This is a presentation created for educators and parents. The purpose of this presentation is to provide information about the nature of digital footprints. It is also created to explain how their student and children can have a positive digital footprint. Click on the link to view the Digital Footprint Presentation.
Brand: Digital footprints should be safe and helpful.
Tweet: What’s a digital footprint? Learn the positive and
risky side to having one and what to think about before uploading and posting
online.
Do you ever wonder what happens to all of
the information that is posted online? Who has access to the information?
Is it secure and safe?
If you’re asking yourself these
questions then you are on the right track to having a safe digital footprint. A
digital footprint consists of all of the information we leave behind on the web. Social media sites and YouTube
videos are some of the more important sources of digital footprint information. This consists of status updates on Facebook, pictures and videos uploaded to Snapchat, Youtube and Instagram that can be shared with anyone.
Digital Footprints consideration is something rather new. Events that happened twenty years ago generally would not be recorded and be publically accessible. But, privacy hardly exists. “According
to online security firm AVG in a 2012 study, 81% of U.S. children have a
digital footprint before age two” (Watkins). This consists largely of photos shared by parents of their birth, achievements and status updates. While parents might think it is harmless to
upload photos and information about their children it is only adding more
information to their digital dossier.
A YouTube video Digital Dossier created
by Digital Natives explains how a digital footprint is created. The video gives
examples from uploaded pregnancy photos, status updates, shared emails, career
information, wedding announcements and an obituary statement. The video also
explains how the people in someone’s family can be connected to their digital
footprint through shared social media, like, Facebook.
Have you ever wondered what might appear
if you were to Google your name? Employers have started Googling applicants names before and after
a job interview. “Out of those researching candidates online, 35 percent
eliminated a candidate from consideration based on information they uncovered
online” (Hoffman). Teachers have come across student’s social media
sites, blogs and tweets. Coaches can keep updates on their athletes and know
what they have been doing outside of practice. While this might be an alarming
thought to many, the reality is that digital footprints can be helpful for schools and HR administrators who want to find suitable candidates. It can also be helpful to candidates, if they craft their own digital footprints wisely.
Digital footprints can be created to show
the students success, awards and achievements. An educational online portfolio
can provide a record of the students work completed in school. LinkedIn “a
professional network site” provides opportunities to network with employees from different companies, research future employers
and create a professional resume for others to view. It’s important to build a positive
presence online that provides access to your achievements, skills, interests
and talents.
Educators and parents need to work with
their students and children to create a positive digital footprint. These five
questions should be answered before hitting the submit button: “Could someone
misinterpret what I’m saying? Who might be able to read this? Am I posting in
Anger? Am I revealing too much about myself? Could someone feel disrespected?”
(coetail.com). Successfully addressing these questions before posting on the Internet enhances the possibility of creating a positive digital footprint.
References:
Watkins
S. February 12, 2013, Navigator, http://navigator.compasslearning.com/featured/how-to-help-students-create-positive-digital-footprint/
Careers
Advisory Service, Digital Footprint, retrieved April 16, 2014. http://www2.open.ac.uk/students/careers/job-seeking/digital-footprint
Digital Natives,
August 13, 2008. Youtube Video Digital Dossier:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79IYZVYIVLA
