This content is located in CAPS under Network Technologies: Networks for Grade 11.

Understanding the “fair use policy” within the context of network usage is essential for students to comprehend how internet service providers (ISPs) manage data and bandwidth to maintain equitable access. This concept also aligns closely with ethical considerations in technology usage, preparing students to navigate the digital world responsibly.

To make “fair use policy” practical and engaging, here are several creative approaches to bring this topic to life in the classroom:

1. “ISP Simulation Game”
Divide the class into small groups, assigning each group roles as ISPs and customers. Provide the “ISPs” with a limited data pool and different customer profiles. Customers must request data for activities like streaming, browsing, or online gaming. ISPs must distribute bandwidth while ensuring fairness.

• Bloom’s Level: Applying (students distribute data) and Evaluating (justify their allocation decisions).
• Outcome: Highlights how fair use policies balance heavy users and ensure equitable internet access.

2. Debate: “Fair Use Policy vs Unlimited Data Plans”
Host a debate where one side argues for fair use policies and the other supports unlimited data plans. Provide case studies of network slowdowns caused by excessive data usage as evidence.

• Bloom’s Level: Analyzing (comparing policies) and Creating (developing arguments).
• Outcome: Encourages critical thinking about how ISPs manage network resources and the implications for users.

3. Real-World Case Studies
Present examples of ISPs implementing fair use policies, such as throttling and shaping during peak times. Ask students to analyze how these policies maintain network efficiency and discuss ethical considerations.

• Bloom’s Level: Understanding (explaining policies) and Evaluating (critiquing real-world scenarios).
• Outcome: Connects theoretical knowledge to practical applications in network management.

4. Visualizing Data: “Bandwidth Usage Tracker”
Create a classroom activity where students track their own or hypothetical data usage over a week. Use tools like spreadsheets to log data-intensive activities such as streaming or downloading.

• Bloom’s Level: Applying (tracking data) and Analyzing (identifying patterns).
• Outcome: Enhances awareness of personal internet usage and how it fits within fair use limits.

5. Role-Playing “ISP and Consumers”
Students role-play as ISPs explaining fair use policies to “customers” who complain about throttling or slow internet speeds.

• Bloom’s Level: Understanding (explaining concepts) and Applying (addressing complaints).
• Outcome: Develops communication skills and deepens understanding of network management.

6. Exploring Local ISPs’ Policies
Assign students to research fair use policies of South African ISPs. Have them compare terms, identify similarities and differences, and present findings.

• Bloom’s Level: Analyzing (comparing policies) and Understanding (presenting insights).
• Outcome: Builds research skills and connects curriculum content with local contexts.

7. DIY Internet Traffic Experiment
Simulate internet traffic in class using coloured cards to represent data packets. Introduce congestion by limiting the “network” capacity (e.g., desk space). Then apply a “fair use policy” to prioritize essential services.

• Bloom’s Level: Applying (simulating data flow) and Evaluating (assessing policy impact).
• Outcome: Hands-on demonstration of how fair use policies optimize network usage.

Encourage students to reflect on the role of fair use policies in promoting equitable internet access and discuss how such measures balance user needs with network constraints. These interactive methods help translate the abstract concept of fair use into relatable and engaging learning experiences.