Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 10
Internet technologies: using the web and email responsibly – Week 9 focus
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Internet technologies: using the web and email responsibly – Week 9 focus
Download the Lessonotes Mobile South Africa app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Computer Applications Technology
Class: Grade 10
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 9
Theme: General lesson support
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The internet is an incredibly powerful tool. It connects us to information, education, and each other like never before.
However, just like any powerful tool, it needs to be used responsibly. This week, we're focusing on how to use the web and email ethically and safely. In South Africa, where access to the internet is constantly growing, especially via mobile phones, understanding responsible online behaviour is crucial. We'll explore issues like cyberbullying, misinformation, phishing, and respecting online privacy. Failing to act responsibly online can have serious consequences, from damage to your reputation to legal repercussions.
2.1 Cyberbullying Cyberbullying is using electronic communication to bully a person. This includes sending hurtful or threatening messages, posting embarrassing photos or videos, spreading rumors, and creating fake profiles. It can happen through social media, instant messaging, email, or any other online platform. Why is it important to address cyberbullying? Cyberbullying can have devastating effects on victims, leading to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts. It’s important to remember that what you say or do online can have real-world consequences.
Examples: Scenario: A student, Thando, creates a fake Instagram account to spread rumors about another student, Ayanda. The rumours cause Ayanda to be ostracized and become depressed.
Scenario: A group of learners repeatedly sends insulting messages to a classmate via WhatsApp group, making them feel unwelcome and unsafe.
Prevention and Response: Think before you post: Consider the impact of your words and actions before posting anything online. Would you say it to someone's face?
Don't respond: Engaging with cyberbullies often escalates the situation. Instead, block them and report their behavior to the platform and a trusted adult.
Save evidence: Take screenshots or save messages as evidence in case you need to report the cyberbullying to the school or police.
Tell someone: Talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor.
Report it: Most social media platforms have reporting mechanisms for cyberbullying. Use them. Many schools also have anti-bullying policies and procedures. 2.2 Online Scams (Phishing and Fake News)
Phishing: Phishing is a type of online scam where criminals try to trick you into giving them your personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and ID numbers, by disguising themselves as a trustworthy entity. This is often done through fake emails, websites, or text messages.
Example: You receive an email that looks like it's from your bank, claiming your account has been compromised and asking you to click a link to verify your information. The link takes you to a fake website that looks exactly like your bank's website, but it's actually designed to steal your login credentials. A text message appears claiming you've won a lottery and requests your banking details to deposit the winnings.
How to avoid phishing: Be wary of unsolicited emails and messages: Don't click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.
Check the sender's address: Phishing emails often come from addresses that are slightly different from the legitimate organization's address.
Look for grammatical errors and typos: Phishing emails are often poorly written.
Never share personal information: Legitimate organizations will never ask for your password, credit card number, or ID number via email or text message.
Go directly to the website: If you need to log in to your account, type the address directly into your browser instead of clicking on a link in an email.
Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
Fake News: Fake news is intentionally false or misleading information presented as news. It can be spread through social media, websites, and even word of mouth.
Example: A website publishes a story claiming that a popular politician is secretly funded by foreign governments, without providing any evidence. A social media post spreads a false rumor about a health crisis, leading to panic and misinformation.
How to identify fake news: Check the source: Is the website or social media account reputable? Does it have a history of publishing accurate information?
Look for evidence: Does the story cite credible sources? Are there any facts or figures that can be verified?
Read beyond the headline: Often, the headline is designed to be sensational and misleading.
Be aware of your own biases: We are more likely to believe information that confirms our existing beliefs.
Consult fact-checking websites: Websites like Africa Check, Snopes, and PolitiFact are dedicated to debunking fake news.
Consider the URL: Often fake news sites have URLs that mimic well-known reputable news sources. 2.3 Online Privacy Online privacy refers to the right to control your personal information online. This includes your name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and social media posts. Why is online privacy important? Protecting your online privacy helps to prevent identity theft, cyberstalking, and other forms of online harassment. It also gives you control over how your personal information is used by companies and organizations. Best practices for protecting your online privacy: Use strong passwords: Use a different password for each account, and make sure your passwords are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.