A WebQuest Written by Mrs. Jodie Donner

 Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation
Conclusion | Reflection | Extension | Notes to Teacher

Introduction Millions of Internet users take risks each time they log on. People surf the web, check their e-mail and make online purchases. Would they be so willing to use these web features if they realized thieves could easily steal their identities? How can Internet users be assured they can safely make online transactions? They need to feel secure in using the Internet in transferring their personal information and allowing Internet companies access to this data. Task You will work in teams as members of committees within the Federal Bureau of Investigation to research the extent of this problem. Millions of people could potentially be victims of identity theft in the next few years. You will work together to determine the impact of this situation and the cost to society. Once you have researched the problem, you will discover effective solutions to solve this dilemma or alleviate it. Your group will develop a PowerPoint presentation to present to your superiors within the FBI. Your goal is to determine how to solve this problem.   Process and Resources 1. Assign roles within your committee. You must fill all of your positions so you will be able to complete your goal. Committee Leader - keeps the group motivated and productive, deals with disputes or problems within the group, keeps research and work directed toward final goal. Information Organizer - organizes and holds all information and files (electronic and paper). Technology Specialist - assists committee members with online research, directs committee use of software such as PowerPoint. Presentation Editor - reviews PowerPoint presentation for grammatical and informational accuracy. All group members will work together as a team to research identity fraud and determine feasible solutions. 2. Begin your research of the problem with these websites. Remember to identify the credibility of the site before determining it is a proper source. Identity Theft and Fraud Identity Theft CBBB Alert: Tony Gwynn: Victim of Identity Fraud IRSG - White Paper - Identity Fraud E-Commerce News: Identity Fraud IDENTICO Systems - True ID Consumer FAQs Identity Fraud in an Information Society Identity Fraud True Identity Fraud News: Identity Fraud Increasing CNN.com - Technology - National Fraud Center   Once you have compiled a respectable body of information on the problem of identity theft, you must research possible solutions. Begin with the links below. You may branch off within these links or search for more on the Internet. Protecting Yourself Against Identity Fraud How to Prevent Identity Fraud Education Campaign to Help Prevent Identity Fraud Legislation Could Help Protect Consumers Travelers - How Can You Reduce Your Exposure? Identity Theft Law Proposed Privacy Rights Clearinghouse Identity Theft Identity Theft: Authentication as a Solution Identity Theft Prevention and Survival 3. You should now have a large amount of information about the problem of identity fraud and possible solutions. Your next task is to create a PowerPoint presentation that you will present to the organization your work for, the FBI. Your bosses are fairly knowledgeable when it comes to the problem, but they don't have the research they need on solutions. Therefore, your presentation should include more information and slides on solutions to this terrible problem. Create a PowerPoint that is professional, but visually attractive. Your facts must be accurate and must come from credible sources which you cite within the presentation. Use the citation format acceptable for research papers. Include a Works Cited page at the end of the presentation that lists, in correct form, all sources you have cited in your PowerPoint. Evaluation Your group's efforts to complete this project will be evaluated with the Process Rubric. Your PowerPoint will be graded with the Presentation Rubric. View these rubrics so your work will follow them. Conclusion Your efforts to solve the dilemma facing Internet consumers will not go unnoticed! Perhaps your organization will provide you with promotions, maybe even your own offices. If not, don't fret. Your information search has not been in vain. You have discovered that identity fraud is a valid threat to you and those around you. Educate people on the facts, so they might avoid this situation. Reflection Please reflect on the experience of this project. Describe your group experience as well as your individual experience. Write half-page reflection (typed and double-spaced) that describes the dynamics of your group. How well did you work together? Did all members stay on-task? Did members fill their positions effectively? Would you work with this team in the future? Be honest and appropriate with your judgments. Write a full-page reflection (typed and double-spaced) describing your own work on this WebQuest. Did you fulfill the obligations of your position? What did you learn about identity fraud? Will this information help you in the future? What other social, political or environmental issues exist that you could learn more about? Do you understand how to research a problem and its solutions? How could you comlete a task like this on your own? Was the learning structure effective? Did you enjoy the WebQuest experience? Extension The project you just completed will help you when completing your problem-solution research papers. You will use this experience as a basis for researching your own issue. To extend this project, do some preliminary research on the Internet on at least 3 social, political or environmental problems. Try to find some information on the issues and possible solutions for them. Prepare at least two options suitable for your research paper. You will soon go through the process you just completed to research and solve a problem, but you will work individually and create a paper instead of a PowerPoint presentation to share your findings. Notes to Teacher Before implementing this assignment, teachers should view the notes section. Click here to visit this section.

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