Digital Footprints

In this weeks' lesson I was prompted to think of various ways I communicate or engage with others digitally. As I reflected, I recalled websites, email exchange, text messages, social media (Facebook/ Instagram), online banking, online shopping, patient and customer profiles. Majority of my interactions are connected to a digital file. The digital files have longevity and can be very informative of who I am before even meeting me. In digital technology we call this the development of a digital footprint. The good news is I have the power to steer my digital footprint in a positive or negative direction. Managing and maintaining a positive reputation will require aggressive action. The actions are and not limited to asking sites to take down unwanted post that includes me, check privacy settings, deactivate old accounts, consider what is being posted before it posts, make positive contributions to digital platforms.

Understanding the impact digital footprints have on a person's reputation, has made me believe as educators we are responsible for ensuring parents and students understand too. Teaching what digital footprints are and how they directly affect reputations should be an ongoing initiative. Districts and communities must unit to ensure society understands the digital revolution requires education that brings light to proper precautions and actions. I think collaboration among community digital leaders, administration, lead tech teachers, and parent leaders can come together to develop curriculum which focuses on developing positive digital footprints. Topics that focus on management, monitoring and resources are a great start.

Management would educate stakeholders on what a digital footprint is and how they are considered tattoos. Subtopics would include best practices and etiquette of posting pictures, engaging in chat dialog, privacy settings and security would educate how to achieve a positive digital footprint. Being able to have conversations about digital footprints and observing what it entails helps understand how various post can be viewed by others. Educating informs how and why the digital imprint leaves a positive or negative reputation. It can also activate creativity that formulates plans to contribute positive digital footprints.

Monitoring would educate stakeholders on how to actively and routinely check their digital footprint. Name search, deactivating inactive accounts and updating privacy settings actively monitors digital footprints. These actions should be taken routinely and continuously. After learning best practices and etiquette, actively searching personal name will give individuals the opportunity to correct or update any negative digital footprints. Doing this brings awareness to a personal reputation that was once unknown.

Equipping stakeholders with resources that recommunicate the management and monitoring lessons will be just as essential. Providing resources creates structure and helps develop accountability. Not only does it provide structure, it can support stake holders to teach others.

Digital footprints today are more like digital tattoos. They are generated as early as I the mother's womb and can have a lifespan well past after an individual's death. Although the digital revolution empowers individuals to freely express, precautions and specific actions should be taken into consideration. We would like to think considering the type of post and engagement goes without saying but unfortunately that is not the case. Digital etiquette and awareness of how to leave a positive footprint should be taught.