1. Public Relations vs. News

The web allows individuals to read press releases that were once sent only to news organizations. Compare a press release to a news article. This exercise is most effective with fairly small local companies. With less news about these companies available, it is easier to see the relationship between the press release and news.

The first step is to find a company in the news. Go to a web portal like Google or Yahoo. Search for news on a company or city. Now go to (PR Newswire) and search for news on the same company on or near the same date. It may take you a few tries, but you will find a pair of stories. How closely did the news story match the press release? Could the reporter have added more information?

2. Universities Online

Schools promote themselves through their web page. How well does your school do it? Go to your college, university or program web page. Next, go to three other pages for similar schools or programs. What is best about your school's web page? What are others doing that your school could be doing?

3. Web Cameras

A fun little sidelight to the Internet is the web camera. Usually, they have very little use. They let the world know a person or place is still around. Search for web cameras. You will not have any problem finding them. You may need streaming software for some, but there are lots that do not require it. Watch five or six web cameras. How would you use them? Which one was your favorite?

4. Political Platforms

Politicians also need to get their message out. Too often, they feel misquoted by the mass media. With a web page, politicians can fully explain their points of view. Find web pages for three politicians that serve your hometown. Compare the styles and content of the pages. Which page impressed you the most? Would you vote for a candidate based on their web site?