What is a digital footprint?
Every time you go online you leave a trace of data that can be tracked back to you. This trace is called your digital footprint. Your footprint contributes to your reputation. Your online reputation can be positive or negative.
This footprint can be added to passively or actively by your actions.
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Passive digital footprint: You add to your digital footprint passively every time you click on a website.
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Active Digital Footprint: You contribute actively to your digital footprint every time you share, comment, post, upload or create online. Other people may be actively adding to your digital footprint through these actions as well, just as what you share may add to other peoples or an organistations’ digital footprint.
Reflection Activity:
Go to your search history on your device.
What sites have you accessed in the past week?
You have left a trail of data that connects back to you, like a footprint in the sand or snow, but this one is permanent.
What would someone think of you if they saw this trail?
REFLECTION
MODULE 1:
DIGITAL FOOTPRINT
What is my digital footprint and how can I manage it?
Why is your digital footprint important?
It is important to manage your digital footprint. Many students in the past have learned the hard way that people will search their digital footprint and use it to make a judgement on who they are.
View the video below and answer the questions in this Ted Ed lesson.
You can control what YOU contribute to your digital footprint by being mindful of what you share. Don’t overshare or tell people too much information.
(Common Sense Education, 2019)
Through oversharing you endanger your privacy. You can also control your privacy by understanding the apps and games you are using, and the information you are sharing.
(TODAY NBC, 2017)
Taking control of your digital footprint
Once you share something you lose control and it can be copied and forwarded, even if you think you have shared it privately. Understand that if someone else has added to your digital footprint in a negative way you can ask them to take it down, or if it breaks the site rules you can have it removed.
Use your digital footprint to benefit you and create a positive reputation.
What do you want to be known for?
Create a mindmap about what are the most important things you want to be known for and how you can show this in your online reputation.
Explore this article about teens who have used the internet to create a positive
digital footprint.
REFLECTION
Know your communities' rules
International Differences
Every country, region and area are different and will have different rules to using the internet according to their culture and belief systems.
As you build your digital footprint and begin to curate (this topic is covered in further modules) internationally it is important to understand these rules.
Complete the exploration activity.
EXPLORE
Go to the interactive map created by Freedom House and explore your country's internet freedom. Compare this with another country of your choice. Understand that there can be severe consequences for what you put online.
Understanding your community
Your school will have a policy about how to protect their reputation. Here are some examples from Japan, Kenya and The United Arab Emirates.
EXPLORE
What is your school's policy for using the internet?
Go to your school website and search for the acceptable use policy that applies to you.
If you can not find it, ask your teacher.
How do you manage your digital footprint?
Watch this interactive video about managing your digital footprint. Complete the questions throughout to check your understanding of how to successfully manage your footprint so that it will remain positive.
The next phases of this learning model will help you gain the skills to create a positive digital footprint through your personal and collective curations and creations.
