Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3
INFORMATION SECURITY
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INFORMATION SECURITY
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Computing
Class: JHS 3
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 1
Grade code: B9.3.3.1.1
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: B9.3.3.1
Indicator code: B9.3.3.1.1
Theme: COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
Subtheme: INFORMATION SECURITY
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In Ghana today, almost all of us use smartphones and the internet. We chat with friends on WhatsApp, share photos on Instagram and Facebook, and watch videos on TikTok. While these tools are fun and useful, they also come with dangers. This lesson is about understanding some of the most important online safety issues we face. We will learn how to protect ourselves and others, and how to use the internet responsibly. Understanding these topics will help you stay safe, protect your reputation, and be a good digital citizen.
This section breaks down the four key ideas for today's lesson. a) Cyberbullying Definition: Cyberbullying is the use of digital technology (like phones, computers, and social media) to repeatedly and intentionally harass, threaten, humiliate, or harm another person. It is bullying that happens online. Key Characteristics: Intentional: The person doing it means to cause harm. Repeated: It usually happens more than once. Harmful: It causes emotional or psychological distress to the victim. Examples in a Ghanaian Context: WhatsApp Groups: Creating a WhatsApp group without a particular classmate, and then using the group to say mean things, share embarrassing photos, or make fun of them. Facebook/Instagram Comments: A group of students repeatedly posting insulting comments (e.g., calling someone "kolo" or "obolo") under a classmate's picture. Spreading Rumours: Sending a false and hurtful story about someone through DMs (Direct Messages) or posting it on a popular social media page for everyone to see. Impersonation: Creating a fake social media account using someone's name and photos to post embarrassing things. Effects of Cyberbullying on Individuals: Emotional Effects: The victim can feel sad, angry, afraid, helpless, and alone. It can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression. Social Effects: The victim might withdraw from friends and family, stop participating in social activities, and feel isolated. They might lose trust in people. Academic Effects: It can be very difficult to concentrate on schoolwork when you are being bullied. The victim's grades may drop, and they might even be afraid to come to school. b) Cyberstalking Definition: Cyberstalking is a more intense and often more dangerous form of online harassment. It involves using the internet and other electronic means to stalk or harass an individual, group, or organization. It often involves a credible threat of harm and can make a person fear for their safety. Difference from Cyberbullying: While cyberbullying is often between peers (classmates), cyberstalking can be done by anyone (including adults) and is usually more obsessive and threatening. Examples in a Ghanaian Context: Constant Monitoring: Someone obsessively checking all your social media posts to know where you are, who you are with, and what you are doing. They might comment on every single post you make. Threatening Messages: Sending persistent and threatening messages via WhatsApp, Messenger, or email, suggesting they might harm you or your family in real life. Tracking: Using location information from your photos (geotagging) to figure out where you live, go to school, or hang out. Unwanted Contact: Creating multiple fake accounts to contact you after you have blocked their original account. c) Digital Footprint Definition: Your digital footprint is the trail of data you actively and intentionally leave behind when you use the internet. It's the information about you that exists online as a result of your own actions. Think of it like leaving footprints in the sand at Labadi beach – they show where you have been. Key Idea: You are in control of creating your digital footprint. Examples: Social Media Posts: The pictures, videos, and status updates you post on your own Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok accounts. Comments and Likes: Comments you leave on a news article on GhanaWeb or a friend's photo. Online Forms: Information you enter when signing up for an email account (like Gmail) or buying something from an online store (like Jumia). Videos You Upload: A dance challenge video you upload to your YouTube or TikTok channel. d) Digital Shadow Definition: Your digital shadow is the trail of data about you that is created by other people or collected passively without your direct, active involvement. It’s the data about you that you didn't create yourself. Key Idea: You are often not aware your digital shadow is being created. Examples: Photos Posted by Others: A friend takes a picture with you at the Accra Mall and posts it on their own Instagram, tagging your name. Website Cookies: When you visit a website, it might store small files (cookies) on your computer to track your browsing habits. This is why you might see adverts for shoes on Facebook right after searching for them on Google. Mentions by Others: Your school mentioning your name in an online article for winning a quiz competition. Data Brokerage: Companies collecting and selling your data based on your online activities.
Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Instructions: Let's work through these scenarios together as a class. Read the scenario, and we will discuss the answers.
Question 1: Scenario Analysis Ama and Esi are classmates but not close friends. Ama secretly records a video of Esi tripping and falling in the dining hall. That evening, Ama posts the video on her TikTok and in the class WhatsApp group with the caption, "Look at this clumsy girl 😂😂😂". Many classmates laugh and add more mean comments. Esi feels deeply embarrassed and cries. Task: Which online safety issue does this describe? Explain your reasoning. Solution & Commentary: Answer: This is a clear case of cyberbullying. Reasoning: Intentional: Ama intentionally posted the video to make fun of Esi. Harmful: The action caused Esi to feel embarrassed and sad (emotional harm). Digital Technology: It used TikTok and WhatsApp, which are digital platforms. The public nature of the post and the additional comments from classmates make the bullying worse.