ICTJHS 1 • Term 3Topic 14Free Trial Lesson
The Internet, Web Browsers & Safe Digital Living
Explore the World Wide Web, web browsers (Chrome, Edge), web addresses (URLs), creating strong passwords, and avoiding online scams.
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Curated Video Lesson
Visual explanation and practical step-by-step walk-through
Comprehensive Study Notes
Aligned with Ghana NaCCA & WAEC BECE syllabus standards
Topic Introduction & Real-World Context:
The Internet connects millions of people and devices worldwide, making learning, research, and communication accessible anywhere. However, just like walking on a busy city street, navigating the internet requires safety awareness. Knowing how to browse websites safely, spot fake messages (phishing scams), and protect your personal information ensures a secure digital life.
What You Will Master in This Lesson (NaCCA Objectives):
Define the Internet and understand the World Wide Web (WWW).
Differentiate between Web Browsers and Search Engines with clear examples.
Explain the anatomy of a Web Address (URL) and common domain extensions (.gh, .gov, .edu).
Practice safe digital living: Strong passwords, avoiding Mobile Money scams, and respecting Netiquette.
1. What is the Internet? Internet vs The World Wide Web
• The Internet (International Network):
- A vast global network of millions of interconnected computers, servers, and smartphones that communicate using standardized rules.
- The physical infrastructure connecting humanity across undersea fiber optic cables, cell towers, and satellites.
• The World Wide Web (WWW / The Web):
- A collection of multimedia web pages (text, images, videos) that you view over the Internet using links called hyperlinks.
- Invented in 1989 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee.
• Simple Analogy:
The Internet is the physical highway system; the World Wide Web consists of the cars and buses traveling on that highway carrying information.
Key Takeaway: The Internet is the global network of computers; the World Wide Web is the collection of web pages you browse on it.
Real-World Application: Undersea fiber optic cables landing in Accra connect Ghana's network to the global Internet.
2. Web Browsers vs Search Engines
Students often confuse these two essential internet tools:
• 1. Web Browser (Application Software):
- A computer or phone program used to locate, open, and display web pages on your screen.
- Examples: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera Mini.
• 2. Search Engine (Website Database):
- A website accessed inside a browser to search for information across the web by typing keywords.
- Examples: Google Search (Google.com), Microsoft Bing, Yahoo Search.
• How They Work Together:
You must first OPEN a Web Browser (like Chrome), and then type the search engine website (Google.com) to search for homework answers!
Key Takeaway: A Web Browser is the app you open (Chrome, Edge); a Search Engine is the website you visit to find information (Google.com).
Real-World Application: Opening Google Chrome on a school laptop to search for 'Ghana Independence 1957' on Google.com.
3. The Anatomy of a Web Address (URL) and Domains
Every web page has a unique online address known as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL).
• Example URL: https://www.ges.gov.gh
1. 'https://' : The protocol (secure method of sending data).
2. 'www' : World Wide Web service.
3. 'ges.gov.gh' : The domain name of the website.
• Common Domain Extensions (Top-Level Domains):
- .com : Commercial business companies (e.g. google.com, amazon.com).
- .edu / .ac : Educational schools, colleges, and universities (e.g. ug.edu.gh).
- .gov : Official government ministries and agencies (e.g. ges.gov.gh).
- .org : Non-profit charitable organizations (e.g. unicef.org).
• Country Code Domains:
- .gh = Ghana
- .ng = Nigeria
- .uk = United Kingdom
Key Takeaway: A URL is a web address. .gh indicates Ghana, .gov indicates government, and .edu indicates educational schools.
Real-World Application: The official Ghana Education Service website is 'ges.gov.gh' (.gov = government agency, .gh = Ghana).
4. Safe Digital Living: Passwords, Scams, and Netiquette
Staying safe while browsing and communicating online requires good digital habits:
• 1. Creating Strong Passwords:
- A strong password should have at least 8 characters.
- Combine UPPERCASE letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g. 'Gh@na#2026!').
- Never use simple words like 'password', your birthday, or '123456'!
• 2. Beware of Phishing and MoMo Scams:
- Scammers send fake SMS messages claiming your Mobile Money account is blocked and asking you to call a number or enter your PIN.
- GOLDEN SAFETY RULE: Never share your secret PIN or password with anyone! Legitimate banks and telecoms will NEVER ask for your secret PIN.
• 3. Netiquette (Online Manners):
- Be kind and polite in online chats and emails.
- Never type messages in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS—in internet communication, this is seen as SHOUTING in anger!
Key Takeaway: Use strong passwords with symbols, never disclose your secret PIN, and avoid typing in all caps (shouting).
Real-World Application: Ignoring a suspicious SMS that claims you have won GHS 20,000 and asks for your MoMo secret PIN.
Common Mistakes Students Make in BECE Examinations:
⚠️Calling Google Chrome a search engine (Chrome is the browser program; Google.com is the search engine).
⚠️Using simple, easily guessed passwords like your first name or '123456'.
⚠️Sharing your secret MoMo or banking PIN with someone calling on the phone.
⚠️Typing in all capital letters online (violates Netiquette by simulating shouting).
Teacher's BECE Exam Pro-Tips:
Identify domain name extensions: .gov (Government), .edu (Educational), .com (Commercial), .gh (Ghana).
Name 3 popular web browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox.
List 3 components of a strong password: Mixed uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols.
Explain why typing in all caps is discouraged in Netiquette: 'It is considered rude because it looks like shouting in anger.'
Quick Revision Summary Checklist:
Can define the Internet and contrast it with the World Wide Web.
Know the difference between Web Browsers and Search Engines.
Can identify the parts of a URL and common domain extensions (.gh, .gov, .edu).
Understand online safety: strong passwords, phishing/MoMo scams, and Netiquette.
Step-by-Step Worked Examples (2)
Real BECE exam-standard problems with complete solution steps
Example 1: Web Browser vs. Search Engine
Problem StatementExplain why Google Chrome is a Web Browser while Google.com is a Search Engine.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Google Chrome is the application program you tap to open websites.
Step 2: Google.com is a search website you visit inside the browser to look up homework answers.
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Key Takeaway / Exam Rule: You open a browser (Chrome) to visit a search engine (Google.com).
Example 2: Creating a Strong Password
Problem StatementIs the password "kofi2012" safe? How can a student make it much stronger?
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: "kofi2012" is weak because it uses a simple name and year that anyone can guess.
Step 2: Make it strong by mixing letters, numbers, and symbols: "K0f!#Accra26".
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Key Takeaway / Exam Rule: Strong passwords mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
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