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Lesson

Updated lessons available!

The Big Data Dilemma

What are the benefits and drawbacks of online tracking?

Grade

9

Time

50 mins.

Objectives

  • Define online tracking and describe how companies use it.
  • Identify the benefits and drawbacks of online tracking to both companies and users.
  • Analyze specific examples of online tracking and take a position for or against them.

Vocabulary Show definitions

cookies . online tracking . personalized content . targeted advertising . third-party
cookies small text files stored on a computer that keep track of what a person does on a website
online tracking apps, websites, or third parties collecting information about your online activity (other sites you visit, links you click, how long you stay, etc.)
personalized content information that a website or app shows you based on what they think you want to see
targeted advertising advertisements that are shown to you based on information that has been collected about you (location, browsing history, interests, age, etc.)
third-party a company other than the company that owns the website or app you are using
Standards
This lesson meets standards for Common Core ELA, ISTE, CASEL and AASL.

Hey there! We've updated our curriculum!

This lesson will be archived in December 2026. 

We've updated and expanded it into the lessons below.

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Lesson Plan

50 mins.