First, let's look at what makes a good assignment in general:

• specific, clearly stated purpose
• relationship to the learning objectives of the course
• clearly stated outcomes that are perceived by the learner to be useful
• assignment resources are checked for availability, currency, and usability

These aspects must be present in any assignment; simply adding technology to a poorly constructed assignment does not make it "better".

Additional points to consider when using technology:

• Use technology to solve a problem, to help you be a better teacher, or to help your students learn. Don't use it just because you feel you must.
• Start small- set realistic, achievable goals and progress as you and your students gain competence.
• Students more than likely will need help with the research process. Teach it in class or have the librarians help. Online searching can be overwhelming.
• Do the assignment yourself. This will give you a better perspective on the feasibility of what you are asking your students to do.
• Don't assume there is reliable information on every conceivable topic on the Internet.
• Use technology to foster higher-order, critical thinking skills.

Helpful Hints

• Avoid information overload. Students can easily become distracted by too much information. Provide guided entry points for your students to help in the categorization of materials. Don't point them to a home page and expect that they will be able to find information that is several layers back.
• Teach students to critically evaluate the information they find. The following web site has extensive material that can be used: http://www2.widener.edu/Wolfgram-Memorial-Library/webevaluation/webeval.htm
• Provide the information in "chunks". In other words, have all of the links for a particular assignment on one page, don't make the students follow several links to get to materials.
• Match the technology with the assignment.