What is a digital footprint? "On the Internet, a digital footprint is a word used to describe the trail, traces or "footprints" that people leave online. This is information transmitted online, such as forum registration, e-mails and attachments, uploading videos or digital images and any other form of transmission of information — all of which leaves traces of personal information about yourself available to others online." (Webopedia definition)
Why is it important?
Digital Footprint Message: "if the world is listening to us when we are on the web, then let's make sure what we say is interesting, engaging, positive and representative of our better selves". <click image> to access website.
The Technology Tail: A Digital Footprint Story by Julia Cook. A tale for readers to understand when typing on computers, tablets, and phones the digital trail can’t be erased.
Grades 1st- 6th grade.
ISBN-10: 1944882138, ISBN-13: 978-1944882136;
Following Digital Footprints by David McCaddon. A detective story following digital footprints in the case of car theft, credit card fraud, and identity theft.
Ages 6th and up.
ISBN-10: 1786124882; ISBN-13: 978-1786124883
Story Jumper Online Books. Unpublished online stories written by aspiring authors. Students can use this website to create their own books.
Digital Footprints by Mrs. Kirby
Magical Mr. Carbon’s Footprint by Laurita Uzaite
Managing Your Digital Footprint by Mercedes Varady
Digital Footprint and Reputation by Landry McKittrick
Digital Footprint and Reputation by Reagan Maxwell
"Google search is often the first place people look for information that's published about you. Here are a few ways to manage your online reputation and help control what people see when they search for you on Google". <copy and paste> this URL into another tab: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1228138?hl=en
Students enter their name in the Google Search bar then watch to see what information appears about them.
Students enter their name online to see what information can be viewed on the internet.
"The world's largest people search engine, Pipl is the place to find the person behind the email address, social username or phone number."
Digital Footprint Modules: Nine modules explain digital footprints creates a picture of online use, make sure you know how it works! Show students these modules to help them make good choices about their own digital footprint. Age: 4th – 6th grade. <click on image> to access website.
Your Digital Footprint by Code.org. A lesson plan for students to recognize asking an adult to visit websites because information is collected online. Materials, resources, and step by step instructions are available to lead to a successful lesson on digital footprints. Ages: 1st – 3rd grade. <click on image> to access lesson plans.
Trillion Dollar Footprint by Common Sense Education. Students learn all about their digital footprint and can take control of it. Sign-up with Common Sense Education for full access to the 6th – 8th-grade lesson plan. <click on image> to access lesson plan.
Your Digital Footprint: Leaving a Mark by NCTA Foundation. Teach students to understand the risks and when privacy information is collected. What are students’ rights and responsibilities for securing their information and digital footprint? Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find a downloadable copy of the lesson plan. <click on image> to access lesson plan.
Can I Use This App or Website for My Class? by Beth Miller. An article published in Knowledge Quest providing information on digital footprints, information websites collect, and COPPA regulations. The full-text article can be found at https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1092298.pdf.
Data Storage Forensics – What is Really Left After I Hit the Delete Button and How Can I Actually Make Sure It’s Gone? by Anthony Serapiglia. Three scenarios are presented to expose students to information stored on hard drives, retrieval techniques and methods for deleting information more thoroughly. A full-text article can be found at https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1140905.pdf.
Parents, Teens, and Online Privacy by Mary Madden. Parents are concerned and take action. A study was conducted to closely examine online usage and digital footprints. A full-text article can be found at https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED537515.pdf.
For more articles go to ERIC and Google Scholar database keywords: digital footprints AND students; digital footprints
Privacy Student Intro Video - The Digital Footprint. Introduce digital footprints by using this video so students can think critically about what information they put online. Grades 4th – 6th grade.
Hoven School District Superintendent’s Blog What Digital Footprint Will You Leave Behind2.flv. Students of various ages explain 10 Common Sense Rules. Age 3rd – 6th grade.
Other Videos on Digital Footprints <copy & paste> URL into a new tab.
Youth and Media – Digital Dossier. This video explains prior to when students are born a digital footprint was created. The journey “Andy” takes from adolescent through adulthood demonstrates how his digital information is collected through various sources opening discussion how student’s digital footprints are created. Age 4th – 6th grade. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79IYZVYIVLA