INFS P050: Sample Assignments
Introduction to the Internet Assignments
E-Commerce
Choose an item you would like to purchase online.
Visit three different online stores and find out (a) price of item, (b) shipping cost for item, and (c) return policy. You can find a list of different online stores at http://onlineshopping.about.com . You may have to look around to find the stores shipping and return policy. Typically, these are listed near the bottom of the site home page.
Based on that information, where will you purchase this item?
For credit on this assignment:
1. What items did Amazon.com recommend to you on The Page That You Made? List a couple of them for us, and write a paragraph about your impressions of Amazon.com. Post as a Reply to my message "Amazon.com" on the online shopping board.
2. On eBay, what types of items did you look at? Have you ever participated in an auction before? After visiting eBay, do you think you would buy or sell something in an online auction? Why or why not? Post as a Reply to my message "eBay.com" on the online shopping board.
3. Post a message to the Online Shopping discussion board about your comparison shopping experience. Make a list that includes the item name, the site you shopped at, the shipping charges, and the return policy. Include a comment on where you decided to purchase your item and why. It might look something like this:
The World According to Garp
- Amazon.com - $19.99 + 3.50 shipping. Will take returns for 30 days, buyer pays return postage.
- Barnesndoble.com - $21.95 + 2.50 shipping. Will take returns for 30 days, call for a return shipping label.
- Half.com - $10.00 + 1.75 shipping. No returns unless damaged.
I would purchase the book from Half.com because the price is lower. I know I will be taking my chances, but the seller has over 50 positive feedback ratings.
Assessment
I teach a unit on how to search the internet and evaluate websites. Following this assignment, I give a "scavenger hunt" quiz. The idea is to have students apply the knowledge they have learned in seeking out information on the Internet.
The final exam for this class involves an application of several communication skills taught in the class. Students are required to sign up for an interview time on the class discussion board, to email me the answers to several questions, and to participate in a live chat (AIM). In the live chat, I have a selected set of questions that I ask each student. Part of the final involves their ability to communicate in this mode. This format also gives me a chance to make a final connection with my students and answer any questions they might have about the class.
