On Digital Citizenship - Teaching Children About Digital Footprints and Online Safety
A digital footprint is any traceable digital activity on the internet or a digital device. There is a negative connotation surroundng the word, but using this idea to promote fear is not helpful to students. If they fear leaving a footprint, they wil avoid all activity online. This is not the goal.
A time is likely to come when employers and colleges rely heavily on what they find by googleing a persons name. This can be scary, especiallysince we do not have complete control over what goes online about ourselves. However, we are in control of what we share with the world. Students need to know to not share their full name, address, phone number, passwords and plans. Both students and adults need to be careful when sharing things like opinions, photos and videos, location, and information about others.
When teaching students about digital citizenship, there is a four part approach including: integration, storytelling, strategies and community. Teachers should not wait until a child is older to teach about digital footprints, as it cannot be taught in a day or by one teacher alone. Digital footprints need to be introduced at a young age and continue to be discussed as students grow.
Kaylie, I really enjoyed reading your blog I think we are transitioning to a time where employers and colleges are relying heavily on what they find when googling a person. Once you put something out there it's there for ever and can't be taken back. I liked how you included the four part approach.
ReplyDeleteHi Kaylie,
ReplyDeleteIt is super true that no matter what type of digital footprint you leave because your footprint can be traced back years. Employers are most definitely looking out on social media to see who they are hiring for their company. If you are a teacher you may even have students reach out and try to find your own personal accounts and if they find something they may even show their parents. If we teach students about digital leadership it is important that they know all the safety we are going to be teaching them.
I agree with you in beginning to teach the students about computer safety at an early age that way they wont forget and its something they can carry on into their adult lives.
ReplyDelete