GoalExplain what an account is and why the user name is unique and the password secret.
New words
account · a user name together with a password that lets you use a servicepassword · a secret word or phrase that proves that you are the owner of the accountsign in · to prove who you are with your user name and password and enter the serviceprovider · the company or organisation that offers a service, such as free e-mail
Explanation
To use an e-mail service, a person needs an account. An account is made of two things: a user name and a password. Think of a locker in a school corridor. The locker number is like the user name: it points to one locker only. The key is like the password: only the owner has it. The provider of an e-mail service keeps your account on its mail server. The same account often opens other services of the same provider as well, such as storage for files, documents and video meetings; Weeks 9 and 10 explain them. This is why the password must stay secret: whoever has it can open everything that the account opens. Many services have a minimum age, so a real account is made only with a teacher or a parent. In Darslab we never create a real account in class. We practise on paper with invented people.
Part of the account
Like…
Rule
user name
a locker number
unique; others may see it
password
the key of the locker
secret; never shared
Worked examples
Mariam’s school has a corridor of lockers. Each locker has a number, and each pupil has a key. A friend may know the number of Mariam’s locker, but only Mariam has the key. In an account, the user name is the number and the password is the key.
one account→e-mail, storage, meetings
A grown-up has an account with one provider. With the same user name and password, the grown-up can open the e-mail, a place to store files and a meeting service. One account, several doors.
Habiba’s friend says: “Tell me your password for a minute, I only want to see.” Habiba says no, nicely. A password is not shared even with a friend. She tells her mother about it, and they feel proud that she kept it secret.
Class activity
Draw a locker with a number and a key. Write “user name” under the number and “password” under the key. Under the key write one rule for keeping it safe. Then answer: why can others see a user name but nobody may see a password?
Practice
1
What two things make an account?
A user name and a password.
2
Which part of the locker idea is the password?
The key.
3
Why must a password stay secret?
Whoever has it can open everything the account opens.
4
Who makes a real account for a child?
A teacher or a parent, because many services have a minimum age.
