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BeginIf you are 13 or older, you are legally ready to begin developing a digital footprint leading to college, career, and citizenship success. Your teachers, school librarian, and those tech-savvy family members are great people to turn to for guidance. Remember, if you don’t establish your online identity someone else can. | Be realTo establish an online identity, it's not only important to use your real name, but also be aware that many networking sites have rules about using your real name. Hiding behind a fake identity can lead to saying things you wouldn’t in real life, bullying, and more. If there is trouble, your true identity isn’t that hard to discover. Instead be real and be smart online. | Be consistentUsing a consistent username in digital platforms will help you in being recognized across platforms. It will also be helpful to you in establishing your digital footprint and personal brand. If there are others with your name, consider a middle initial or nickname. |
Begin
If you are 13 or older, you are legally ready to begin developing a digital footprint leading to college, career, and citizenship success. Your teachers, school librarian, and those tech-savvy family members are great people to turn to for guidance.
Remember, if you don’t establish your online identity someone else can.
Be real
To establish an online identity, it's not only important to use your real name, but also be aware that many networking sites have rules about using your real name. Hiding behind a fake identity can lead to saying things you wouldn’t in real life, bullying, and more. If there is trouble, your true identity isn’t that hard to discover. Instead be real and be smart online.
Be consistent
Using a consistent username in digital platforms will help you in being recognized across platforms. It will also be helpful to you in establishing your digital footprint and personal brand.
If there are others with your name, consider a middle initial or nickname.
Social media lets the world hear your voice in conversations that matter to you
- Comment on articles and blog covering topics important to you
- Share thoughts on the Facebook pages of your favorite shows and causes
- Tweet insights during news events
- Join Twitter chats about topics you care about
- Engage in Twitter backchannel conversations to make meaning of lectures
- Comment on the videos that inspire and teach you
Stand behind your words
Remember even if you don't use your real name, you are still legally responsible for your actions and the same consequences exist.
Online and Social Networking Trends for College Admissions Officers
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| 26% of college admissions officers use Facebook or other social networking pages to research an applicant. | 27% of college admissions officers have Googled an applicant to learn more about them. | 35% of those who Googled candidates discovered something that negatively impacted their application. |
Online and social networking trends for employers
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Analyze Have you ever wondered if you have a strong digital footprint? Click here to take this quiz and find out. | Share Click here to share the results of your Digital Footprint score. Click here to see how you compared to others. | Consider Consider how to improve your online image. Make a plan for success with family and teacher input. |
Analyze
Share
Consider
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Compare Have a family member take the digital footprint quiz and compare your results. | Share Share each of your plans to improve your online image. | Suggest Discuss your plans, provide suggestions for one another. |
Share
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Trillion $$ Footprint (Grades 6-8)Students learn that they have a digital footprint and that this information can be searched, copied and passed on, and they can take control based on what they post online. Visit the lesson at here. | Anonymity can lead to cruelty (Grades 9 - 12)Students learn that cruelty can escalate quickly online because people are often anonymous and posts spread quickly. Visit the lesson here. | College Bound or Not (Grades 9 - 12) Students learn that everything they or anyone else posts about them online becomes part of a public online presence known as a digital footprint. Visit the lesson at here. |
Trillion $$ Footprint (Grades 6-8)
Students learn that they have a digital footprint and that this information can be searched, copied and passed on, and they can take control based on what they post online.
Visit the lesson at here.
Anonymity can lead to cruelty (Grades 9 - 12)
Students learn that cruelty can escalate quickly online because people are often anonymous and posts spread quickly.
Visit the lesson here.
College Bound or Not (Grades 9 - 12)
Visit the lesson at here.