Conclusion

Conclusion

Increasingly, employers are relying on technology to handle many aspects of jobs, and use of the Internet is a fast-growing area. It will not matter that the specific technology in use today will be obsolete in a decade (or even a year). The skills your children acquire now and in the future will help them learn whatever new technology emerges. For example, knowing how to type is already a big advantage when learning how to use a word processor. Similarly, knowing how to use one electronic mail program will make learning to use a second or third one much easier, should it become necessary.

If you have questions about how the Internet is (or is not) being used by the teachers in your children's schools, you might consider joining the technology committee, if one exists. See what policies are in place concerning use of the Internet, and see what you may be able to contribute to the committee. If the school has no technology committee or Acceptable Use Policy in place but is using the Internet or planning to use it soon, recommend that a committee be formed and a policy put in place before the Internet connection is in place. If you can help the schools have sound Internet policies, you will be able to have more consistency with the guidelines you set out in your home for use of the Internet.

Finding Internet Access in Your Community

It is not necessary to buy a computer to begin exploring the Internet. You may be able to get started using free facilities in your community. Try:

A public institution such as a library or community center. Some public housing complexes also have free computer centers with online access for their residents.
Your children's school or a community college or university, if you are taking a class.
Your employer, who may encourage you to learn new online skills by using company computer equipment for a limited amount of time each day.
Your local shopping mall, which may have a room with computers for use by those visiting the mall.
A local coffee shop or "cyber cafe," often offer Internet access for its patrons.
Some communities sponsor freenets to give all their members free access to a wealth of information. To see if there is a freenet in your area, have someone with web access go to http://www.lights.com/freenet/.