Internet Problem Solving Contest

The competition consists of a set of algorithmic problems which must be solved in a fixed amount of time. For each problem two input data sets (easy and hard) are published, and competitors are asked to compute the correct output data for given data sets. Usually, this involves writing a computer program in some programming language, but producing the output by hand or in any other way is also acceptable.
Teams are ranked by the number of points received. Each team received 1 point for solving each easy data set, and 2 points for each hard data sets. Upon solving a problem, the time taken since the beginning of the contest is added to the time penalty, plus penalties for prior incorrect submissions of the problem; in case of a tie, teams are ranked with time penalty, with lesser time consumed ranking higher. ^[1]

Before creating or implementing a project that involves the use of the Internet, you should ask yourself, "Is the Internet the most efficient and effective medium to reach the instructional goals?" Following are a few guidelines to help ascertain the relevance of projects.
Projects should be meaningful
As with other forms of technology, the Internet should be used to take advantage of its specific instructional features. Internet based projects should be well-defined and interesting for the students.
The Internet is a tool, not an end in itself. Teachers must define, structure, and carry out a lesson integrating the Internet just as they would in any other activity. Inviting the world into your classroom requires specific goals, precise structure, organization, and follow-through.
Look for projects with specific goals
Successful Internet based projects for schools usually have specific goals and timeliness. The goals should be clearly stated at the beginning of the project so that participating educators can assess the relevance for their curriculum. The timeline provides the structure needed to keep a project on track.
Start small
Begin on a small scale; plan and practice with only a few participants or one other classroom. This will help you and the other participants get to know each other, as well as give you an idea of what is involved in maintaining a meaningful ongoing telecommunications project.