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Module 1 PDF

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andaanda466

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You are on page 1/ 42

BEGINNING STUDENTS

Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online

A Toolkit for Trainers
from the National Institute on Aging

WELCOME TO MODULE 1:
Internet Basics

In this module, you will find

• An introduction
• A lesson plan for the trainer
• Handouts for students

To teach the module, you will need

• A PC with Internet access for each student and the trainer
• A computer projector and a screen
• A 3-ring binder to store materials

To get started, you should

• Read the Introduction
• Read and print out the lesson plan and insert it in a binder
• Print out and make copies of the handouts for students

Questions or comments about the Toolkit? Contact the National Institute on Aging
at (301) 496-1752 or e-mail [email protected]
Internet Basics
Introduction
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online:
A Toolkit for Trainers from the National Institute on Aging

module 1: Internet Basics

LESSON OVERVIEW

Lesson Goals
In this lesson, students will:
1. Learn basic computer terms.
2. Practice using the mouse.
3. Learn basic Internet terms.
4. Learn how to get to a website.
5. Learn how to explore a website.
6. Learn how to use a search box.
7. Learn how to use a site map.

Lesson Materials
In this lesson, students will need:
• Handout 1A: Lesson Goals
• Handout 1B: Computer and Internet Terms (Parts I, II, III, and IV)*
• Handout 1C: Take-Home Assignment
• Pens or pencils

*This handout only includes computer and Internet terms

relevant to this lesson. An alphabetical list of all glossary terms
introduced in the nine Toolkit lessons is available online at
www.nihseniorhealth.gov/toolkit.

Lesson Length
This lesson should last:
Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, with an optional stopping point at
80 minutes.

Module 1 – Introduction: Internet Basics

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
To download Toolkit materials, go to www.nihseniorhealth.gov/toolkit
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online:
A Toolkit for Trainers from the National Institute on Aging

module 1: Internet Basics

LESSON PREPARATION

Before the lesson, you should:

Read over the entire lesson plan. Also review the Take-home Assignment
handout to get a quick overview of what students should be able to do at the
end of the class.
Store the lesson plan in a 3-ring binder to use while teaching.
Make copies of the handouts for students. To avoid distraction, we recommend
that you wait to distribute handouts until indicated in the lesson.
Check out the links that you and your students will be visiting in the lesson.

When you arrive in the classroom, you should:

Write your name and the title and level of the lesson on the board.
[Searching for Health Information Online – Lesson 1: Internet Basics –
Beginning Students]
Make sure your computer projector and students’ computers are working and
that there is Internet access.
Set students’ screens to their desktops.

You should also

Read Quick Tips for a Senior Friendly Computer Classroom at
www.nihseniorhealth.gov/toolkit.
Watch the short video Introducing the Toolkit at
www.nihseniorheatlh.gov/toolkit.

Module 1 – Introduction: Internet Basics

module 1: Internet Basics

LESSON STRUCTURE – Senior Friendly, Trainer Friendly

The senior-friendly lesson structure includes:

• Set-up activities to prepare students for learning.
• Core activities to teach the website features and how to navigate
to them.
• Practice activities to let students apply web skills they have learned.
• Reinforcement activities to summarize and reiterate the learning.

The trainer-friendly lesson plan features:

• An easy-to-read layout.
• Short, well-defined segments of teaching material per page.
• Clearly marked, scripted transition boxes at the top of each
page announcing the next learning point and ensuring a smooth
transition between segments.
• Suggested teaching times for each skill.
• Time checks and optional stopping points, offering flexibility in
total class length.
• Helpful sidebars, providing teaching and navigation tips and describing
the purpose for activities.
• Meaningful icons.

Module 1 – Introduction: Internet Basics

module 1: Internet Basics

LESSON STRUCTURE – Senior Friendly, Trainer Friendly

About the Scripted

Transition Boxes
This lesson plan uses a combination of script-
ed and descriptive sections. The colored,
scripted transition boxes which appear at the
top of each page of the lesson plan are de-
signed as “anchor points,” marking the end of
one part of the lesson and the start of another.
It is important to convey the content in these
transition boxes, although you may use your
own wording as you become more familiar with the material. The steps that follow each
scripted box are descriptive. Move through them according to your personal training style.
This approach is useful in maintaining lesson focus and keeping trainers and students on
track. It also makes the lesson plan easy to use.

Important Note
In the discussions of health issues that may occur during class, refrain from offering medi-
cal advice or advocating specific treatments, physicians, hospitals, insurance plans, etc.
Also, discourage this type of activity among students. Always emphasize that students
should consult their health care providers about any medical information they may hear
about in class or find on the Internet.

Icons Used in the Lesson Plan

Handout Trainer demonstrates Students navigate at Indicates when a

required with computer their computers (with discussion should
projector assistance if needed) take place

Module 1 – Introduction: Internet Basics

module 1: Internet Basics

REACHING THE OLDER STUDENT

To help your students grasp, apply, and retain the skills

and information they are taught, be sure to:
• Proceed slowly through the lesson. Some older adults will take longer
than younger people to get the knack of using the Internet. If you move too
quickly, they may not be able to keep up. They need time to practice and to
absorb new information.
• Circulate to make sure students are following you. Check students’
screens frequently to make sure they are not lost. If possible, arrange to
have one or more classroom assistants work with students individually
during the lesson.
• Speak slowly and repeat information as often as necessary. Don’t
make assumptions based on students’ age. They are learning new skills, and
they will probably need to hear the information more than once to retain it.
• Encourage questions. Pause frequently to ask if there are questions.
After soliciting questions, allow at least 10 seconds for students to
formulate them.
• Create a senior-friendly environment. It is important to read
Quick Tips for a Senior Friendly Computer Classroom for help on
setting up the classroom to accommodate the needs of older adults.

These training techniques from the lesson can also help

you be successful:
• The use of scripted transition boxes to announce each new segment
helps the class stay focused and on track.
• Presenting material in small, well-defined steps makes it easier for
students to grasp new skills and information.
• Frequent summarizing and hands-on practice helps students retain
what they’ve learned.
• Handouts and printed screen shots help students understand and recall
what is taught.
• Group discussions and short dialogues help put students at ease.

Module 1 – Introduction: Internet Basics

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
To download Toolkit materials, go to www.nihseniorhealth.gov/toolkit
Internet Basics
LESSON PLAN
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online:
A Toolkit for Trainers from the National Institute on Aging set-up activity

OPENING COMMENTS (5 Minutes)

“Welcome to Lesson 1: Internet Basics. My name is _________.

(This is our classroom assistant_________.) Before we start the
class, I’d like to review a few general points.”

Tell students the following:

1 This Lesson…
• Is intended for beginning students.
• Is the first in a series of nine lessons developed by the National
Institute on Aging to help older adults learn to find accurate online
health information on their own.

2 The website they will visit…

• Is sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National
Institutes of Health, or NIH.
• NIH is part of the U.S. Government’s Department of Health and Human
Services.

3 Please be aware that…

• Online health information is in no way meant to substitute for
medical advice from a doctor.
• In class discussions, students should not attempt to provide medical
advice to classmates, however well-intentioned it may be.

4 Housekeeping Issues…
• Class will last about __minutes with stretch break(s) lasting ___minutes.
• Bathroom breaks can be taken anytime. Restrooms are located______.

5 Ask students if they have any questions.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics

INTRODUCTIONS (3 Minutes)

“Before we get started, let’s introduce ourselves.”

1 Introduce yourself, giving your name and your experience teaching computers
and the Internet. If you have a classroom assistant or peer coach, introduce
that person.

2 Ask students to give their names and tell whether they are at a beginning,
intermediate, or advanced level with regard to their Internet experience.

3 If time permits, ask each student to tell something about his or her
background (family, work, travels, education…), why they decided to
take this class, and what they hope to learn.

Purpose of Activity
• Introductions help students feel more at ease.
• Sharing computer or Internet experience may help the class be patient with less experienced
students who need more time with an activity.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 10

Class Procedures (3 Minutes)

“Let’s talk for a moment about how the class will proceed. You will
be learning new ways to use technology, and in order for everyone
to be successful, here are some things we need to do.”

Tell students the following:

1 To make sure everyone grasps the information and learns the skills…
• We will proceed in a step-by-step manner and at a slow-to-moderate pace.
• I (or my assistant) will circulate frequently during class to make sure
everyone is keeping up with the lesson.
• There will be plenty of hands-on practice activities to let you apply the
skills that you learn.
• There will be plenty of handouts to help you learn the skills while in class
and to use as a reference once you leave class.

2 As students, you should…

• Feel free to raise your hand and ask a question if you do not understand
something.
• Feel free to ask me to repeat anything I’ve said.
• Not worry about hurting the equipment because it is very sturdy.
• Not worry about making mistakes because that is to be expected when
learning a new technology.
• Have a binder or folder to store the handouts you will receive.

3 Ask students if they have any questions about class procedures.

Purpose of Activity
To communicate expectations, put students at ease, and facilitate learning.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 11

LESSON GOALS (2 Minutes)

“In this lesson, we will learn some basic Internet skills in order to
search for health information that is of interest to older adults.
Let’s take a look at the specific goals for today’s lesson.”

Pass out Handout 1A: Lesson Goals.

1 Go over the handout with students.

Purpose of Activity
• Focuses students on what they will learn.
• Introduces goals that you can return to throughout the lesson.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 12

COMPUTER TERMS (10 Minutes)

“Let’s begin with Goal 1 – learning some basic computer terms.”

Pass out Handout 1B:

Computer and Internet Terms PART I:
COMPUTER TERMS
1 Go over these computer terms from 1 computer
Part I of the handout. 2 keyboard
3 monitor
2 Ask students to point to the items at 4 mouse
their computer stations.
5 mouse pad
6 speakers
7 hardware
8 software

Tips for Glossary Review

• Refer students to the page and item number of the term.
• Make sure students locate the term.
• Read, or have a student read, the definition aloud. Point out details in the illustration or on
your computer screen.
• Tell students they will understand these terms better as they use them in the lesson.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 13

MORE COMPUTER TERMS (5 Minutes)

“Let’s continue with Goal 1 – learning some basic computer terms.”

Refer to Handout 1B:

Computer and Internet Terms PART II: MORE
COMPUTER TERMS
1 Go over these terms from Part II of 9 desktop
the handout. 10 icon
11 cursor
2 Ask students to point to the items 12 browser
on their computer screen, where
13 clicking
feasible.

Tips for Glossary Review

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 14

Right and LEft Clicking (15 Minutes)

“Let’s go on to Goal 2 – practicing using the mouse.

Let’s begin by clicking with the mouse.”

1 Make sure students’ screens are set to their desktops.

sing your computer projector, demonstrate how to left-click on

U
the mouse to open the browser icon. Then, ask students to do
this on their screens.

2 Show students how to close the browser window by left-clicking

on the top right X on the screen. Then have them do it at their
screens.

3 Next, show students how to right-click on the browser icon and

pull down to “Open” on the right click menu. Explain that right-
clicking on the mouse opens a list of options, depending on what
is clicked on the screen.

4 Give students time to practice right-and left-clicking the mouse.

Teaching Tips
• Proceed slowly through each step. Make sure students are keeping up and are
accomplishing the tasks.
• Walk around to students’ computer screens and provide assistance where needed.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 15

SUMMARIZING (3 Minutes)

“Now let’s take a look at the Goals to see what we’ve covered so far.”

Refer to Handout 1A: Lesson Goals.

1 Demonstrate and summarize the following learning objectives

from Goals 1 and 2:
• Understanding the computer terms
• Using a mouse to left and right-click
• Opening and closing a browser

2 Ask students if they have any questions.

3 Ask students to check off Goals 1 and 2 on their handout.

TIME CHECK 45 minutes elapsed; about 1 hour, 35 minutes left.

Purpose of Activity
• Lets students know what they should have grasped by this point in the lesson.
• Gives students another chance to ask questions about material already covered.
• Lets you see what goals might need further explanation.
• Gives students a sense of accomplishment.
• Keeps the class on track.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 16

INTERNET TERMS (8 Minutes)

“Let’s move on to Goal 3 – learning some basic Internet terms.”

Refer to Handout 1B:

Computer and Internet Terms
PART III:
1 Go over these terms from INTERNET TERMS
Part III of the handout.
14 the Internet
2 You may want to demonstrate 15 the World Wide Web
these terms using your computer 16 website
projector. 17 home page
18 link (or hyperlink)
19 back arrow
20 web address or URL
21 address box

Tips for Glossary Review

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 17

How to Get to a Website (10 Minutes)

“Let’s move on to Goal 4 – learning how to get to a website.”

1 Point out the address box on the browser’s Teaching Tips

home page. Tell students that typing in the • Proceed slowly
website address into the address box and through each step.
hitting the Enter key on the keyboard is Make sure students
one way to get to a website. are keeping up and
are accomplishing
the tasks.
2 Show students how to get to a website
by typing in the address for the National • W
alk around to
students’ computer
Institute on Aging (NIA) website screens and provide
(www.nia.nih.gov) and hitting the Enter key. assistance where
needed.
3 Ask students to type in the NIA web
address on their computers and then
hit Enter. Circulate to make sure that
everyone is able to type in the address
and get to the website.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 18

Exploring a Website (15 Minutes)

“Let’s explore the National Institute on Aging website.”

1 Point out these features of the NIA home page for students
as they navigate with you:
• Website name and purpose at the top
• Links to various types of information
• Top, side, and bottom menus
• Back arrow (button)

2 Tell students that on most web pages there is lots of

information below the screen. Show them how to move
the home page up and down by using the Page Up and
Page Down keys.

3 Choose a link and do a “shallow” search. Scroll down the

page you come to, and return to the home page.

4 Repeat the exercise while students navigate with you. Ask

them to use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scan the
page they find in the “shallow” search before returning to
the home page. When everyone is adept at this technique,
ask them how easy or how difficult it was for them to
move back and forth on the site.

Doing a Shallow Search

• Click on a link just once.
• View the page, and then click on the back button to return to the original page.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 19

Summarizing (5 Minutes)

“Now let’s take a look at the Goals again to see what we’ve
accomplished so far.”

Refer to Handout 1A: Lesson Goals.

1 Demonstrate and summarize the following learning objectives from

Goals 3, 4, and 5:
• Learning basic Internet terms
• Getting to a website by typing in the address and hitting Enter.
• Exploring a website by
1. clicking on links
2. clicking on the back button
3. using the Page Up and Page Down keys

2 Ask students to check off Goals 3, 4, and 5 on their handout.

3 Ask students if they have any questions.

OPTIONAL STOPPING POINT 1 hour, 25 minutes elapsed; about 55

minutes left.
(If you choose to stop here, you may teach the
remaining material in the next lesson.)

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 20

MORE INTERNET TERMS (5 Minutes)

“Let’s learn a few more Internet terms.”

Refer to Handout 1B: PART IV: MORE

Computer and Internet Terms INTERNET TERMS
22 button
1 Go over these terms from Part IV of
the handout. 23 search box
24 site map
2 You may want to demonstrate these 25 scroll
terms using your computer projector. 26 scroll bar
Be sure to show students how to
scroll and give them time to practice.

Tips for Glossary Review

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 21

Using a Search Box (20 Minutes)

“Let’s look at Goal 6 – learning to use the Search Box. We will

practice entering terms into the Search Box of the National
Institute on Aging website.”

1 Read the scripted section in the box Maria’s Mother

to the class, and make a list on a flip “Maria’s mother is now
chart or board of the suggestions stu- three inches shorter at
dents have for Maria’s search terms. age 75 than she was at
Select one to try as a demonstration age 50. Maria, who is now
45, knows her mother
(osteoporosis prevention, for exam-
suffers from osteoporosis,
ple). Type this term into your search and wants to know if it’s
box and ask your students to do the too late to prevent bone
same. Show them how to left-click loss from happening to
the blue search button to the right of her. What search terms
the box. would you suggest Maria
try on the NIA site to
answer her question?”
2 Ask students to left-click on the first
article in the list that comes up on
the search results page, and read the
short article silently. They can practice scrolling or use the Page
Up and Page Down buttons. Ask if they found responses to Maria’s
question, based on the information in the article.

3 Show students how to use the back arrow to return to the search
results page for “osteoporosis prevention.” Point out to them that
the right arrow is shaded back, meaning that it isn’t “live.” From
this search results page, ask them to click on the back arrow to
return to the NIA home page.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 22

Summarizing (5 Minutes)

“Now let’s take a look at the Goals to see what we’ve learned so far.”

Refer to Handout 1A: Lesson Goals.

1 Demonstrate and summarize the following learning objectives

from Goal 6:
• Using the search box by:
1. typing in a term(s)
2. clicking on “Search”
3. clicking on an article from the search results list

2 Ask students if they have any questions.

3 Have students check off Goal 6 on their handout.

TIME CHECK 1 hour 50, minutes elapsed; about 30 minutes left.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 23

Exploring a Site Map (10 Minutes)

“Let’s take a look at Goal 7 – Learning to use a Site Map or site index.
Most websites have a Site Map, which is a list of everything on the
website. It’s a shortcut way of finding out what’s on a website.”

1 Demonstrate while students navigate with you. Show

students how to locate the site map on the NIA site by
scrolling to the link at the bottom of the home page.
Demonstrate how to left-click on the site map link to go
to the site map.

2 Allow students a few minutes to scroll down the site map

to see what’s available on the NIA website. If time permits,
encourage students to click on at least one link and do a
“shallow” search to see what the site map provides access
to. Doing a “shallow” search also gives students practice in
clicking and using the back button.

3 Hold a short discussion with students, asking them to

compare the usefulness of the site map to the search box
on the NIA home page. What are the advantages and
disadvantages of each? Make a list on the board or flip
chart as points are raised. Let students know that in
future lessons you will be showing them even more ways
to find information on websites.

Doing a Shallow Search

• Click on a link just once.
• View the page, and then click on the back button to return to the original page.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 24

Summarizing (5 Minutes)

“Now let’s take a look at the Goals to see what we have

accomplished so far.”

Refer to Handout 1A: Lesson Goals.

1 Demonstrate and summarize the following learning objective

from Goal 7:
• Using the site map

2 Ask students if they have any questions.

3 Have students check off Goal 7 on their handout.

4 Read through the seven the goals accomplished in the class

and answer any remaining questions students may have.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 25

Checking for Understanding (5 Minutes)

“Let’s review the major terms you learned today.”

1 From your computer projector, point to these items and ask

students to name them. If necessary, refer them back to the
definition on their handout.
• desktop
• icon
• browser
• cursor
• URL or web address
• link
• scroll bar
• back arrow (button)
• search box
• site map

2 Ask students if they have any questions. Clear up any questions

or concerns they may have.

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 26

WRAPPING UP (8 Minutes)

“In this lesson we have accomplished a number of goals. You have

learned
1 Some basic computer terms
2 Some basic Internet terms
3 How to use the mouse
4 How to get to a website
5 How to a explore a website
6 How to use a search box
7 how to use a site map

Remember, always check with your doctor or health care provider

about health information you find on the Internet.
Here is your take home assignment, which will give you more
practice with the skills you’ve learned today.”

Pass out Handout 1C: Take Home Assignment.

1 Read through each of the steps on the take-home assignment
to familiarize students with the activity.
2 If there is time, you may want to do this exercise in class.
(It should take about 30 minutes.) Or, you can take students
through the first few steps and then ask them to do the rest
of the exercise on their own at home.
3 Ask them to write down any questions or problems they have
in the spaces provided and bring them to the next class.

END OF LESSON 1

Module 1 – Lesson Plan: Internet Basics 27

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
To download Toolkit materials, go to www.nihseniorhealth.gov/toolkit
Internet Basics
handouts
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1A: Lesson Goals

During this lesson, you will:

____ 1 Learn basic computer terms.

___ 2 Practice using the mouse.

___ 3 Learn basic Internet terms.

___ 4 Learn how to get to a website.

___ 5 Learn how to explore a website.

___ 6 Learn how to use a search box.

___ 7 Learn how to use a site map.

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-1

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1B: Computer and Internet Terms

PART I – Computer Terms

Monitor

Speakers
Computer

Mouse
Keyboard Mouse Pad

1 Computer or CPU (central processing unit)

The main part, or “brains” of a computer. The CPU interprets and carries out
program instructions.

2 Keyboard
he keys that operate the computer, very much like a typewriter, with extra
T
keys for special functions.

3 Monitor
he part of a computer system that contains the computer screen, where
T
information is displayed.

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-2

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1B: Computer and Internet Terms

4 Mouse
small hand-held device that controls the position of the cursor on the
A
computer screen. Movements of the mouse correspond to movements of
the cursor. (See Cursor in Part II.)

5 Mouse Pad
The pad on which you move the mouse.

6 Speakers
Devices that allow you to hear sound from the computer.

7 Hardware
The physical parts of a computer system.

8 Software
he instructions that tell the computer and computer networks what to do.
T
Software is installed inside the computer.

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-3

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1B: Computer and Internet Terms

PART II – More Computer Terms

9 Desktop Desktop Screen

The information that appears QuickTime™ and a

on the computer soon after

decompressor
QuickTime™ and a
are needed to see this picture.
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.

the computer is turned on.

The desktop contains a number Icon
of icons, or images, that you
can click on to start programs.

10 Icon
A small picture or image representing
a command (such as print), a file, or
a program. When you click on an icon,
you start a command, open a file, or
launch a program.

11 Cursor
A small image on the screen indicating where you are pointing; the mouse
controls the movements of the cursor. The cursor can appear in different
forms, including:
An arrow, which indicates where you are positioned on the screen.
An I-beam, often blinking, which marks a place on the screen
I where you can enter or select text.
A pointing hand, which indicates that you are hovering over a link.
(See Link in Part III.)
An hourglass, which indicates that the computer is doing a task.
You must wait until it disappears before you can proceed.

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-4

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1B: Computer and Internet Terms

12 Browser
Software, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, used to find information on
the Web. The most visible part of a browser sits at the top of the computer
screen, above the web page.
Browser

13 Clicking
Pressing and releasing a button on a mouse to select
or activate the area on the screen where the cursor
is pointing. Usually, you click on the left side of
the mouse (called a left click). For more advanced
functions, you click on the right side of the mouse
(called a right click).

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-5

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1B: Computer and Internet Terms

PART III – Internet Terms

14 The Internet
A vast, international collection of computer networks that transfers
information. A combination of the words international and network.
Websites and e-mail are part of the Internet.

15 The World Wide Web

Also known as the Web, it is a system that lets you access information on the
Internet. People often use the term Web to refer to the Internet, but they are
not exactly the same thing. The World Wide Web operates over the Internet,
and it is the most widely used part of the Internet.

16 Website
A location on the World Wide Web (and Internet) that contains information
about a specific topic. A website usually contains multiple pages with different
types of information about the topic.

17 Home Page
The first thing you see when you come to a website, or the opening page of a
website. It provides information about the site and directs you to other pages
on the site.

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-6

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1B: Computer and Internet Terms

18 Link (or hyperlink)

A highlighted or underlined feature on a web page that, when clicked, will
take you to another web page. A link most often appears as underlined words
or an image.
ne sure way to tell if something is a link or not: Whenever your cursor turns
O
into a pointing hand, the image or word you are pointing to is a link.

19 Back Arrow
This arrow, often green, is found at the top of most browsers. When you click
on the back arrow, it takes you back – in order – through all of the web pages
you’ve seen. (Sometimes called the back button.)

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-7

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1B: Computer and Internet Terms

20 Web Addresss or URL

The address for a website. (URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator.)
U
.S.-based web addresses usually start with the letters www (for World Wide Web)
and end with a dot followed by letters that indicate the type of website it is:
.com = commercial enterprise or business
.org = non-profit organization
.edu = educational institution
.gov = government agency
.mil = military agency
.net = another ending for a commercial website
O
n the Internet, you get to a website by typing in the web address (or URL)
into the address box of the browser. For example, to get to the website of
the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a Federal agency, you would type
www.nia.nih.gov in the address box.

21 Addresss Box
A narrow, rectangular box in the browser window where you can type in a
web address. Typing in the web address in the address box and hitting Enter
on the keyboard will take you to a website.

Address Box Web Address (URL)

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-8

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1B: Computer and Internet Terms

PART IV – More Internet Terms

22 Button
A small box that looks like it’s being depressed
when you select it. Buttons can turn on (and
turn off) many types of functions on the
Internet.

22 Search Box
small rectangular blank space on a web
A
page where you can type in a word or
phrase to look for information. Clicking
on the button next to the search box (or
hitting the Enter key on the keyboard) will
take you to a page where that information
is located.

24 Site Map
A list of the contents on a website, similar to an index in a book. A link to the
site map is usually found at the top or bottom of the home page.

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-9

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1B: Computer and Internet Terms

25 Scroll
To move text or other information on a computer screen up, down, or
sideways, with new information appearing as the old disappears.

26 Scroll Bar
A narrow, rectangular bar on the right edge and bottom edge of a web page
that lets you move the page to see more of the information it contains. The
scroll bar on the right moves the web page up and down, and the scroll bar
on the bottom moves the web page right and left.

Scroll Bar

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-10

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1C: Take Home Assignment

Directions: Read Bill’s story, then follow the steps below to go to the
National Institute on Aging website to get information about
forgetfulness. Use the images to guide you.

“Bill just turned 80, and lately he has seemed forgetful. He keeps misplacing his
keys and forgetting people’s names. His brother and sister died a few months
ago, and since then he has been sad and moody. His wife has been asking her-
self if Bill’s forgetfulness means he may have Alzheimer’s, or if this is something
that will pass.”

1 From the desktop, click on the icon for your browser. This will take you to your
browser’s home page on the Internet.

2 From your browser’s home page, locate the

address box near the top of the page.

3 Position your cursor over the address in the

address box and click to highlight the address.

4 Once the address is highlighted, delete it by

hitting the Delete key (or the Backspace key) on
your keyboard.

Your question(s) _________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-11

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1C: Take Home Assignment

5 Type in the website address for the National

Institute on Aging into the address box. The
address is www.nia.nih.gov

6 Hit the Enter button on your keyboard. The screen will change to
the home page of the National Institute on Aging.

Your question(s) _________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-12

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1C: Take Home Assignment

7 Find the search box on the right hand

side of the home page. Click inside the
box with your mouse to clear the box
of the words “Enter Search.”
ype in the term forgetfulness to
T
search for information about this topic.

8 Hit the Enter key on the keyboard. (Or click

on the Search button next to the search box.)

9 You should see a list of

search results on the
screen. Click on the
first one.
( The list changes frequently,
so the first one on your list
may be different from the
one you
see here.)

10 Once you’ve clicked on the first item, read the page that appears. Use the
Page Down key on your keyboard to move the screen down so you can see all
the material on the page.

Your question(s) _________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Module 1 – Handouts: Internet Basics H-13

Go to www.nia.nih.gov
This course for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging.
Searching for Health Information Online: An Internet Course for Older Adults

HANDOUT 1C: Take Home Assignment

11 Write down one or two important pieces of information about forgetfulness

that you think Bill’s wife should know:
_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

12 When you’ve finished reading the material, click on the Back arrow at the
top of the screen to return to the NIA home page.

13 Click on the Back arrow again to return to your browser’s

home page.

14 Click on the red X in the upper right hand

corner to close the browser window and
return to the desktop.

Did you have any trouble with any part of the exercise?
If so, make a list here, and bring it to the next class.
_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________