CBSE Class 11 Computer Science Unit 3 Case Study Questions

The following competency-based case studies are prepared according to the latest CBSE Class 11 Computer Science syllabus. Read each situation carefully and answer the questions that follow.

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Case Study 1 – Digital Footprints and Social Media

Aarav is an active social media user. He uploads photographs of his vacations, shares his school's name, posts his daily activities, and often tags his friends and location while travelling. He accepts friend requests from unknown people and participates in online quizzes that ask for personal information such as his birth date and favourite pet. One day, he notices that he is receiving promotional emails, unknown friend requests, and suspicious advertisements related to his recent online activities.

Questions

1. Which concept of Unit 3 is illustrated in this situation?

Answer: Digital Footprint.

2. Identify any two online activities that contributed to Aarav's Digital Footprint.

Answer:

• Sharing photographs and location.
• Participating in online quizzes using personal information.

3. Mention any four precautions Aarav should follow while using social media.

Answer:

• Do not share personal information publicly.
• Accept friend requests only from known people.
• Disable unnecessary location sharing.
• Review privacy settings regularly.

4. Why is Digital Footprint considered permanent?

Answer: Information uploaded on the Internet can be copied, archived, or shared by others, making it difficult to remove completely.

5. Is Aarav's online behaviour an example of Active or Passive Digital Footprint? Justify your answer.

Answer: It is mainly an Active Digital Footprint because Aarav intentionally posted photographs, comments, and personal information online.

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Case Study 2 – Cyber Crime and Cyber Safety

Riya receives an email claiming that she has won a brand-new smartphone in an online lucky draw. The email asks her to click on a link and enter her bank account number, ATM PIN, and OTP to claim the prize. Excited by the offer, she clicks the link and fills in all the requested details. Within a few hours, money is deducted from her bank account without her permission.

Questions

1. Identify the cyber crime shown in the above case.

Answer: Phishing.

2. Which confidential information should never be shared online?

Answer:

• Passwords
• ATM PIN
• OTP
• Bank account details

3. Mention four cyber safety practices that could have prevented this incident.

Answer:

• Do not click unknown links.
• Verify the sender before responding.
• Never share OTP or banking details.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication.

4. Explain why phishing attacks are successful.

Answer: Phishing attacks exploit human emotions such as excitement, fear, or urgency to trick users into revealing confidential information.

5. Name one law in India that deals with cyber crimes.

Answer: The Information Technology Act, 2000.

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Case Study 3 – Intellectual Property Rights

A group of students is preparing a project on Artificial Intelligence. One student copies several pages directly from a website without mentioning the original source. Another student downloads a paid software application from an illegal website instead of purchasing its licensed version. The teacher explains that such actions violate Intellectual Property Rights and encourages students to use open-source software whenever possible.

Questions

1. Which Intellectual Property Right has been violated by copying content without giving credit?

Answer: Copyright.

2. What is Plagiarism?

Answer: Plagiarism is presenting another person's work or ideas as one's own without proper acknowledgement.

3. Why should licensed software be preferred over pirated software?

Answer:

• It is legal.
• It receives regular updates.
• It is more secure.
• It supports software developers.

4. What is Open Source Software?

Answer: Open Source Software is software whose source code is available for users to view, modify, and distribute according to its licence.

5. Name any two Open Source licences included in the CBSE syllabus.

Answer:

• GNU General Public License (GPL)
• Apache License

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Case Study 4 – E-Waste Management and Information Technology Act

Sunrise Public School decided to upgrade its computer laboratory by replacing 35 old desktop computers with new systems. Some staff members suggested throwing the old computers into the regular garbage, while others recommended selling them to an authorised e-waste recycling centre. Before disposing of the computers, the IT Department securely erased all confidential student records and administrative data stored on the hard disks. The Principal appreciated this decision, stating that it protected sensitive information and followed legal and environmental responsibilities.

Questions

1. Which environmental issue is highlighted in this case?

Answer: E-Waste Management.

2. Why should electronic devices never be disposed of with normal household waste?

Answer:

• They contain hazardous materials.
• They may pollute soil and water.
• They can harm human health.
• Valuable recyclable materials may be wasted.

3. Which principle of E-Waste Management recommends repairing and reusing electronic devices before replacing them?

Answer: The 5R Principle (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle).

4. Why was it important to erase all confidential data before disposing of the computers?

Answer: To protect students' and school's confidential information from unauthorised access, identity theft, and misuse.

5. Which Indian law supports secure handling of electronic records and cyber-related activities?

Answer: The Information Technology Act, 2000.

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Case Study 5 – Technology, Accessibility and Digital Inclusion

A school introduced a new digital learning platform for all students. To ensure equal learning opportunities, the platform included screen reader support, voice typing, keyboard navigation, adjustable font size, subtitles for educational videos, and high-contrast colour themes. Teachers also ensured that both boys and girls received equal opportunities to participate in coding competitions and technology workshops. Students with disabilities were encouraged to use assistive technologies whenever required.

Questions

1. Which concept of Unit 3 is mainly demonstrated by this initiative?

Answer: Accessibility and Digital Inclusion.

2. Name any four accessibility features mentioned in the case.

Answer:

• Screen Reader
• Voice Typing
• Keyboard Navigation
• Adjustable Font Size
• Subtitles for Videos
• High-Contrast Colour Theme

3. Which assistive technology would be most useful for a visually impaired student?

Answer: Screen Reader.

4. How does equal participation of boys and girls in coding competitions promote a better digital society?

Answer:

• Promotes Gender Equality.
• Provides equal learning opportunities.
• Encourages diversity in technology.
• Reduces discrimination.

5. Explain the meaning of Universal Design with reference to the above case.

Answer: Universal Design means designing digital platforms and technologies so that they can be used effectively by the maximum number of users, including persons with disabilities, without requiring major modifications.

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