Introduction

In today’s digital world, it’s essential for educators to teach students about the concept of a digital footprint. A digital footprint is the trail of information or data created by an individual while using the internet. This includes social media posts, comments, likes, shares, website visits, and more. It’s crucial for students to understand that their digital footprint can have long-lasting impacts on their lives, as it reflects their character and cannot be erased. This blog post will discuss an easy no-prep activity to introduce the concept of digital footprint, provide discussion questions, and suggest related skills for students to learn.

No-Prep Activity: The Digital Footprint Game

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. It’s designed to help students understand the concept of a digital footprint and practice responsible online behavior.

1. Ask students to form a circle and choose one student to start.
2. The chosen student begins by saying a statement about an online activity they have done recently (e.g., “I watched a funny video on YouTube”).
3. The next student in the circle must repeat the first student’s statement and add their own (e.g., “I watched a funny video on YouTube, and I liked a friend’s post on Instagram”).
4. The game continues clockwise, with each student repeating the previous statements and adding their own.
5. If a student can’t remember the previous statements or makes a mistake, they’re out of the game. The last student standing wins.

This activity helps students understand that their online actions create a digital footprint, and they should be mindful of the information they share and engage with on the internet.

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think it’s important to be aware of your digital footprint?
• Can you think of a situation where someone’s digital footprint might have had negative consequences for them? How could they have prevented it?
• What are some strategies you can use to ensure you leave a positive digital footprint?
• How can you help your friends and family understand the importance of their digital footprint and responsible online behavior?
• Do you think it’s fair for employers to consider an individual’s digital footprint when making hiring decisions? Why or why not?

Related Skills

Here are some other relevant skills that can complement learning about digital footprints:

• Online Safety: Students should understand how to protect their personal information and stay safe online.
• Online Etiquette: Students should learn how to communicate respectfully and responsibly on social media and other online platforms.
• Media Literacy: Teaching students how to critically analyze and evaluate online content can help them make better decisions about what to share and engage with.
• Responsible Browsing: Students should learn how to use search engines effectively and responsibly to avoid inappropriate content and misinformation.

Next Steps

Now that you have a better understanding of digital footprints and the importance of responsible online behavior, consider incorporating these concepts into your curriculum. To help you get started, sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. You’ll find resources that cover a wide range of skills related to social-emotional learning, tailored specifically for students in special education.