google ü  Bing ü  Yahoo ü  Ask.com ü  Duckduckgo ü  AOL q  Tips for effective use of a search engine ü  Unique, specific terms ü  Narrowing and expanding search using minus and addition operator ü  Exact phrases using quotation marks ü  Use non common words and pictures ü  Boolean expressions (AND, OR) ü  Maximising autocomplete ü  Using browser history q  Factors that determine the credibility of a web content ü  SICT ü  Author ü  Up-to-dateness ü  References q  Downloading and uploading files ü  File format ü  File size ü  Inter-operability	·         Oral questioning ·         Observation ·         Written test ·         Practical test
4. Conduct online communication effectively and safely	q  Communication tools ü  Email ü  Social media ü  Instant Messaging (IM) (WhatsApp, Skype) ü  Short Message Services (SMS) ü  Multimedia Message Service (MMS) q  Creation and customization of User accounts in social online Communication platforms. ü  Accounts and password ü  Profile setting q  Best practice when using electronic communication ü     Clarity ü     Non circulation of             inappropriate content ü     Accuracy of grammar             and spellings ü     Courtesy ü     Non disclose of             personal details ü     Verifying recipient list ü     Non circulation of	Oral questioning Observation Written test Practical test

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suggested Delivery Methods

·         Instructor led facilitation of theory

·         Demonstration by trainer

·         Practical work by trainee

·         Group discussions

 

Recommended Resources

Tools ·    Internet ·    Browser

Equipment ·    Computer ·    LCD projectors ·    Printer

Materials and supplies ·         Materials ü   Stationery ü   Digital instructional material including online resources, DVDs and CDs

Reference materials ·    Software manuals

 

 

Definition of Internet Terminologies

Internet: A global network of interconnected computers that communicate through standardized protocols.

World Wide Web (WWW): An information system on the Internet that allows documents to be connected via hyperlinks.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The address used to access web resources on the Internet.

HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure): Protocols used for transmitting web pages on the Internet, with HTTPS providing encrypted communication.

IP Address: A unique string of numbers separated by periods or colons that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

DNS (Domain Name System): A hierarchical system that translates domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses.

ISP (Internet Service Provider): A company that provides individuals and organizations access to the Internet.

Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given amount of time.

How the Internet Works

The Internet works by connecting millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks using standardized communication protocols. Information is transmitted through packet-switching technology, where data is broken into smaller packets that travel independently across the network and are reassembled at their destination. Routers and servers play critical roles in directing traffic and managing data flow.

Uses of the Internet

• Communication: Email, instant messaging, video conferencing.
• Information Access: Search engines, online libraries, news.
• Education: Online courses, e-learning platforms.
• Entertainment: Streaming services, online games, social media.
• Commerce: E-commerce, online banking, digital marketing.
• Social Networking: Connecting with friends, professional networking.

Internet Connectivity Requirements

• Hardware: Computers, modems, routers, network cables.
• Software: Operating system, web browsers, antivirus software.
• ISP Subscription: Service plan for accessing the Internet.
• Network Configuration: Setup of IP addresses, DNS settings.

Impacts of Using the Internet

·         Positive Impacts:

• Increased access to information and education.
• Improved communication and collaboration.
• Economic growth through e-commerce.
• Enhanced social connectivity.

·         Negative Impacts:

• Privacy and security risks.
• Spread of misinformation.
• Internet addiction and mental health issues.
• Digital divide.

The World Wide Web Concept

The World Wide Web is a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet. Users can view web pages that may contain text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements through a web browser. It allows for the easy sharing and retrieval of information across the globe.

Universal Resource Locators (URLs)

A URL is the address of a resource on the Internet. It consists of several parts:

• Protocol: Indicates the communication protocol (e.g., http:// or https://).
• Domain Name: The human-readable address of the website (e.g., www.example.com).
• Path: The specific location of a resource within the domain (e.g., /page1.html).
• Query String: Additional parameters passed to the resource (e.g., ?id=123).

Internet Domains

Parts of a Domain:

• Top-Level Domain (TLD): The last part of the domain name (e.g., .com, .org).
• Second-Level Domain (SLD): The main part of the domain (e.g., example in www.example.com).
• Subdomain: A prefix added to the domain (e.g., blog.example.com).

Choosing a Domain Extension:

• .com: Commercial or general use.
• .net: Network services or general use.
• .org: Non-profit organizations.
• .edu: Educational institutions.
• .ac: Academic institutions.
• .gov: Government entities.
• .co: Companies or general use.

Purpose of a Web Browser

A web browser is software that allows users to access, retrieve, and display content from the World Wide Web. It interprets HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web technologies to render web pages.

Comparison of Various Web Browsers

• Google Chrome: Known for speed, extensive extensions, and integration with Google services.
• Mozilla Firefox: Focuses on privacy, customization, and open-source development.
• Opera: Features a built-in VPN, ad blocker, and battery saver mode.
• Safari: Optimized for Apple devices, known for speed and energy efficiency.
• Internet Explorer: An older browser by Microsoft, now replaced by Microsoft Edge.

Common Web Browser Features

• Navigation Buttons: Back, forward, refresh, stop, and home buttons.
• Address Bar: Where URLs are entered.
• Tabbed Browsing: Opening multiple web pages in separate tabs.
• Bookmarks: Saving and organizing favorite web pages.
• History: Recording visited web pages for later reference.

Using a Browser

• Opening/Closing a Browser: Starting and exiting the browser application.
• Entering a URL: Typing the web address in the address bar and pressing enter.
• Refreshing/Stopping a Web Page: Reloading or halting the loading of a page.
• Activating a Hyperlink: Clicking on a link to navigate to another web page.
• Tabbed Browsing: Opening new tabs, closing tabs, switching between tabs.
• Navigating Between Pages: Using back and forward buttons.
• Web Forms: Completing, submitting, and resetting web-based forms.
• Browser History: Accessing previously visited pages.

Customization of Web Browser

• Appearance Settings: Changing toolbar visibility, fonts, themes.
• History/Temporary Files: Deleting browsing history and cached files.
• Home Page: Setting a default start page.
• Email Syncing: Synchronizing email accounts with browser activities.
• Startup Options: Configuring what pages open when the browser starts.
• Pop-ups and Cookies: Allowing or blocking pop-ups and cookies.
• Bookmarks: Adding, deleting, and organizing favorites.
• Privacy Settings: Adjusting security and privacy preferences.
• Download Location: Setting a default folder for downloads.
• Language Options: Selecting preferred languages.

Web Outputs

• Download/Save Files: Saving files from the web to a local location.
• Copy Web Content: Copying text, images, and URLs to documents or emails.
• Printing Web Pages: Previewing and printing web content.

Purpose of Search Engines

Search engines are tools that index and retrieve information from the Internet based on user queries. They help users find relevant web pages quickly and efficiently.

Comparison of Various Search Engines

• Google: The most popular search engine known for its comprehensive indexing and advanced algorithms.
• Bing: Microsoft's search engine, integrated with other Microsoft services.
• Yahoo: A search engine with a strong focus on news and media.
• Ask.com: Known for its question-and-answer format.
• DuckDuckGo: Emphasizes privacy and does not track user searches.
• AOL: An older search engine known for its integration with AOL services.

Tips for Effective Use of a Search Engine

• Unique, Specific Terms: Use precise keywords for better results.
• Narrowing/Expanding Search: Use minus (-) to exclude terms, addition (+) for including terms.
• Exact Phrases: Use quotation marks for searching exact phrases.
• Non-Common Words and Pictures: Use specific and less common terms.
• Boolean Expressions: Use AND, OR for combining or excluding terms.
• Autocomplete: Utilize suggestions provided by the search engine.
• Browser History: Refer to previously visited pages for quicker access.

Factors that Determine the Credibility of Web Content

• Source: Check the reliability and reputation of the website or author.
• Author: Verify the author's qualifications and expertise.
• Up-to-Dateness: Ensure the content is current and regularly updated.
• References: Look for citations and references to reputable sources.

Downloading and Uploading Files

• File Format: Ensure compatibility with your system.
• File Size: Be mindful of the size for storage and bandwidth considerations.
• Interoperability: Check if the file can be used across different platforms and devices.

Communication Tools

• Email: Sending and receiving electronic messages.
• Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for social interaction.
• Instant Messaging (IM): Real-time text communication through apps like WhatsApp, Skype.
• SMS/MMS: Text and multimedia messaging services for mobile devices.

Creation and Customization of User Accounts in Social Online Communication Platforms

• Accounts and Password: Setting up and securing user accounts.
• Profile Setting: Customizing personal information and privacy settings.

Best Practices When Using Electronic Communication

• Clarity: Be clear and concise in communication.
• Appropriate Content: Avoid circulating inappropriate material.
• Grammar and Spelling: Ensure accuracy in language use.
• Courtesy: Maintain politeness and professionalism.
• Privacy: Protect personal details and verify the recipient list before sending.