Students will identify common examples of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). (IOC-2.A.1)
Students will identify how PII is collected and where it is stored on a computer system. (IOC-2.A.2 - IOC-2.A.7)
Students will describe how collecting and storing personal data on a computer system enhances the user experience. (IOC-2.A.8 & IOC-2.A.9)
Students will describe the risks to privacy from collecting and storing personal data on a computer system. (IOC-2.A)
Activity 3.1.1 (outside assignment)
Students will read Chapter 2 of "Blown To Bits" and complete guided notes and reflections.
This chapter is an excellent resource for privacy on the internet. Assign the reading and reflection questions to be completed outside of class.
The content of the chapter will be reemphasizing what will be explored in class.
Activity 3.1.2 (budget 55 minutes)
Define "Personally Identifiable Information" as information about an individual that identifies, links, relates or describes them.
Have students brainstorm examples of PII. List their responses on the board or on a digital platform so that all students can see them. Responses need to include but are not limited to:
Social security number
age
race
phone number(s)
medical information
financial information
address
Ask students how this data is accessible online? Where can it be found? Give students five minutes to research where data is stored when using a computer network. Share responses in a round-robin style. Continue until all student responses have been recorded. If student responses don't cover the required topics, you may need to supplement their list. Required topics are:
Search engines
Websites
Devices (computers, servers, phones, tablets)
Point out that not only can specific pieces of data be retrieved, technology can aggregate data for other purposes.
Geolocation, cookies and browsing history can create knowledge about a person.
Search engines can use search history to suggest websites for targeted marketing.
GPS apps can store your travel history and current location.
Students complete a metadata scavenger hunt. Allow students to work on this with a partner. The communication and collaboration on this assignment will help students clarify the concepts and deeper their understanding of metadata, search engines and cookies, as they relate to privacy risks. Note: Have a student try this out in your classroom prior to the lesson to make sure students can access this information using a student login. Sometimes IT restrictions prevent a student from viewing these details. If that is the case, you will need to either demonstrate for the class or perhaps use this as a homework assignment.
Have a class reflection discussion to summarize the findings. Important concepts to emphasize include...
What is PII?
Search engines record and maintain a history of searches by users.
Websites can record & maintain a history of site visitors.
Data can be collected about your location
Search engines can use search history for targeted advertising.
Metadata can be sold to third party vendors.
Data can be collected from a variety of sources to create knowledge about an individual.
Advantages include: simplified online purchases & access to websites, better deals on online shopping because of targeted advertising (coupons), better search results
Disadvantages: privacy can be exploited, identity theft leading to loss of money, financial information, etc., personal safety compromised by release of location data, employers can see social media history, etc.
Activity 3.1.3 (optional extension activities)
Students find & a current event article that relates to PII and privacy.
Have students go to TedTalks.com and search for privacy & metadata. Select a ted talk, listen and summarize.
Students create their own TedTalk about PII and privacy.
Show students a sample multiple choice question about metadata. You can find these in any APCSP review book. Question #5 in this practice set on CS Principles: Big Ideas in Programming is a good example. Have students write a multiple choice question. You can use these for warm ups, ticket out the door, etc.