CyberSmart! : Lesson Plans : Private Information

Private Information

Download Student Activity Sheet(s) for printout in PDF Format

Overview
By examining and identifying actual online requests for private information, students learn to apply the same safety rules in cyberspace as they use when encountering strangers in the face-to-face world.

Objectives

		Identify private information
		Recall that private information should not be given out in cyberspace without permission of a parent or teacher
		Give examples of how Web sites request private information

ISTE^® National Technology Standards

Performance Indicator # 3

Site Preview

		WhaleTimes
		NYTimes
		National Geographic
		Book Adventure program
		The Free Library of Philadelphia
		Dr. Goodword's Word Wizard Club
		KidsCom
		Webkinz

Online Resources

Visit sites providing background information on Private Identity Information.

Materials

		Activity sheets (2)
		Online computer access
		Printer access

Introduce (offline)

		Ask: Have you ever been asked for information about yourself in cyberspace?
		Explain that today students will learn a safety rule to use in such situations.

Teach 1 (offline)

		Distribute the activity sheets.
		After reading the introduction on Activity Sheet 1, have students role play the scenario described. Ask: What clues tell you that sharing private information might be okay in this situation? (They are with their parents; their parents know everyone there; their parents introduced them.)

Teach 2 (offline)

		Discuss each type of private information in the chart, making sure students understand each category. NOTE: CyberSmart recommends that students under 13 not give out any information that will reveal their identity without first getting permission from a teacher, parent, or guardian.
		After students read "Use the Rule" discuss the fact that many students know more about using the computer than their parents. Point out that this fact makes it even more important that they be responsible in cyberspace.
		When students read "A Few Words About Passwords," reiterate that it is a safe idea to tell parents their passwords.

Teach 3 (online)

		Have students follow the directions under "Take the Rule into Cyberspace" to link to the recommended Web sites for this lesson.
		Allow students to explore, answering the questions.
		Have them print examples of the Web pages, highlight or circle the requests for private information, and post them in a display.

Close (offline)

		Direct students' attention to the display of private information requests found on Web sites.
		Ask: What is the safety rule to remember when you find pages like these? (Always ask permission of a parent or teacher before giving private information in cyberspace.)

Extend (online)
The following activity can be added for students who completed this lesson in a previous grade.

Direct students to search online for youth-oriented Web sites that ask for private information. Instruct students to print out each page they find that requests such information and share these pages with classmates.