The World Wide Web in Plain English

I know a number of adults (let alone students) who will appreciate this short, simple explanation of how the Internet works... courtesy of Common Craft.

Don't be a Phish

I admit that I'm partial to the music of Phish, but I don't appreciate the constant stream of web-based IQ tests that are finding their way to my inbox.

A few days ago, I shared a phishing attempt that represented itself to be from Google. Would you have fallen prey? Why my G-mail account failed to recognize it, I'm still wondering... But surely, more elaborate phishing attempts can be anticipated.

How about a follow-up test?
One of the two websites below is authentic, the other is a phishing attempt disguised to trick users into giving away their login details. Can you tell which is which? What additional information do you need in order to decide?




Would you like a hint or two?
This is a copy of the original email that linked to both the real Paypal site, and the phishing site. DO NOT ENTER ANY INFORMATION INTO THE FIELDS OF THE PHISHING SITE.

With luck, your browser may caution you prior to displaying the dishonest site; and in most cases, close inspection of the web address should confirm that you are not at an authentic site. Note that it is possible for a site manager to cloak the real address and to display a false but authentic-looking domain name.

This mimicry, is the same type of work that fooled many in the Twitter community, to share their login details during last month's phishing expedition. Though that episode appears to have been horseplay, the consequences of falling for such a ploy can be grand. It's just one more reason to follow practical password advice.

If you're looking to teach others about 'phishing', I highly recommend the clever creative work of Common Craft. Regardless of your audience, Phishing Scams in Plain English is a great little tutorial.

Common Craft Teaches Web Search

Cool!
Lee and Sachi LeFever have just posted a new Common Craft Video:


Web Search Strategies in Plain English from leelefever on Vimeo.

For those looking for more 'how-to search' tips, and for a way that students can apply what they learn, feel free to visit the Google Incorporated, a rich performance task I wrote a few years ago to teach teachers and students how to Google for Gold.

Uncommonly Creative Craftsmanship

Educators can learn a lot from the messages crafted by Lee and Sachi Lefever at Common Craft. This team is very effective at explaining the hows and whys of evolving web technologies, through the manipulation of simple hand-drawn paper cutouts, choreographed to a 'plain English' voiceover. The power of the explanations, lies in the fact that the hosts use common real world situations in order to make the tools relevant for the audience.

Here is an explanation I've been waiting for: Podcasting in Plain English:



I'd love to see similar videos produced specifically for teacher and student audiences, and I think this chore is best left to the learners themselves. While most would be prone to mimicking the Common Craft technique, I'd recommend that students develop and implement their own styles using live action, animation, or photography. Tune in to 'Learning in Virtual Worlds, 'today's Teacher 2.0 podcast for ideas about how to engage students in this type of work.

If you'd like to see more Common Craft explanations in Plain English, or if you or your students would like to contribute your own explanations, take time to visit the Web 2.0 Wiki-Dictionary.

Teach Others About Twitter

Our friends at Common Craft have posted a new movie explaining Twitter and I've added it to the Web 2.0 Dictionary Wiki.

We're looking for more contributions to this multi-media dictionary, so feel free to contribute. If you are new to Twitter, be sure to look for 'thecleversheep'.

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