WHAT?: 
Digital footprints refer to the information that learners, scholars and individuals in general, leave online through their submission of data while using internet services, such as Facebook and Twitter. Thus, anything we post online is open to be read, interpreted, and commented upon.
Today, many scholars use online platforms to connect with other scholars for scholarship purposes or to connect with students to provide updated information. Although the premise of contact maybe just, there are implications that must be considered; and being aware of one’s digital footprint for both personal and professional purposes is essential.
SO WHAT?:
As an educator, I believe it is essential that students are taught and constantly reminded of their digital footprint. More specifically, as a career educator and coordinator, I am constantly reminding students that their online behaviour and communication with others matters! Negative online communication can potentially affect one’s acceptance into a post-secondary institution or job prospect.
On a scholastic level, being cognizant of who your readers are is very important. Writing any material that can be misconstrued and perceived as negative, or verbally responding in a manner that is threatening opens one up to potential disciplinary actions, including job loss, loss of scholarship opportunities and/or possibly even charges.
Therefore, working with students to help them become aware of, or identify the significance of appropriate online communication is necessary.
NOW WHAT?:
As an educator, I believe that teaching students about appropriate online communication needs to start at an early age. Working with students throughout both their Elementary and Secondary schooling and constantly discussing the ramifications of appropriate behaviour is essential, as are discussing the consequences, and implementing them if students are abusing their online access.
As a parent, I believe it is my responsibility to discuss and expect proper online etiquette from my child. I recognize that my opinion regarding my responsibility with this matter may not be shared or provided by all parents. However, if I am providing my child with access to use the internet at home and at school, I strongly believe I have a responsibility to discuss their digital footprint as they advance through school, post-secondary education and onto a career.
By: Deirdre Houghton
Social Media Picture by: Merakist on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/@merakistutm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText