Digital Commerce

Focus Question: What do users need to know when buying items online?

Users need to be aware of secure websites, fraudulent websites, reputable merchants, privacy settings, and agreements.

Related Question: Why should teachers be concerned with online purchasing?

With online purchasing becoming so popular, even among school aged students, teachers bear a responsibility to teach and model appropriate digital commerce. Also teachers can learn how to better protect themselves as well.

Activity: (I asked my wife... a teacher). Yes she has made online purchase...quite frequently I might add...haha. She has not had a problem, and she has not personally heard of anyone she knows having a problem either. Her parents had problems with bank fraud, but it was because someone had stolen an actual check. The only issue a friend of mine had was buying a replacement iPod from craigslist after his was stolen. He showed up to find out it was his stolen one! He went to the bathroom at the gas station, called the police and the guy was arrested. Hilarious, scary, and unbelievable.

I hear about my student's making purchases online frequently... Especially eBay, off of PlayStation network, Xbox live, iTunes and the app store. I have not heard of any of my students having issues, but I have not talked a lot to them about it.

I think that teaching students about responsible online purchasing is very good. I can't think of any real cons with teaching them about this topic. The online con I could think about would be an increased awareness about online purchasing that would lead to more online purchase and reckless spending? Is there really a con to teaching student's responsible behavior?

Extension:

Do's:

• Make sure the merchant is well known.
• Ensure the spelling of the website is correct.
• Make sure the website is secure (https, etc.)
• Read the purchasing and privacy agreement.
• Double check your order
• If using a public computer, do not allow your browser to save personal information.
• Practice self control and responsible spending habits.

Don'ts:

• Don't by a product that is suspiciously under priced, unless you have verified the company.
• Don't save credit card numbers on a computer.
• As a student, don't make purchases without consulting a parent first.
• Don't make purchases on insecure sites.

Impressions about digital commerce:

My impressions are that many people do not know safe online purchasing habits and information. Most people have spoken with do not know the difference between a secure and insecure site. I think it is our responsibility to look after friends, family and co-workers who are venturing into the digital market without the proper tools.

I think there is also something to be said about impulse control. It is much easier to click buttons than to drive to a store and physically pay for an item. People need to exercise restraint when making purchase to ensure that overspending due to convenience does not put them in financial compromising positions.