1. The internet is a wonderful thing. The resources that are now available on-line are unbelievable to those of us who did all this in the dark ages of slide rules and keypunch cards (if you don’t know, don’t ask). Even though it has wonderful things to offer, though, it is not your one-stop-research-shop, and a healthy dose of skepticism is an important tool for any college surfer.

2. The list of web sites you should be familiar with begins with your college’s own site.  Increasingly, students are expected to use their university’s web site to monitor their academic progress, register for classes, pay fines, search the library catalog, get e-mail from faculty members, and more. So spend some quality time surfing through it and bookmark essential sites (Student Services, the Registrar, Financial Aid, student organizations, etc.). Look at it this way – if nothing else, you’ll be able to amaze your friends and instructors with your ability to locate obscure web pages (“how to sign up for the distance education underwater basketweaving section” . . .).

3. In case you hadn’t figured it out by now, anyone can create web pages and post anything they want on the web. Just because it’s online doesn’t mean it’s true, relevant, or legitimate to use on your latest term paper. Learn to evaluate web sites with the same care you evaluate other information sources and avoid the pitfall of thinking that the web is a legitimate substitute for the campus library. And forget you’ve ever heard of sites that post student research papers “for information purposes.” Really.

4. Your campus library probably uses at least some web-based research tools and probably offers a variety of ways for you to learn how to use them. Do it. Now. 

5. Remember that campus computer networks, like any other computer networks, sometimes crash. Just another reason not to wait until the last minute to complete that web assignment. 

6.  Here are some of Dr. Mom's recommended sites: 

•  Study Guides for testing, reading, writing, and classroom participation is an excellent all-around site for academic skills and includes the valuable Evaluating Website Content page.
• The  Academic Skills Center at Dartmouth College also has lots of useful advice.