Element Two: Digital Commerce
Learning Objectives:
After this tutorial, you should be able to:
- Define digital commerce.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital commerce.
- Explain how you can apply the commerce element in
an educational setting.
- Define digital commerce.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital commerce.
- Explain how you can apply the commerce element in
an educational setting.
What is Digital Commerce?
Digital commerce is defined as electronic buying and selling of goods (Ribble, 2015). The purpose of addressing digital commerce in education is to help educators teach students to be informed and careful consumers (Ribble, 2015). Today's generation spends billions of dollars on online purchases, so it is imperative that students understand all aspects of digital commerce.
Importance of Digital Commerce
According to Ribble, learning to become an intelligent consumer is important to being a good digital citizen (2015). Often, students go online to websites such as eBay and Amazon to make purchases without thinking of the consequences. Aside from accumulating debt, many students don't think to make sure the online business is reputable or if they offer a secure connection to their website (https://). These oversights leave kids open to internet scams and identity theft (Ribble, 2015).
Another factor that many technology users don't take into account are the tracking features used by social media and e-commerce sites to collect user information. The user information ranges from online buying habits to the search history of your browser.
Another factor that many technology users don't take into account are the tracking features used by social media and e-commerce sites to collect user information. The user information ranges from online buying habits to the search history of your browser.
Addressing the Issues
It is the goals of educators to create educated members of society and ensuring students are fully aware of the risks associated with digital commerce is part of that education. Ribble mentions in his book that as using technology to make purchases becomes the norm, students need to understand the process. Anytime someone is playing online games or purchasing music via apps like iTunes they are not only members of a digital community but the economic community as well (Ribble, 2015). It's important for students to understand that their activity online will follow them into the future, especially if they accumulate large credit card debt or default on that debt.
NPR Radio Broadcasts
NPR BROADCAST #1
January 10, 2013
'M Commerce' On The Rise As More Consumers Use Mobile Devices To Shop
2:40
This NPR broadcast discusses the rise in popularity of mobile commerce and how this shopping convenience has turned into big business for online shopping giants like Amazon.
NPR BROADCAST #2
May 16, 2014
Amazon Makes Shopping Online Easier
1:14
Amazon Makes Shopping Online Easier
1:14
This NPR broadcast discusses how online retail giant Amazon is making online shopping easier by allowing Twitter users to add items to their online carts without leaving the app.
NPR BROADCAST #3
July 11, 2014
FTC Sues Amazon Over In-App Purchases Made By Kids
1:42
FTC Sues Amazon Over In-App Purchases Made By Kids
1:42
This NPR broadcast discusses the lawsuit filed by the FTC against Amazon which alleges that the online retailer willingly allowed kids to make in-app purchases without parental consent.
References
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know. Eugene, OR: International
Society for Technology in Education.
Society for Technology in Education.