Computer Networks
Computer network facilities are more and more becoming a standard method of research, and are available at most of the Centers (and in many other places). The primary uses of networks (like the Internet) is communication. E-mail is a great way of making contacts-- more convenient than writing letters, but less personal and casual than a phone call. Listservs and newsgroups also operate via e-mail, compiling sometimes vast discussions between people all over the world on every conceivable topic. (These discussions are mainly useful as pointers to further connections and people to contact.)
Be aware, though, that email has its own kind of etiquette; ask someone knowledgeable about "netiquette" before you plunge ahead (it is not complicated at all). In general, act as though you were writing a regular letter and you'll probably be OK.
MOO's, MUD's, and similar tools also offer virtual environments for collaborative learning and contacts.
The World Wide Web and similar tools like Gopher give access to "search engines" that can find any subject that is out there. It should be borne in mind that information you find on the Net should be checked for authenticity and validity-- it is much easier to make up some nonsense and put it online than it is to get that same nonsense published. The three-source minimum is really important here. On the Internet, constant flow of information and change is a given. The beauty of it is that there are no limits to what one can find. The Net is anarchistic--access can be controlled, but content cannot be.
Workshop Discussion Sparks
Inspired and Creative
- Make a guidebook for researching on the Internet for Friends World Students.
Rigorous Training
- Subscribe to a newsgroup in your field of interest-- watch your pile of contacts and knowledge grow.
AAAAAGGGHHHH!
- If you are not commpfortable using computers, remember that computers are useful but stupid tools, and sometimes you need the attitude of a child psychologist to get them to work right. Get help from anybody who is used to this.
See Also
Contribute to the Portfolio Resource Guide!!!
Previous Page
Up to Category
Next Page
Contents
Index
Front Page
Friends World Home
