Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Digital Commerce


Essential Questions


  • Are students aware of the opportunities and problems associated  with purchasing items using technology?  (Are teachers aware?)
  • Should students be made more aware of how to purchase goods and services through digital formats?

6 comments:

  1. Most teachers and students are not aware of the problems associated with purchasing/selling items using technology. Identity is so easily stolen that a simple input of information BEFORE researching the online seller to see if they are legitimate can lead to your information being "out there". Teachers need to be properly informed so they can teach their students appropriate use. Since everything can practically be done online students most definitely need to be made more aware of how to purchase goods and services through digital format. They also need to know how to do appropriate research. Don't just buy the first thing they see...look up prices, sellers, etc.

    Since I teach a 8-9 year olds it is important for me to help my students develop good practices because this is the age where the spending on digital goods begins. (which I find hard to believe since most is bought online with a credit card...but there are now so many kid friendly ways to purchases items).

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  2. As far as purchasing regular goods and services, even gas pumps count as technology where personal information can be stolen. I do not see people taking steps to hide their PIN numbers at Chevron, so it follows that they are not careful when making purchases from their home offices.

    I would like to know more about what Jessica says: How are 8 year olds making purchases? For that matter, adults who don't have credit cards?

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  3. I honestly am not aware many of the problems associated with buying things online and have been subject to the scams on Craigslist and Ebay. Now that I have made those mistakes I am much more careful but really it should be taught to students so they don't make mindless mistakes. Awareness is key!

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  4. I wasn't sold this was an elementary or middle school issue until I saw the new apps for smart phones.

    Althought few students at this level have a smart phone, it is just a matter of time before they are all carrying one.

    What app you may be asking, the new whew who app is one where your phone is tied to your bank account and you hold your phone up to the scanner to have the dollars for your purchase deducted from your account. It makes your phone a swip debt card. Issues: how many kids lock their phone, how many phones a stolen, how many kids lose their phone, how many kids leave their phone laying around???????

    What this type of education looks like, don't know. Where does it go in the curriculum, don't know, how do we teach it, don't know.

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  5. I do believe that some teachers are aware of the problems of online commerce, yet I am not sure if they see the complete picture. I don't think that students understand all of the problems inherent with having automatic deductions; however, use of a gift card could be a good way of bridging the gap.

    I agree with the wonderful Ms. Leckman in: how do we as educators tie this problem in with a elem/middle curriculum? Does it need to be taught? Yes, but how do we get the kids attention or understand the importance?

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  6. JE: I know there are some parents who log in using their credit cards and don't manage what their children are buying. While students are online playing games they are almost prompted to buy stuff. They either use the credit card or credits they have earned through the games to buy things. They input personal information (name, school, birthday, address...etc) not knowing who has access to it.

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