Internet

Staff Time
The Internet is a computer-based system that allows mixed media information to be shared electronically, both nationally and internationally. New possibilities for networking, marketing, and information sharing are inherent in the Internet system. This format also includes the capability for electronic mail (e-mail) between Internet users.

Technical support may be needed to help determine the way you will be linked to the Internet, and the address your server or your site will have.

Because of the novelty of the Internet, many staff may not have skills in preparing information in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and uploading it onto a site on the World Wide Web. A significant amount of staff time may be required for training as well as the initial effort to set up a site. Once the basics are mastered and a site is running, time can be used more efficiently. While the medium can save staff time in certain ways, for example, to send a message to a large audience simultaneously by electronic mail, it is a person-intensive medium that does requires a significant commitment of staff time.

Equipment
A computer with a modem (or on a network) is required for this format. In addition, there must be a server to link to the Internet. Setting up a site on the World Wide Web may not require additional equipment if you are a part of a system that is already linked to the Internet. Linkage can be direct -- such as through the computer system of a university -- or indirect -- through an Internet service provider (ISP). Services such as America Online and Compuserve are moving toward providing Web access.

Specifications for acceptable computer systems vary. The factors which typically impact your use of the Internet are the memory capability and processing speed of your computer and the speed of transfer possible through your modem. The type of browser and other software used and the way you are linked to the Internet will affect your ability to view graphic images and to download information.

Costs
The cost of a computer system that allows you to use the Internet as an accessible format for your information is approximately $3,000. In addition, depending upon the type of linkage, you may have on-line service charges of $10 to $25 per month. Most browsers such as Netscape, Mosaic and other necessary software are available free over the Internet system. Low-cost training on writing HTML documents is available from many sources such as colleges and universities. Ultimate cost savings can also be seen if information is posted on the Web where anyone who is interested can view and download it, rather than printing and distributing text copies.

If you plan to purchase and set up a server, additional costs would be incurred, but this is not necessary in the majority of cases. Registering a domain address costs $100 for 2 years and must be approved by InterNIC Registration Services at http://rs0.internic.net/rs-internic.html.

Effort
The development and maintenance of an Internet site is no small undertaking, if you intend to make it an effective communication medium. Operating such a system requires planning and may require staff to learn a new coding system, HTML. In addition, Internet versions of certain documents are not a one-to-one representation. In other words, many written documents will require reorganization, and perhaps revision, to be effectively displayed through an Internet information system.

Resources
An impressive array of informational resources are available through the Internet system itself and through your local bookstore or library. An array of magazines are now available that are dedicated to the Internet and its use. Consultant help is available through local computer vendors as well as through the Internet. The NCDDR has developed a list of information resources that will be available through our Web site. Contact the NCDDR to request a copy in another format.

Following are examples of some of these resources:

A Beginner's Guide to HTML:
http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/General/Internet/WWW/HTMLPrimer.html

Classroom Internet Server Cookbook:
http://web66.coled.umn.edu/Cookbook/contents.html

Designing an More Usable World (Trace Center): 3/26/98
http://www.tracecenter.org/world/

How to make a great home page without knowing one word of HTML:
http://www.valleynet.net/~kiradive/home.htm [No longer active 3/17/97]

HTML Overview:
http://www.ora.com/oracom/inet/html.html

Spectrum University (offers on-line classes):
http://www.vu.org/

The CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media:
http://www.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/ncam/ 3/26/98

World Wide Web Primer:
http://www.frii.com/~gnat/ideas/www-primer.html

World Wide Web (WWW) Server Standards and Guidelines:
http://www.ed.gov/internal/wwwstds.html

Writing Accessible HTML Documents:
http://www.itpolicy.gsa.gov/cita/3/26/98

Helpful Hints in Producing Internet Pages

1. Be sure that your Internet site demonstrates special features to make it most accessible to people with disabilities. Specific informational resources are available through the NCDDR upon request.
2. Know your goal and your intended audience. Your Internet site should have something to say to those you expect to visit the site.
3. The Internet is an interactive medium. Provide ways for users to give feedback on your site, and plan to update the site regularly.
4. Style is important, but content is more important. Do not include graphics in your Internet site that do not contribute to the understanding of the content you are communicating or help in understanding the organization of the information.
5. Facilitate moving through your site. Allow users to search through the information you have rather than expecting them to go through everything to find what they need.
6. Review your pages to see how the information appears using several different browsers. Check any "hot links" you include to make sure they remain operative. Software is available that will do this automatically.
7. Visit other sites on the Internet. This will give you experience in good and bad components of web pages so that your own site will be improved.

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NIDRR Project Number: H133A990008
Last Updated: Tuesday, 29 January 2008 at 04:12 PM,
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