Have you given any consideration to your “digital footprint”?  All of us are constantly online for work, pleasure, business, education, communication, etc; consequently, we are leaving a lot of bytes out there.  This is something we need to think about personally as well as take into consideration to instruct our students.

There are two ways to think about “digital footprint”.  One is the amount or size – the actual bytes and the other is the type – traces of activity.  Together these are the “footprints” that are left via many different sources – sending e-mails, blogging, joining a Web site, just connecting to the Internet.  You may not even be aware of the information that is being collected.  So what’s the big deal?

The most hyped “ digital footprint” dangers are the predator ones.  We should certainly take this very seriously, especially when it comes to dealing with students.  These things do happen, but as an everyday concern we need to also think of the following footprints:

Employers

According to i-SAFE, a December, 2007, survey conducted by Careerbuilder.com found that 45% of employers reported using online search engines or social-networking sites to research potential job candidates.

Colleges and Scholarship Committees

Those approving college admissions also want a look at the students in their everyday environment. Looking at “footprints”  is often much more informative than the “polished” version received in application compositions.

Law Enforcement

Sometimes police cases are made with using information found online…people forget that the Internet is not private!  Too often people like to brag via social networking/blog and post evidence against themselves.

School Employees

Schools may find evidence online to enforce policy.  “Footprints” could lead to suspension or other enforcement of disciplinary measures.

 Business

Retailers track business transactions from “footprints” via e-mails, online shopping, and loan applications.  They will even buy addresses from other business, so they can send you spam/junk mail.

What to do? What to do? What to do?

Cyberspace is here to stay…you cannot turn it off!   What you can do, though, is be aware of the image you present the world through your “digital footprint”.  Be very careful about photo posting…it may not be nearly as cute to a potential employer.  Don’t put anything out in cyberspace that you wouldn’t want published in your local newspaper for the entire world to see, and  minimize as much personal information as possible. 

Classroom Lessons

For further information on “digital footprint” and Internet Safety classroom lessons, contact your ITRT!