Digital Commerce

Today so much is bought and sold online.  From music to textbooks, being a safe, informed consumer is important, whether we go to the store to purchase, or go online to do so.  If we walked up to the check-out register and the clerk began asking our address, phone number, social security number, etc., we would be appalled.  Why then, do we feel free to release our secure information online? 

My only personal experience from online problems are from my daughter-in-law, who had her purse with wallet stolen while at a Dallas restaurant two years ago.  Although this event did not happen online, it has affected her credit, both online and offline.  As Ribble states, “Students need to understand that their actions online can follow them throughout their life” (2007). 

There is a certain amount of either ignorance or naivete in young consumers.  They either do not think anyone would try to steal their identity or falsely think they are protected against such things.  The website, GetNetWise.com, provides information and answers to many matters regarding online consumerism. This site also has information on keeping children safe online, preventing hacking and viruses, how to keep computers safe, and much more valuable information for consumers.  

Educators, especially those in secondary grades would do well to prepare lessons for students as they begin to surf the net for products to purchase.  As time goes on, because of convenience and availability, future students will purchase more and more products and services online.  This area of education may be new, but we must prepare students as they begin to make online purchases. 

GetNetWise. (1999-2008). Retrieved May 21, 2011, from Internet Education
     Foundation website: http://www.getnetwise.org/ 

  Ribble, M., & Bailey, G. (2007). Digital citizenship in schools. Eugene, Oregon:
     International Society for Technology in Education. (Original work published
     2007)