Internet Awareness Building

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he Internet is a huge and ever-growing network that links computers and computer networks around the world. The network is fast, especially considering the technical complexity to connect, for example, a computer in Cape Town with one in Washington, D.C., or in Accra. (For a visual depiction, see the map in the background section of the appendices.) Complicated as the global network is, however, it starts with the basics: a computer loaded with Internet-access software, access to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), a modem or other method of connection, and an open telephone line to make the connection.

Just as important, access to the Internet starts with the initiative and willingness of one person or a group to experiment. Remember, any new idea or technology takes time to become accepted. People often need many opportunities to hear about and observe change before they start to include it in their realm of "doing business." Your initial job as the Internet champion in your organization may be to build awareness so that people see how the Internet can help them.

Overview: Building Internet Awareness

By building awareness of the Internet within your organization, you will cultivate a general appreciation and knowledge of what the Internet is and what it can do. You need to think about each person you will be talking to and make the discussion or demonstration relevant to his or her job responsibility and level of technical expertise. Some strategies to do that include the following:

1. Show it! Demonstrate the Internet to your colleagues, giving key features and introducing different possibilities for using it. If your office does not already have Internet access, perhaps you can visit a nearby place that does.

2. Provide concrete, relevant examples of what can be done with the Internet. Again, you can use the examples in this book, or better yet, share examples from organizations your audience already knows.

3. Consider carefully how you will launch this Internet introduction. In some organizations, it's better to start with senior management first; elsewhere the whole staff should be involved from the start.

4. Make it fun. Don't get bogged down in overly technical explanations of how the Internet works or in other specifics.


post by santan...29th...july......