Objective
Understanding how to use online email accounts
Instructions
Have students read the following article:
Web-based Email [https://websitebuilders.com/learn-about/web-email/]
Discussion
- What are the advantages of using an online email account?
- What are the disadvantages?
- Can you send attachments with an online email account?
- Are your online messages private?
- Why do you need a username and password?
- How would you devise a secure password?
Activities
- Show students how to establish an account with a provider such as Yahoo or Gmail. Demonstrate how the email service works and the differences between an online account and using an email client such as Outlook.
- Have students assess their knowledge of email by taking our interactive Email Quiz.
Discussion Guide
- What are the advantages of using an online email account?
With a Web-based email account, you can check your email from any computer connected to the internet from anywhere on earth. Another benefit of Web-based e-mail is that you can keep the same address for life.
- What are the disadvantages?
Some web-based email services may limit the amount of storage that they provide.
- Can you send attachments with an online email account?
Yes, though if your service limits your storage space and you receive loads of mail with large attachments like photos, music and video clips, you will have to delete or download them to your computer periodically to stay below the limit.
- Are your online messages private?
Your emails should be private, but it’s possible they could be intercepted. Be sure to use a strong password and log off the service when you’re done if you use a computer other than yours to check email. For extra security, close the web browser too.
- Why do you need a username and password?
Your account name or ID becomes part of your e-mail address. Since email may contain sensitive information, it’s important to have a secure account that only you can access with a password.
- How would you devise a secure password?
The most secure passwords contain both letters, symbols and numbers. Changing your password every few months is a good idea, too.
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