Digital Footprint

The podcast discusses the impact of leaving a digital footprint when using technology in schools. Students are exposed to the dangers of sharing personal information online and need to understand the long-lasting effects. Teachers should educate students about digital footprints and monitor their online activity. It can be challenging to keep track of what every student is doing, but it's important to limit access to harmful websites and teach responsible online behavior. Welcome back to my podcast on educating students about social media. So quick recap, we've just discussed the issues relating to managing online privacy and safety, including online predators and sharing personal information online. Now we will explore the impact of leaving a digital footprint. With the increased use of technology in schools and the various apps and websites that students are accessing, it is easy for them to leave a digital footprint, which is a trail of data that is created when using the internet. Young students are exposed to the dangers that this can pose to them, both in the present and in the future. As it is normal for students to openly post about themselves and their lives online, issues regarding digital footprint are on the rise. Within the classroom, teachers should discuss the concept of a digital footprint and how the information students share online can have long-lasting detrimental effects. Students should be encouraged to think about their online presence and how it may impact their future. Even whilst using their iPads within the classroom for educational purposes, both on the internet and on applications, students are leaving a digital trace of their online activity. Student interactions with teachers, classmates and educational platforms are being tracked and recorded. Every action taken online, including posting on social media, commenting on websites and conducting online searches, contributes to a child's digital footprint. So, a question for you. Whilst dealing with approximately 20 students within the classroom, are you able to keep track of what every student is doing when using their iPads? When you have set a task for them, do you know 100% that all students are following instructions and not on another website? I know for a fact that I definitely try to keep on the lookout, but it is almost impossible to have eyes on everyone at once. Students can easily switch between tabs and access websites they are not supposed to. Whilst I was on my placement, I experienced a student sitting at the back of the class, acting like she was completing the task. Upon coming near her, she quickly changed applications. It is understandable that we are dealing with young, innocent children who mean no harm in what they are doing, but it is vital that they understand and acknowledge their online behaviour and realise that every action performed online is a build-up of their digital footprint. This includes them learning how to navigate websites consciously and realising the academic, professional and social implications it can have on them. Schools can also block any potential dangerous websites or social media sources, so students do not have access to it within school grounds. This also relates to inappropriate advertisements popping up when watching YouTube videos or browsing through the internet. Teachers need to make informed decisions surrounding technology within the classroom and visit any website or resource before assigning tasks to their students. This will limit students' access to anything potentially harmful and will help them build a responsible, positive and secure online presence.