Implications of What Children Know About Computer Passwords

Abstract

The purpose of this aricle is to present several implications and recommendations regarding what elementary school children, aged 9–12 years, know about computer passwords and what they know about why computer passwords are important. Student knowledge can then be used to make relevant curriculum decisions based in conjunction with applicable state and national standards. Weak computer password construction, use, and knowledge have been identified as areas of high risk for data security. By identifying what children know about passwords, an appropriate curriculum can be designed to help children develop strong password habits that will minimize unauthorized data access via computer technology. This is especially important because elementary school children today will become industry computer users tomorrow. By instilling appropriate computer password habits in children today, curriculum can be designed to follow them through the education experience and into industry. Relevant standards from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS•S), and the Association for Computing Machinery's Computer Science Teachers Association K–12 (CSTA K–12) are referenced.