TT#5: Digital Footprint

So after the first week in my class Internet for Educators I decided to Google myself to see what came up.  I was very thankful to find out that the only thing on the first page of Google results was my Pinterest page.  When I looked through the pictures, I did not find any of myself.  This was a relief.  I have been told numerous times how employers will Google you before they meet with you to see what they can learn.  This got me thinking: if all they find is my Pinterest page is that a good or bad thing?  With this thought in mind I created my AboutMe page.  On this page I can direct what sites they can be linked to, as well as provide them with information that will be beneficial to hiring me. Here is the link to my AboutMe page if you would like to check it out: http://about.me/m3laingmk

Creative Commons: http://pixabay.com/en/footprints-feet-walking-toes-human-149398/

So how do I control my digital footprint?  I try my best to lock down my privacy settings on my Social Media sites.  As an upcoming teacher, I do not want my students to have access to my person life.  I would like to keep my Professional and Personal lives separate.  With younger sisters, it is hard to keep my online identity private.  Although I have changed my name online or my online addresses, my students are able to go through my sisters contacts to find me.  In most cases, my students have to request permission to follow or be friends with me online.

The article Digital Habitus gives a great definition of habitus:

"the process through which the activities of our everyday life shape and order our values and expectations."

It is so important to teach our students at a young age the importance of their online identity.  They need to be aware of their use of the digital world.  They need to know how to protect themselves. Students need to learn that every site they visit can be traced back to them, it becomes part of their history.  Many people hide behind the screen, creating a second identity.  What students need to realize is that they have one identity both on and offline.  It is possible if we start teaching students at a young age the impact of the internet and the consequences of misusing the internet, we can help keep our students safe and help limit cyber-bullying.

~ Miss Laing