The Internet Web Text:

• is a hypertext guide to Internet resources, a partial substitute for a paper-based text about the Internet.
• links you to Internet resources: orientation, guides, reference materials, browsing and exploring tools, subject and word-oriented searching tools, and information about connecting with people.
• employs a variety of ways to present information:
  • The front page of Internet Web Text shows the seven major categories, each marked with . Thanks to Chuck Musciano for this category icon image. Thanks to the GodeCookery site for the woodcuts used in the tutorial.
  • The narrative version gives background and places the seven major categories in context. Links from categories are to the narrative pages for each category.
  • a category list is a one-page list, with no narrative, of the (up to seven) major items in each category. This is useful if you are familiar with the resources for this category and just want a quick list of the major ones.
  • a category narrative explains the resources available in each category and pointers to contextual and further information. This narrative may include links to more than seven major items; each major item is marked with a . Thanks to Richard P. Bocker for the item icon image, .
• links the versions together so you can encounter the information using multiple paths:
  • You can go from any category list to its corresponding category narrative by clicking on the category title at the top of the page to the right of the category icon, .
  • You can go from any category narrative to its corresponding category list by clicking on the category icon at the top of the page.
  • You can go from any category list or category narrative to any other category through the links at the top of the page.
  • You can go from any of the pages to the front page through the Web Text link at navigation bar at near top of the page.

I created Internet Web Text for a course in Computer-Mediated Communication at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute that I helped teach in the spring of 1994. I've continuously updated it since then, including a revisions for classes I'm teaching.

My goal has been to create an interface students could use to familiarize themselves with the Internet, how to use it, how to find information, and how to connect with people.

If you are using Internet Web Text for a course, send me an email note. I'd like to hear about your course, and I'd be glad to coordinate the use of my text or give you ideas about lessons. The Computer-Mediated Communication course I helped teach was aimed at CMC Theory. Thus, these lessons I prepared (the practicum portion of the course) are aimed at giving the students a quick overview of the Internet and some starting points, not an exhaustive mastery.

This text might also be helpful in any general situation where you are providing links for users to find out more information about the Internet. You are welcome to link to any of the versions for educational or non-profit purposes. Ask me about any other use of this text.

Let me know of any comments you have. I will continue to develop this text---the current students are still using it, I use it for workshops that I teach, and I plan to use it in my future teaching.

Release Notes