digital-footprint

How to teach students about their digital footprint


Students must know about their digital footprint and the consequences of online actions

digital-footprintTechnology is an integral part of teaching and learning in today’s classrooms. While educators are aware of privacy concerns surrounding students’ use of the internet and mobile devices, students don’t always have a good grasp of digital citizenship, and don’t necessarily know the consequences of their online actions.

The average young person ages 8-18 consumes 7.5 hours of media per day outside of school.

“Media is a huge part of kids’ lives, and we’re seeing amazing things in what it can do for learning,” said Kelly Mendoza, senior manager of professional development for Common Sense Media. “But there are privacy issues in what kids are sharing and leaving online.”

This is why it is especially important that students are aware of their digital footprint–the “trail” they leave online, made up of comments they make, images they post, and content they create.

(Next page: What should students do about their digital footprints?)

Laura Ascione

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