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      Communicating responsibly

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can evaluate different methods of online communication.

      Key learning points

      1. There are different methods of communicating on the internet.
      2. Not all information should be shared online.
      3. Communication on the internet may not be private.

      Keywords

      • Private - information that is only shared with trusted people

      • Consent - permission to do something

      Common misconception

      Messages sent online are always private.

      Some tools store messages or share them with others.

      Teacher tip

      Use examples like screenshots or group chats to help pupils understand that online communication can be shared and contributes to their digital footprint.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is communication?

      the process of drawing pictures
      the act of playing games online
      the use of computers for coding
      Correct answer: the exchange of information between devices or people

      Q2.
      Which of these is an example of instant messaging?

      Correct answer: sending a text message online in real time
      posting a letter in the postbox
      drawing a picture on paper
      watching a film on television

      Q3.
      What is the term for a conversation using both video and audio over the internet?

      Correct Answer: video call

      Q4.
      Match each method to its best use:

      Correct Answer:video call,seeing and hearing someone far away

      seeing and hearing someone far away

      Correct Answer:instant messaging,sending a quick message online

      sending a quick message online

      Correct Answer:letter,sharing news that is not urgent

      sharing news that is not urgent

      Correct Answer:face-to-face conversation,talking in real time when you are together

      talking in real time when you are together

      Q5.
      What is the term for sending a written message electronically from one person to another over the internet?

      Correct Answer: email, e-mail

      Q6.
      Which of the following is an example of interacting with other people online by sharing your thoughts about something you have read?

      Correct answer: commenting on a blog post
      downloading a document
      editing a photo
      playing a single-player game

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is a method of communicating on the internet?

      drawing a picture on paper
      reading a book at home
      walking in the park
      Correct answer: sending an email

      Q2.
      What does 'privacy' mean when using the internet?

      Correct answer: keeping information hidden from other people
      sharing everything with everyone
      posting photos online
      telling friends your password

      Q3.
      Why is it important to get consent before sharing someone else’s information online?

      It makes the internet faster.
      Correct answer: It is respectful and gives them control over their information.
      It helps you remember passwords.
      It makes your messages more colourful.

      Q4.
      Put these steps in order for safely sharing a photo online:

      1 - Decide if the photo is appropriate to share.
      2 - Ask the person in the photo for consent.
      3 - Check your privacy settings.
      4 - Share the photo.

      Q5.
      Match each term to its meaning:

      Correct Answer:privacy,keeping information hidden from other people

      keeping information hidden from other people

      Correct Answer:consent,permission to do something

      permission to do something

      Correct Answer:digital footprint,a record of your actions online

      a record of your actions online

      Correct Answer:group chat,an online conversation with more than two people

      an online conversation with more than two people

      Q6.
      Which statement best describes the privacy of messages sent online?

      Correct answer: Messages you send online can sometimes be seen or shared by more people.
      All online messages are automatically deleted after being read.
      Only your closest friends can ever see your online messages.
      Online messages are always kept secret by the internet.

      To help you plan your 6 computing lesson on: Communicating responsibly, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...