By 2000, Canada was number 2 in the world in the number of Internet users. Over 47% of the population used the Internet to communicate, for entertainment, for research, shopping, banking and news. Number 1 in the world was Sweden. Does that surprise you? Why do you think Canada is ahead of the U.S. in this area? To find statistics for the rest of the world, go to http://www.cyberatlas.com/big_picture/geographics

Other Interesting Statistics

• in 1999 12% of all Canadians age 12 or older have made on-line purchases. This has doubled from the previous year
• in 1999 49% of users were male, 51% female
• older people are now the fastest-growing Internet user group

The Business Toolbox: Instructor Notes

Surveys: What are people saying?

• Try the many brainstorming and vocabulary activities covered in the Teacher’s Notes with the group
• Depending on skill level, you may want to delve more fully into computer terms, websites, and so on
• Also, learners may be able to prepare their materials for this activity on a computer—perhaps a PowerPoint presentation?
• Review surveys—their purpose and how they are presented
• Use the sample survey and accompanying pie charts to illustrate how the activity could be done
• If possible, have the learners try some on-line surveys
• Put learners into small groups
• Ask each group to brainstorm the focus of their information technology survey—make sure it is neither too broad nor too specific
• Have each group develop the survey, print it up (perhaps on a computer!) and distribute it to as many people as possible
• Have groups collect the data
• Ask the groups to present the data to the whole group
• Remind learners that they may choose from a variety of formats—charts, graphs, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
• As a large group, discuss how the surveys differed as well as the results