GoalExplain why each sign-up step exists and describe a strong password.
New words
alternate (recovery) address · a second address used to get back into the account if you forget the passwordterms of service · the rules that the provider asks you to accept before you use the servicestrong password · a long password that is hard to guess and is not used anywhere elsesign out · to leave your account when you finish, so that nobody else can use it
Explanation
Creating an account has many steps, and each one has a reason. A person enters a first name and last name. A service may also ask for personal details such as a birth date; these are shared only with a grown-up’s help, and never by children alone. Then the user chooses a user name, which must be unique. Then a password is chosen and typed twice, so that a typing mistake is caught. A strong password is long, mixes letters, numbers and signs, is not easy to guess (no name or birthday), is never shared and is not used again for other accounts. An alternate address can be added to recover the account. The person checks the address, then reads the terms of service and accepts if they agree. At the end, the language of the screen can be set. When you finish, sign out, especially on a shared computer. Steps differ between services, so ask your teacher. Today we only practise on paper with invented people.
Step (as an idea)
What it is for
A grown-up checks
first and last name
shows who sends the messages
which name is used
personal details
the service may ask for them
whether to share them at all
user name
your unique address name
that it gives nothing private away
password typed twice
catches typing mistakes
that it is strong and secret
alternate address
helps to recover the account
that it belongs to a trusted adult
terms of service
the rules of the provider
that the rules are read and understood
Worked examples
Field
Invented value
first name
Pupil
last name
C
user name
~pupil.c.practice
password
(written on the back, never shown)
Here is a paper form for an invented person called “Pupil C”. Every value is made up. Real names, birth dates, schools and phone numbers are never written in class.
Weak password
Why
Strong password
Why
a simple row of numbers
easy to guess
a long mix of unrelated words, numbers and signs
hard to guess
your own name
others know it
used for one account only
one key, one lock
Compare passwords. A weak one is short, or uses a name or a simple row of numbers. A strong one is long, mixes unrelated words with numbers and signs, and is used for one account only.
finish work→sign out→next pupil cannot see the account
Seif uses a shared computer at school. When he finishes, he signs out. The next pupil sits down and cannot see Seif’s messages. If Seif had only closed the window, the next pupil might have entered.
Class activity
Draw the five boxes of the account story: sign up, check, sign in, work, sign out. Under each, write what it is for in one short line. Then invent a strong password idea on paper, such as a long mix of unrelated words, and explain to a family member what makes it strong. Do not use a real password.
Practice
1
Why is a password typed twice?
So that a typing mistake is caught.
2
Name two things that make a password strong.
For example: it is long, it mixes letters, numbers and signs, it is not easy to guess, it is used for one account only.
3
What is an alternate address for?
To recover the account if you forget the password.
