Internet Technologies – SS1 Digital Technologies Lesson Note (Second Term)

The Internet is the worldwide network of cables, satellites and routers that links computers together. Services such as e-mail, file transfer, streaming and the World Wide Web run on it.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. state the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web;
2. list the core services of the Internet;
3. define a web browser and a search engine, give examples of each and state the difference between them;
4. explain HTTPS, phishing and digital footprint as part of safe Internet use;
5. define URL, homepage, hyperlink and ISP.

What is the Internet?

The Internet is the physical connection of cables, satellites and routers that links computers all over the world.

• Cables: underground and undersea lines that carry data between countries.
• Satellites: equipment in space that passes data to places cables do not reach.
• Routers: devices that send data to the correct computer or network.
• Global Village: the name given to the world because information now travels in seconds.

What is the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web?

The Internet and the World Wide Web are often treated as the same thing, but they are different.

• Internet: the physical connection that links computers together.
• World Wide Web (WWW): one of the services we use on that connection, made up of websites with text, pictures and video.
• Simple picture: the Internet is the road and the Web is one of the cars driving on it.

What are the core services of the Internet?

The core services of the Internet are e-mail, file transfer, the Web, streaming and social media.

1. E-mail: sending electronic letters to other people.
2. File Transfer (FTP): moving files from one computer to another.
3. The Web (WWW): visiting websites with pictures and text.
4. Streaming: watching videos (YouTube) or listening to music (Spotify) without waiting for a full download.
5. Social media: connecting with people (Facebook, X, WhatsApp).

What else do people use the Internet for?

• Online learning: watching lessons and reading study materials.
• Online banking: checking balances and sending money from a phone.
• Online shopping: buying and selling goods through websites and apps.

What is a web browser?

A web browser is a software application used to locate, retrieve and display content on the World Wide Web.

• Picture: if the Internet is a giant ocean of information, the browser is the boat you use to travel across it.
• What it does: it turns computer code into the pages we read and see.

What are examples of popular browsers?

• Google Chrome: fast and popular.
• Mozilla Firefox: known for privacy.
• Safari: used on Apple devices (iPhones and Macs).
• Microsoft Edge: the default on Windows computers.
• Opera Mini: very popular in Nigeria because it saves mobile data.

Teacher’s tip: Tell students that without a browser, you cannot “see” a website. The browser turns the computer code into the pages we read.

What is a search engine?

A search engine is a special website designed to help you find information on the Internet.

• Keyword: the word or phrase you type in, for example how to bake cake.
• Results: the list of websites the engine gives you that match the keyword.

What are examples of search engines?

1. Google: the biggest and most used.
2. Bing: owned by Microsoft.
3. Yahoo: one of the oldest search engines.
4. DuckDuckGo: for people who do not want to be tracked.

How do you search for information on the Internet?

1. Connect your phone or computer to the Internet.
2. Open a web browser.
3. Go to a search engine such as Google.
4. Type a keyword in the search box and press Enter.
5. Read the list of results and click the link that fits what you need.

What is the difference between a browser and a search engine?

A browser is the software you open on your phone or computer. A search engine is the website you visit inside that browser to find things.

How can you use the Internet safely?

Safe Internet use means following simple rules that protect your information and your reputation online.

1. The “S” in HTTPS: look at the address bar. If it starts with https://, the “S” stands for Secure, and your information is encrypted (hidden) from hackers.
2. Think before you click: a website that says you have won a “Free iPhone” or asks for your bank password is likely a phishing scam.
3. Digital footprint: anything you post online (photos, comments) can stay there for a very long time, even if you delete it. Be kind and be wise.

What is phishing?

• Definition: phishing is a trick that uses fake messages or websites to steal personal details such as passwords.
• Warning sign: offers that sound too good to be true.
• Warning sign: requests for passwords, PINs or card details.

What other habits keep you safe online?

• Keep passwords private: never share them, even with friends.
• Log out: sign out of your accounts on shared or public computers.
• Be careful what you share: avoid posting your address, phone number or school timetable.
• Tell an adult: report anything that upsets you or looks suspicious.

What are the key terms used with the Internet?

• URL (Uniform Resource Locator): the address of a website (e.g., www.waecdirect.org).
• Homepage: the first page you see when you open a website.
• Hyperlink: text or an image, often blue and underlined, that you click to go to a new page.
• ISP (Internet Service Provider): the company you pay for data (e.g., MTN, Airtel, Glo).

Evaluation

1. Explain the difference between a web browser and a search engine.
2. List four services provided by the Internet.
3. Why is it important to see “HTTPS” on a website before entering personal information?
4. Name the ISP you use at home or on your phone.
5. Define phishing and give one sign of a phishing message.

Assignment

Write down three web browsers and three search engines. Then explain in two sentences the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web.