Digital Footprints

A Digital Footprint is defined by the Canadian Center for Cyber Security as, “the trail of data you create while using the Internet. This data comes from the websites you visit, emails you send, and the information you submit or download online”. This definition explains that a digital footprint is more of a profile that you build as you use the Internet. Information from the sites you visit, communication you send and information you produce or consume is recorded and used to build your digital footprint or profile. It is important to note that this profile is always being built and updated with every search that you submit.  The Information in your digital footprint is important for privacy but also important in the avoidance of bias. There are algorithms designed to give the user more of what they like, and this can lead to insular worldviews that cater to preestablished opinions rather than providing other contexts or information that helps individuals see outside themselves their views are reinforced. This might not be an issue if the information was always accurate, however, these algorithms do not differentiate between accurate or inaccurate information. This leads to a lack of understanding of different views and acceptance of unsupported ideas as facts. As an educator it is my responsibility to encourage my students to expand their worldview and to empathize with others. Digital footprints will have to be discussed so that students are able to find factual information and understand the risks associated with creating insular digital footprints. Students are going to have Digital Footprints and while it is intimidating there are some positives as the digital footprint can serve as a digital identity that allows students to share their interests with others. This kind of behavior should be done carefully but can allow students to explore their interests on their own. Children and teenagers should be taught to create a positive digital footprint (Buchanan et al, 2017). As a teacher it is important for me to realize that my students will already have some grasp of internet usage and safety but that I will focus more on encouraging my students to create positive digital footprints that will be assets to them later in life. This could mean that I help my students be diligent about how they find information and what contexts they use the internet in to ensure that they create digital footprints that encourage them and enable them to attain their goals as they set them. In my classrooms I will attempt to go over sources with my students and highlight ways for them to check their information. It might also be helpful to create portfolios of their work and have a class website to encourage them to upload their work and learn to share their work and interests in an online classroom setting. I do not want technology to be a distraction but I feel that it is important and relevant to bring it into my classroom in order to help my students challenge their worldviews and to allow them to pursue their interests deeper.

Sources

https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance/digital-footprint-itsap00133

Buchanan, R., Southgate, E., Smith, S. P., Murray, T., & Noble, B. (2017). Post no photos, leave no trace: children’s digital footprint management strategies. E-Learning and Digital Media, 14(5), 275–290. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042753017751711