(1) Navigating the Internet: A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is the unique address which identifies a resource on the Internet for routing purposes. Know how to interpret URLs. (see stylized image of the Interne).

• Use a web-based traceroute program or a commercial program such as "WhatRoute" (Mac) or Neotrace (PC) to trace the route between your computer and and a website outside of the United States. Include a screen shot showing a map and the text of the specific route taken when contacting the website. Compare your findings with those of others in the class. Are websites always located in the country in which they are registered? What does this show about the nature of Internet-based business and commerce? Traceroute programs can be used to track and graph web traffic to specific sites. Obtain a map for the traffic (see statcounter) to a specific site such as the Dr. Herr's home page.

• Compare the connection in the CSUN laboratory with your connection at home or school. What are the IP addresses of the computers you are working with? What kind of connections are your working with (dial-up, DSL, cable, 100-Base TX (twisted-pair LAN), 100-Base FX (fiber LAN), etc.)? Compare are your connection speeds.

• Most schools have developed Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) and have installed filters to keep student focused on education. Include text (scan or download is easiest) of your school's AUP and a description of the filters in place. If a school AUP is not available, provide a sample AUP, cite its source, and provide a link. If your are not working in a school, summarize how filters work.
  

(2) Knowing your School: Teachers should have a good understanding of their school, students, and thc communities they represent. Much statistical data can be gained using online resources. *TPE-tip You may wish to develop a case study of your school using this and you personal observations to meet TPE 8.

• Develop a written profile of your school and students. Your profile should include the following:
  • School distinctives : Study your school website and discuss school history, distictives and goals.
  • Geography: Describe your campus and its community using satellite photos and maps. Using the photos, describe the nature of the community (commercial, apartments, single family homes, industry, etc.)
  • Socioeconomic status: Include maps showing the socioeconomic status (SES) of the communities contributing students to your school. Discuss two or more prominent SES characteristics of the school population.
  • School performance: Include test scores and the Academic Performance Index of your school. Discuss the academic climate of your school, including test scores, API, change in scores, dropout rate, English learners, students requiring special education, etc.

(3) College Advisement: Secondary teachers often have the opportunity to advise students on decisions pertaining to college. In many environments, teachers are the only individuals students know who have been to college.

• Describe a real or hypothetical student (interests, family SES, personality) who is interested in pursuing a career in a field related to what you teach. Recommend a major and 4-year college and explain the rationale for your recommendation using information found on college websites. Provide active links to the colleges, and quote relevant information.
  
• Provide a paragraph of advice to the parents of this student regarding financing college. Consider their financial and family situation.
  

(4) Professional Growth: Teachers should model "life-long learning" by attending workshops, reading journals, and participating in professional organizations.*TPE-tip You may wish to research professional organizations and employment opportunities and include plans for professional involvement and career development as part of your Individual Induction Plan required for TPE 13.

• Describe a professional conference (related to your field) you may benefit from attending. Describe the purpose and scope of the professional organization sponsoring the conference and provide a synopsis of the conference and one or more selected workshops or presentations you would like to attend. Include a link to the professional organization and to the specific conference.
  

(5) Employment: Most schools and districts advertise job openings on the Internet. Teachers should use such resources not only to find employment for themselves, but also to attract others to their schools and thus build strong departments.

• Find a job announcement for a teaching position for which you are qualified. Include a screen capture of the advertisement. Describe the school and community using information found on the Internet. Cite your resources.
  

(6) Multi-media resources: Numerous educational videos, sound clips, and animations are available on the Internet. Teachers should be able to find appropriate multimedia resources, and link to or download such files.

• Identify an audio resource appropriate to teaching your subject (music, speech, animal sound, poem, newscast, etc.). Download the file and embed it in your portfolio, or provide an active link to it. Cite the source and describe how and why you will use it in instruction.
  
• Identify a video or animation appropriate to teaching your subject. Download the file and embed it in your portfolio, or provide an active link to it. If you provide a link, also include screen captures of key sections of the video or animation. Cite the source and describe how and why you will use it in instruction.