Basic 8 · Computing · Technology in the Community
Online Services and Their Issues
In this topic you will describe online services such as social media, wikis, blogs, email and e-commerce, and explain the issues associated with them, including privacy, cyberbullying, misinformation, fraud and digital footprints.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Describe common online services and their uses
- Explain the issues and risks associated with online services
- Describe responsible and safe ways of using online services
What you already know
- Technology in the community and online safety (Basic 7)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Technology in the Community
- Indicator
- B8.1.2.1.3 – Explain the issues associated with online services (e.g. social media wikis blogs
Introduction
Millions of Ghanaians use the internet every day to chat, learn, shop, bank and share news. The internet offers many services, each with its own purpose.
1. Common Online Services
| Service | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| social media | platforms for sharing posts, photos and videos and connecting with others | Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, X |
| wiki | a website that many users can edit together | Wikipedia |
| blog | an online journal where a person or group posts articles | news blogs, school blogs |
| sending electronic messages | Gmail, Outlook | |
| e-commerce | buying and selling online | Jumia, online shops on social media |
| e-learning | online lessons and courses | Khan Academy, virtual classrooms |
| e-government | government services online | Ghana.gov, online passport and business registration |
| mobile money and online banking | sending, receiving and paying money digitally | MTN MoMo, Telecel Cash, AirtelTigo Money, bank apps |
2. Wikis and Blogs
A wiki is a collaborative website. On Wikipedia, volunteers around the world write and edit articles. This makes it large and up to date, but anyone can edit it, so errors and biased content sometimes appear. Always check important facts against other reliable sources. A blog is usually written by one person or a small group and expresses their views, news or experiences. Readers may comment on posts.
3. Benefits of Online Services
- Fast communication with family and friends anywhere.
- Access to information and learning materials.
- Convenient shopping, banking and payment.
- Easier access to government services.
- Opportunities to share talents and start businesses.
4. The Digital Footprint
Digital footprint: The trail of information a person leaves online through posts, photos, comments, searches and accounts.
Everything you post online can remain for a very long time, even after you delete it, because others may have copied or shared it. Future schools and employers may look at your digital footprint. Think before you post: would you be happy for your teacher, parents or a future employer to see it?
5. Choosing Reliable Online Sources
Not every website is trustworthy. Reliable sources include official government sites (ending in .gov.gh), recognised news organisations, universities and well-known educational sites. Check who wrote the information, when it was updated and whether other reliable sources agree. Be careful with anonymous posts, forwarded WhatsApp messages and sites full of adverts.
New words
- social media
- Online platforms for sharing and connecting.
- wiki
- A website that users can edit together.
- blog
- An online journal of posts.
- digital footprint
- The trail of information a person leaves online.
Summary
- Online services include social media, wikis, blogs, email, e-commerce, e-learning, e-government and mobile money.
- Wikis are collaborative and blogs share personal or group views; information should be checked.
- Online services bring many benefits, but everything we post forms a lasting digital footprint.
Class activity: Online Services Survey
- List the online services used by your group members and families.
- Classify them by type.
- Discuss one benefit of each.
You need: Mobile phone, Sample Ghana Card, Printed screenshots of Ghanaian online services
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A website that many users can edit together is a…
- A. wiki
- B. blog
- C. email
- D. spreadsheet
Show answer
Answer: wikiCollaborative.2. Buying and selling online is called…
- A. e-commerce
- B. e-learning
- C. e-government
- D. blogging
Show answer
Answer: e-commerceOnline trade.3. Information on wikis should be checked with other sources.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueAnyone can edit.4. The trail of information a person leaves online is their digital ______.
Show answer
Answer: footprintOnline trail.5. State three benefits of online services.
Show answer
Answer: Fast communication, access to information, convenient payment (or e-government, business opportunities).Any three.6. Why should you think carefully before posting online?
Show answer
Answer: Posts can last for a long time and be seen by teachers, parents and future employers, affecting your reputation.Digital footprint.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Technology in the Community
- Indicator
- B8.1.2.1.3 – Explain the issues associated with online services (e.g. social media wikis blogs
Introduction
The internet is like a big market: full of useful things but also of pickpockets and tricksters. Knowing the dangers helps you stay safe.
1. Major Issues
| Issue | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| privacy | personal information is exposed or misused | sharing your home address or school timetable publicly |
| cyberbullying | using the internet to insult, threaten or embarrass others | spreading embarrassing photos in a group chat |
| misinformation and fake news | false information spread online | fake cures shared during disease outbreaks |
| online fraud and scams | tricks to steal money or data | fake mobile money messages, "you have won" scams, phishing links |
| addiction | spending too much time online | gaming or scrolling late into the night |
| inappropriate content | violent or adult material | content not suitable for children |
| plagiarism | copying others' work as your own | copying a blog post for homework |
| online predators | adults who try to exploit children | strangers asking for photos or meetings |
2. Recognising Scams
Scammers often send messages claiming you have won a prize, asking you to reverse a mobile money transfer "sent by mistake", or posing as a bank or network official asking for your PIN. Never share your PIN or password with anyone, do not click unknown links, and check directly with your bank or network using official numbers.
3. Laws That Protect Ghanaians Online
Ghana has laws to protect people online. The Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) protects personal information. The Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) established the Cyber Security Authority, which works against cybercrime and protects children online. Cyberbullying, fraud and sharing intimate images without consent are crimes that can be reported to the police and the Cyber Security Authority.
4. Being a Responsible Digital Citizen
- Keep personal information private and use strong passwords.
- Be kind online; do not post or share hurtful content.
- Check facts before sharing news.
- Credit sources and do not plagiarise.
- Limit screen time and balance online and offline life.
- Never meet online strangers in person; tell a trusted adult if someone makes you uncomfortable.
- Report abuse to platform administrators, parents, teachers or authorities.
New words
- cyberbullying
- Using digital technology to harm or harass others.
- phishing
- Tricking people into revealing passwords or personal data.
- misinformation
- False or misleading information.
- digital citizen
- A person who uses technology responsibly.
Summary
- Online issues include privacy risks, cyberbullying, fake news, scams, addiction, inappropriate content, plagiarism and predators.
- Never share PINs or passwords, avoid unknown links and verify claims through official channels.
- Ghana's Acts 843 and 1038 protect people online, and responsible digital citizens act safely and kindly.
Class activity: Online Safety Scenarios
- Read scenarios such as a fake prize message or a hurtful group chat.
- Identify the issue in each.
- Decide the safest response and present it.
You need: Mobile phone, Sample Ghana Card, Printed screenshots of Ghanaian online services
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Tricking people into revealing passwords is called…
- A. phishing
- B. blogging
- C. tagging
- D. streaming
Show answer
Answer: phishingScam.2. Ghana's Cybersecurity Act is Act…
- A. 1038
- B. 843
- C. 917
- D. 715
Show answer
Answer: 10382020.3. You should never share your mobile money PIN.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueSecurity.4. Using the internet to harass others is ______.
Show answer
Answer: cyberbullyingOnline bullying.5. State four issues associated with online services.
Show answer
Answer: Privacy, cyberbullying, fake news, fraud (or addiction, plagiarism).Any four.6. Describe how to respond to a message asking you to reverse a mobile money transfer "sent by mistake".
Show answer
Answer: Do not send money; check your balance and transaction history through official channels and call your network's official number.Scam response.
Homework
- Write a short guide for younger learners on staying safe online.