Pop-ups

Objectives – Teachers will be able to:

ü      Describe Internet Pop-ups and blocking software.

ü      Download, install, and use Pop-up blocking software.

ü      Evaluate the effectiveness of the software.

Introduction- Tired of those annoying Pop-ups?  Almost anyone who regularly surfs the net encounters Pop-up ads.  These ads can hinder a person as they navigate through the web searching for information. 

Activity – What do you know about Pop-ups?  How can you stop them?  This activity will give you the resources to better understand Pop-ups and the measures you can use to stop them from hindering your Internet browsing.  Complete the following steps in your search for understanding.

 

1.      Review the following sites to learn more about blocking Pop-ups.

 

PopupTest.com- provides a simple and independent source for popup window testing. Whether you are developing a popup killer software or you are thinking about purchasing one, you can use our sample pop-ups to test the effectiveness of the application. [Obtained from site]. http://www.popuptest.com/

 

Coolnerds.com- This site provides information on and descriptions of several Pop-up blocking programs.  Links to other sites is included.  http://www.coolnerds.com/Popups/

 

STOPzilla.com- CNet Editors' Choice Award winner! STOPzilla offers the highest level of Adware/Spyware protection available while intercepting and destroying intrusive Popup advertisements. [Obtained from site] http://www.stopzilla.com/download/download_select.aspx?AID=10004&S=&type=DOWNLOAD&topic=&source=&AAID=&dre=&cid=pop%20ups

 

Staware.com- Shuts down ads before they appear. [Obtained from site]. http://www.starware.com/2.0.0.0/landing/adblocker/adblocker_01.php?aff_id=knc_google

 

2. Investigate whether pop-up controls are available from your web browser and learn about the type of protection they offer.  The following provides links to four common Internet browsers.

 

Block Pop-up Windows with Internet Explorer- When you install SP2, Pop-up Blocker is turned on in Internet Explorer and set to the medium setting, which means it will block most automatic pop-ups. The default settings for the pop-up blocker allow you to see pop-ups that are opened when you click a link or button on a Web site. Pop-up Blocker will also play a sound and show the Information Bar when a pop-up is blocked. You can adjust these settings so that Pop-up Blocker works the way you want it to. [Obtained from site]. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/web/sp2_popupblocker.mspx

 

AOL Pop-up controls- AOL’s Pop-Up Controls let you choose what pop-ups and animated ads you see online. [Obtained from site]. http://daol.aol.com/convenience/popupcontrols

 

Firefox Pop-up controls- By default, Firefox blocks annoying popup windows on Web sites. Unchecking this option will disable popup blocking. [Obtained from site].   http://www.mozilla.org/support/firefox/options

 

Netscape- Netscape Browser includes numerous options and methods for blocking such intrusions, as well as ways for you to choose which web sites are allowed to use them. In general, you can set Netscape Browser to block the items that you don't want to see, and then allow specific sites to use them when you find that they're needed. [Obtained from site].  http://browser.netscape.com/ns8/help/popups.jsp

 

Note- If your Internet browser is not listed above, go to the “Help” menu on your browser and conduct a search for pop-ups.

 

3. Activate a Pop-up blocker and monitor the software/program for two weeks.  Record whether any Pop-ups get through the block and if so, briefly describe them.

Assignment Specification - Once you have researched Pop-ups and completed the two-week monitoring, compose a 400-word summary of your experience.  Include a brief statement of prior experience with Pop-ups, describe your Internet Browser, and explain what additions/changes you made to reduce Pop-ups.  Include a list of the Pop-ups (if any) that made it through the block. 

Submission – Email your description to the teacher as an email attachment. You may use Microsoft Word or similar program.  Include your last name as part of the assignment title.  Ex- smithpopup.  

 

Rubric – This assignment will be evaluated using the following criteria:

 

 

Below

Average

Proficient

Prior experience

Details are sparse or not present.

Details are provided but not fully explained.

Details are provided that are specific and thorough.

Internet Browser

Not provided

Identified but version not provided.

Identified with current version provided.

Description of additions or changes

Description is not supported with specific details.

Description is written but is not clear or details are too general.

Description is clearly written and supported with several specific details.

List of Pop-ups (if any)

Name/type of Pop-up given.

Name/type given along with site address.

Name/type given, site address, and description of the purpose of the ad are present.

 

 

ISTE Standards- This activity addresses the following ISDE standard:

 Standard 1: TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS.  Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.

  1. Demonstrate introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to technology (as described in the ISTE National Education Technology Standards for Students)
  2. Demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.

Link to ISTE site:  http://cnets.iste.org/teachers/t_stands.html