The Online Student: Making the Grade on the Internet

* Reddick, Randy, and Elliot King (1996). The Online Student: Making the Grade on the Internet. Fort Worth, Texas: Harcourt Brace College Publishers. 317 pp. Paperback, $13.50.

As the title suggests, this text is a student guide to the Internet. By delving into only essential computer terminology and cleverly organizing the content, Reddick and King have developed an affordable text that meets their goal of expanding one's ability to find and use Internet resources.

The Online Student does not purport to provide a comprehensive review of all Internet applications nor does it attempt to explain the intricacies of computer networks. Instead, it sticks to the "how to's," "where's," and "so what's" of using the Internet to gather and share information. Moreover, the authors write specifically for college students, considering their Internet needs and computing environments, providing examples of how other students have applied Internet tools to meet their individual needs, and writing in a conversational style.

In the first half of the text, the authors address specific Internet tools of E-mail, the World Wide Web, Gophers, Telnet, FTP, and Usenet. They cover what can be accomplished with each tool and how to use it.

The authors then devote a chapter to research strategies. Although related electronic searching devices are explained along with each tool, this chapter addresses other Internet research tools, such as WAIS. The authors also advise students on library research and discuss pitfalls that may occur from excessive reliance on Internet resources. Social rules and official regulations of Internet use receive an overview as do legal and ethical aspects.

Chapters in the latter half of the text concern the humanities, the social sciences, business, and science. Each chapter further breaks down these areas and provides specific resources accessible through the Internet. Finally, the authors provide a short review of nonacademic Internet uses, from entertainment to job searches.

Many features make this text appealing. Factual examples, a conversational approach, and consideration of campus computing environments make it a comfortable guide for students and faculty alike. The choice and organization of content make the text a practical how-to guide and reference book. This text provides the novice an understandable introduction to Internet tools and how to use them.