Equipment

The first thing you will need, as you might have guessed, is a computer with a connection to the internet. It helps if your group has a set of computers at your school, though it is possible to do projects with only a single computer at your home. If the latter is your scenario, remember to factor in the time typing, printing, etc., will take from your personal schedule. An internet project will go sour for you quickly if it eats up all of your free time.

If students will be bringing you things they have typed on computers at home or on other computers at your school, make sure you also have a way to check the disks/files for viruses. I have several computers in my classroom, and only very rarely will I let students use disks they bring from somewhere else. This safety concern also goes for CD ROM's, now that it has become common for people to record their own.

While e-mail projects can be quite interesting, it can be even more fun to incorporate making web pages using pictures or art. This will require knowing how to create web pages using an editor such as Netscape Composer (part of Communicator), Microsoft Front Page, or Claris HomePage. You can also write the HTML yourself using a simple text program like WordPad (PC's) or SimpleText (Macs). Don't think writing pages yourself is just for engineers; you can find tutorials for simple page making at many sites, such as the help section of Earthlink.

Adding pictures to your pages is easy once you have files of the graphics you want to use. If you want to be able to take digital pictures, you will find a large range of cameras that work with your computer. Connectix sells a product called QuickCam which does a passable job for a reasonable price. Scanners allow you to convert photographs or art into graphic files. Like cameras, there is a wide range of equipment available. The ScanMaker E3 from Microtek is a well-priced model I have used without problems. Remember that if you are borrowing someone else's camera or scanner that you will need the software (normally called a "driver") that allows the equipment to work with your computer. Also make sure that by using such software you are not breaking rules regarding software piracy.

Another exciting possibility for internet projects is video conferencing, for which you will need a video camera (the QuickCam mentioned above will work) and a microphone connected (or built in) to your computer. This may sound complicated, but typically a careful reading of the manuals that came with the equipment will tell you all you need to know.

On-line catalogs of computer-related products can be a good source for purchasing equipment or evaluating prices. Sites like Microwarehouse offer good deals on equipment and often have an educational sales department. Furthermore, if you are in the United States and the company is based in another state, you may not have to pay sales tax for what you buy. I bought my last computer from a mail-order firm and have been very pleased with it.

With any software or hardware you are going to make part of your project, it's a good idea to get plenty of practice using it before you give it a go with your partners overseas.

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