SLM521

Internet Course Module

Richard McFarland

December 1, 2005

Spam

Objective Teachers will be able to identify and describe Spam.

Objective Teachers will be able to explain the dangers of Spam, to include how it is spread and how to stop it.

Objective Teachers will be able to locate and use sites that provide anti Spam software to include, Spam blocking, identification and reporting.

Introduction Have you ever received an email offering a great deal on prescription drugs? Or one that promises a great investment opportunity? Or a benign email advertisement that when opened, contained inappropriate adult material? If so, you have been Spammed! And you’re not the only one. Thousands of people receive Spam mail everyday. Spam is unsolicited email which often may contain harmful code such as viruses or Worms. It is against the law and a problem which should be taken seriously. This activity is designed to help you deal with Spam.

Activity Go to Spam Laws site and review federal law and Maryland State law regarding Spam.

Go to FTC - SPAM - Home Page, the Federal Trade Commission site and review the information on Spam.

Visit both sites listed below, review information on Spam and download one of the two sites anti-Spam software. (You’re choice) Use product for at least two weeks and track product on Spam blocking effectiveness, notification and reporting capability.

Spam Cop – Anti-Spam software site protecting the public since 1998.

SpamAssassin: Welcome to SpamAssassin – Anti-Spam software site. Top honors in Anti-Spam category of Datamation’s Product of the Year 2005.

Assignment Write a 200 word essay on your experience using the anti-Spam software. Include why you choose the software, its’ effectiveness, and things you learned on the subject.

Create a one page information sheet for staff and students which describes the dangers of Spam, ways to prevent it (include helpful Anti-Spam sites) and a summary of federal and state law regarding Spam.

Submission Post your activities as an html file to the McDaniel Web Server and send your instructor an email notification containing a hot link to the assignment and the file's URL.

Rubric	Unacceptable	Accomplished
Essay	Brief, poorly written statement with little organization of ideas. Poor spelling and punctuation.	Well crafted, engaging essay that clearly conveys user’s experience and information on the topic. Good spelling and punctuation.
Information Sheet	Poor organization with little information given. Poor spelling and punctuation.	Well organized document with brief summary of topic, useful tips and helpful sites. Good spelling and punctuation.

ISTE

Standards This course activity addresses the following ISTE Standards.

I. TECNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS

Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts. Teachers:

A. demonstrate introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology (as described in the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students.)

B. demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.

A complete list of all ISTE Standards can be found at:

National Educational Standards for Teachers –

http://cnets.iste.org/teachers/t_stands.html