Internet Online Course Module
Web Based Email Accounts

email


Objective - Students will be able to evaluate various web based email providers based on the options they offer, set up an account, and send an email to the instructor which states what aspects prompted them to choose their particular provider.

Introduction - While most people are at least familiar with the concept of email, most people aren't aware of how many options are open to them when it comes to "web based" email, that is, an email provider other than their chosen internet provider, and one where they must open a browser window to check, compose, and send email correspondence.

There are literally hundreds of web based email providers available on the Internet, from the well known providers such as AOL and Hotmail to lesser known providers, like CANOE mail (from Canada) and ROTFL (Rolling On The Floor Laughing).
Many offer options such as spam-blockers, or forwarding. Some offer an expanded service for a fee, while some even offer a free web page to subscribers.

Activity - Do some research on at least 5 different web based email providers using the resources listed below and select one to subscribe to. Make sure you investigate spam controls (Will they simply block it, or will they track those buggers down?), address book capabilities, spell checking, privacy implications (Will they give out your address?), storage limits (How much email can you save in folders before they start refusing new ones?)

Assignment - After you select and subscribe to a provider, send an email to your instructor that lists the 5 email providers you considered and why you chose the one that you did. In addition, tell which provider was the least attractive to you and why.

Rubric -

1
 2
 3
Research
 Five services that require no research to find.
 Five interesting services, none of which are Yahoo, AOL, or Hotmail.
 Services that have never advertised on TV, and which include many bells and whistles.
Service subscribed to.
 Simply consists of a list of providers.
Provides a few details about the chosen service.
 Complete report on services evaluated and gives details about best and worst service.
Service decided against.
 Random choice with no information to back the decision.
 Personal opinions as to why the service wasn't chosen but without much evidence.
 Discovery of hidden, encrypted, small print that gives them control of users finances. (Or simply overwhelming evidence against chosing the service.)


Resources -

Free Email Ratings - (British Site) Consumers voice their opinions on a few of the better known email services.
http://www.ciao.co.uk/ratings.php/RatingId/5005209/Pid/1,12,12975,12992/Sortorder/2

Yahoo Directory Free Email Providers  - one of the better known directories provides a list http://dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Business_to_Business/Communications_and_Networking/Internet_and_World_Wide_Web/Email_Providers/Free_Email/

Emailaddresses. com - wonderful resource for finding the little-known provider that's just right for you!  http://www.emailaddresses.com/

POSTY! - Let Posty help find your ideal email provider!
http://www.fepg.net/search.html