When teachers need to meet technology standards in addition to content standards, many are turning to the Internet to complete research or to find items of interest. This lesson is part of a three part Christmas series on comparison "cyber" shopping of an item on a student's wish list and writing a persuasive letter to the parents asking for the item on the wish list.
Check School AUP Policy First
In order to "cyber shop", students need to surf the Internet. Before they begin, check the school should AUP or Acceptable Internet Use Policy. Many schools have students and parents read and sign the form. Basically, the form ensures that the computers in the school are being used appropriately, and students are being responsible.
Problems with Surfing
Most schools have a filter system that stops students from going to websites that may not be appropriate. However, some sites that are inappropriate still get through the system and some appropriate sites cannot be viewed. Check with your school on its policies. Tell students if they come upon a site that is inappropriate that they should tell you right away so that it can be reported to the technology coordinator.
The "cyber shopping" that students do for the lesson in this series are only "pretend" in that students comparison shop and do the research for a selected item. No money changes hands and nothing is purchased. However, remind students that they should never buy anything on the Internet without their parents' permission. And, they should never give out personal information to win "prizes" on the Internet from the pop up advertisements. Also, parents should be aware that debit cards should not be used over the Internet due to identity theft and theft of credit card numbers.
Just remember that the Internet has a vast assortment of resources right at your fingertips. Students can get into trouble if left unsupervised; however, you can teach them to surf smart and to stay safe.