Exploring E-Commerce

Lesson Overview

Unit: E-Commerce Innovation Lab
Lesson: 1 of 6
Year Level: Year 8
Subject: Business
Lesson Duration: 60 minutes
Curriculum Link: Australian Curriculum - Year 8 Economics and Business

• AC9HE8K02: The traditional markets, rights, responsibilities, and laws that affect the way markets work in Australia
• AC9HE8K03: The influence of businesses and consumers in the market

Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Define e-commerce and explain its significance in modern business
• Identify examples of e-commerce platforms used in Australia
• Understand the evolution of online business and its impact on consumers

Success Criteria

• I can explain what e-commerce is and give a real-world example
• I can describe how e-commerce has changed consumer shopping habits
• I can identify popular e-commerce businesses operating in Australia

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Lesson Structure

1. Engage (10 mins) – Digital Consumer Discussion

Activity: "Then vs. Now" Comparison

• Ask: "How did people shop 50 years ago compared to today?"
• Display images of traditional markets, shopping malls, and online shopping platforms (e.g., eBay, Amazon, Kogan, The Iconic)
• Discuss:
  • How has technology influenced how we buy and sell goods?
  • What are some advantages and disadvantages of shopping online?
• Link to Personal Experience:
  • Ask: "Has anyone purchased something online? How was the experience?"

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2. Explain (15 mins) – What is E-Commerce?

Definition & Breakdown

• Write on the board: "E-commerce = Buying & Selling Goods or Services Online"
• Explain the four types of e-commerce with examples:
  1. B2C (Business-to-Consumer) – e.g., JB Hi-Fi Online, Nike Australia
  2. B2B (Business-to-Business) – e.g., Alibaba for wholesale goods
  3. C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer) – e.g., Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree
  4. C2B (Consumer-to-Business) – e.g., Freelancers selling services on Fiverr

Mini-Discussion:

• "Which of these types have you used or seen before?"

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3. Explore (15 mins) – Evolution of E-Commerce in Australia

Timeline Activity: "From Local Shops to Global Clicks"

• Show historical milestones, such as:
  • 1990s – Rise of eBay and online classifieds
  • 2000s – Australian businesses adopting e-commerce (Myer, Woolworths Online)
  • 2010s – The boom of mobile shopping (Afterpay, Shopify stores)
  • Today – Social media shopping (Instagram & TikTok stores)

Quick Fire Questions:

• "How has e-commerce made shopping more convenient?"
• "What risks do you think come with online shopping?"

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4. Apply (15 mins) – E-Commerce Platform Investigation

Activity: "Online Store Detective"

• The student will visit an Australian e-commerce website (e.g., The Iconic, Catch.com.au) and answer:
  • What products are being sold?
  • What makes the website easy to use?
  • How does the company encourage customers to buy? (Discounts, reviews, free shipping)

Discussion: Compare with a traditional store – What are the differences?

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5. Reflect (5 mins) – Exit Ticket

Prompt: "In one sentence, explain why e-commerce is important in today's world."

• The student writes their response in a digital journal or shares verbally.

Teacher Wrap-Up:

• Highlight how e-commerce is shaping careers and future business opportunities.
• Preview next lesson: "How Do Online Stores Make Money?"

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Differentiation & Adaptations

• For Advanced Learners: Research an international e-commerce trend affecting Australian businesses
• For Those Needing Support: Provide sentence starters for reflection tasks

Assessment & Evidence of Learning

• Observation of participation in discussions
• Responses during the Online Store Detective activity
• Exit ticket reflection responses

Resources Needed

✅ Whiteboard & Markers
✅ Printed e-commerce timeline (or digital alternative)
✅ Access to a device for browsing an e-commerce platform

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This lesson will engage students in the digital economy by making e-commerce relevant to their lives. Through interactive discussions, real-world examples, and hands-on investigation, they will leave with a solid foundation of how online businesses operate in Australia. 🚀