Online Shopping- The Way of the Future?

Objective: Students will discuss the pros and cons of online shopping and who benefits most from it. Students will also learn what safeguards to look for when shopping on line and how to keep themselves and their credit information private.

Introduction: With time being one of the most important and precious commodities we have, it is no wonder that online shopping has become a way of life for many millions of people. Rather than face those holiday crowds, you can sit down in your sweats with a cup of coffee and browse, compare and spend with no hassles and no stress.

Nevertheless, what are the implications of online shopping, and is it truly stress free? Could your credit card number fall into the “wrong” hands? Is online shopping for everyone at every time?

Activity: Look at the following web sites. While reading through the material think about who benefits most from online shopping. Think about what activities and things you can do to keep yourself and your information private. How much is too much information to give out? What are some of the advantages and the disadvantages to online shopping?

http://www.safeshopping.org/

http://docs.yahoo.com/docs/info/consumertips.html

http://www.techtv.com/siliconspin/features/story/0,23008,3375139,00.html

http://www.imrg.org/8025696F004581B3/pages/imrg+Resources

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menu-internet.htm

Assignment: Your assignment is to come up with a list of the pros and cons of online shopping. Then provide a tip sheet of at least five of the most important things to be aware of when shopping online. Finally, in your opinion who benefits most from online shopping and how do you see the future of online shopping?

Rubric:

A score of 1:

An inadequate list of pros and cons or none at all. Five poorly written tips with no explanation and no opinion on the benefits question.

A score of 3:

A good list of pros and cons with at least two in each category. Five well-written tips. An opinion of the benefits.

A score of 5:

An interesting and informative list of at least four pros and cons. Five well-written and distinct tips with explanations of all. A well thought out opinion and interesting points about the future of shopping.

Follow-up Activity: Extra Credit

Now that you have become a more informed consumer, order something online and discuss your experience from start to finish. Was the process easy? Did you feel safe giving your personal information? How did the product arrive? In a timely manner? Were you kept informed of its progress throughout the shipping cycle?