Creating a productive digital footprint is something we want all students to embrace. Our Grades 3-5 topic this week is “Online Privacy” as they move through Common Sense Media’s Digital Passport lessons.
It is important for students to understand the implications of their online actions. Doing something silly now may not be putting your best professional foot forward for the future.
Think like a student – when was the last time you thought what you are doing today might be the reason you don’t get a job when you are 30? I remember being in high school thinking 30 was like “OLD” and truthfully, it would have been unlikely I would have really paused before posting.
Take a look at this article in the New York Times, “They Loved Your G.P.A. Then They Saw Your Tweets“.
Interesting post, right? However, there may be some that don’t believe online privacy is an issue. Let’s test that theory by watching the “Amazing Mind Reader”:
Who is concerned with privacy?
92% of parents are concerned that kids share too much information online (Common Sense Media/Zogby Intl.)
– Online Privacy: What It Is and How to Get It – Common Sense Media
So, what can teachers do to help students think before they post?
What will you do to help students create and protect their digital footprint?
Image credits: flickr.com/photos/donkeyhotey
traceykracht.wordpress.com 
Hey Tracey 🙂
I love your thoughts and think it is really important to note that as much as we might want it to be, online is not private. That being said, that last video I struggle with.
The messages of “is it helpful, is it inspirational, and is it necessary” are criteria that my plethora of cat and dog videos that I share probably wouldn’t meet. I think that we have to recognize that social media is something that is actually really fun, yet videos like this almost seem like they want to take that appeal away. Don’t get me wrong, I love the learning aspect of social media, but I think videos like that last one seem to kind of wreck the enjoyment of the medium. I think that it is okay to encourage kids to have fun and be themselves online, while also talking to them about being kind to others. But the message of “am I inspirational” is the exact reason that so many educators don’t want to use Twitter; they believe that it is only for the inspirational quotes. We set a REALLY high bar for tweets, posts, etc. I think we have to remember that part of it is about actual enjoyment and we should talk to kids about how we can have fun with the medium while still not causing damage later on to their reputations.
Thanks for the share and the work you are doing in this! It is so important to help our kids navigate these waters.
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