Internet for First Time Starters at Woodbine
Welcome to Internet for First Time Starters at Woodbine.Content
Introduction
Goal
The goal of these classes is simple. To allow those who work at Woodbine to learn about the internet. We will teach some basic tools of the internet. You will become "internet literate".Who should attend?
Those who know very little (or nothing) about the internet, but want to learn. Those who know very little about computers, but want to learn.Format
There will be three sessions. Each session will be held on Monday at 5 pm in the Jake Howard Center. Between each session, you will have "homework" to complete, which you can do in the Jake Howard Center during the week.Each session will include some basic instruction, some question and answer sessions and some hands-on practical work.
Instructor
That's me, Alex. I work for Steve Asmussen as an exercise rider. I manage alexbrownracing.com. I also used to teach Internet Marketing at the University of Delaware.
Session 1
Basics of the internet and the computer.What is the internet ? (web, e-mail)
How can the internet be accessed ? (computer, phone)
Navigating the web. (Point and click, keyboard, back and forward buttons)
Setting up an e-mail account on Gmail.
Searching the internet via Google.
Exploring wikipedia
Homework: E-mail Alex (alexbr.brown@gmail.com) a weblink found from a google search and a weblink of a wikipedia entry.
Session 2
OK, for your second week of class work, I am going to ask you to answer the following 10 questions. Each answer needs to include a link to the "source". I will donate $100 to LongRun in the name of the person who e-mails me the first set of correct answers. cheers, alex1. Hurricane Ike is the fourth hurricane of the 2008 season. T / F ?
2. What is the capital of Bolivia ?
3. Which bank is planning to acquire Merrill Lynch ?
4. Who won the Kentucky Derby in 1932 ?
5. Who was third in the Woodbine Mile in 2006 ?
6. Who won the third race at Presque Isle Downs on Saturday September 13 ?
7. How many feet are there in a mile ?
8. Which year was Einstein born ?
9. Who was leading trainer at Fort Erie in 2007 ?
10. How old is google ?
Session 3
Summary and wrap up.
Resources
Google
Google allows you to search the web. Type in what you are looking for in the search box and the results will be links to resources on the web that match your search query. The web is massive, and has information on just about anything, google allows you to find what you need.Gmail
Gmail is an e-mail program you can use. Your e-mail account on gmail will allow you to send and receive e-mail to anyone who has an e-mail account, regardless of whether that person has an account on gmail or any other e-mail program (like hotmail for instance). As long as you know someone's e-mail address you can send that person an e-mail. When they receive your e-mail they will have your e-mail address. If you receive an e-mail from someone, you can easily send a reply and you will know their e-mail address.Youtube
Use its search option to find video of virtually anything you are looking for. Key in a major race (for example Kentucky Derby 2006) and see the results you can play.Google News
Always updated news from around the world. You can also search for specific news. You can also have news alerts sent to your e-mail based on specific keyword phrases (useful if you want to always be alerted to specific types of news stories.)Wikipedia
Wikipedia is like an online encyclopedia. It has a wealth of information on many topics. It is edited and updated by people all over the internet.Daily Racing Form
Much like its paper version, this is the online resource for everything racing. You can read articles, view entries, results and charts, all for free. There is a free subscription that you need to sign up. You can also track horses by placing them on your watch list (select tools, then watch lists). You will then get an e-mail alert each time your horse works, is entered and runs.Bloodhorse
Another racing publication which mirrors its offline version. Articles are written daily on upcoming races and results.Thoroughbredtimes
Same as with the bloodhorse, another site for horse racing news.Paulick Report
This horse racing site aggregates news from many sources, so serves as a good starting point for horse racing news across the internet. It also includes opinion pieces.Woodbine
Of course Woodbine, like virtually any other organization, has it's own web-site. You can find all sorts of information about Woodbine, the races here, results and so forth.Jen's Thoroughblog
Everything Ontario racing. Jen's site updates nearly daily on anything that involves racing, horses and horsemen from Ontario.
Tips
Set up multiple instances of internet explorer.To work on the project, below, it will be easiest to have more than one window open with internet explorer. To do this:
a. Minimize the first window (top right, click on the - option)
b. Click on the internet explorer icon when all windows are minimized
c. To move between "windows" press the alt key. As the alt key is down press the tab key (it is the key with two arrows pointing away from each other). Lift the tab key when the window you want is selected. If only two windows are active, you can lift the tab key up as soon as you have pressed it.
To copy and paste
To complete the project I am asking you to include the links to the web pages you used to find the answers. The following illustrates how to copy a web address and then paste it into your e-mail. It assumes you have two windows open, one with your e-mail (http://gmail.com) and the other with the web page with the answer.
a. place the mouse over the internet address you wish to copy
b. right click with the mouse once, then scroll down to select "copy"
c. in your e-mail window, left click with the mouse where you want to paste the web address. Then right click with your mouse, then scroll down to select "paste".