Lesson Plan
Digital Footprint Detectives Lesson Plan
Students will be able to define 'digital footprint,' identify components of their own online presence, analyze the potential impact of their digital footprint on future opportunities, and apply strategies for cultivating a positive and responsible online identity.
In today's interconnected world, a student's online presence is a critical part of their identity. Understanding and managing their digital footprint is essential for personal reputation, future opportunities (like college admissions and job prospects), and overall digital well-being. This lesson provides practical skills to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.
Audience
Grades 7-12
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive case studies, group discussion, and reflective exercises.
Materials
Digital Footprint Detectives Slide Deck, Digital Footprint Case Studies Activity, My Digital Identity Worksheet, Whiteboard or projector, and Markers or pens
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Digital Footprint Detectives Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Digital Footprint Detectives Slide Deck, Digital Footprint Case Studies Activity, and My Digital Identity Worksheet.
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is set up for the slide deck.
- Print copies of the Digital Footprint Case Studies Activity (one per small group) and My Digital Identity Worksheet (one per student).
Step 1
Warm-up & Introduction (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion: "What does 'digital footprint' mean to you?" or "Have you ever Googled yourself or someone you know? What did you find?" (Refer to Digital Footprint Detectives Slide Deck - Slide 1-3).
- Introduce the lesson's objective: to become 'Digital Footprint Detectives' and learn to craft a positive online identity.
Step 2
Understanding Your Digital Footprint (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Use the Digital Footprint Detectives Slide Deck (Slides 4-7) to explain what a digital footprint is (active vs. passive) and why it matters (future opportunities, reputation).
- Discuss common examples of digital footprints (social media posts, comments, photos, online reviews, search history).
- Facilitate a brief whole-class discussion about the permanence of online information and privacy settings.
Step 3
Case Study Activity: Digital Dilemmas (20 minutes)
20 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
- Distribute the Digital Footprint Case Studies Activity to each group.
- Instruct groups to read and discuss each case study, answering the provided questions about the potential impact of the digital footprint and how the situation could be handled more positively.
- Circulate among groups to offer guidance and facilitate discussion.
Step 4
Group Share & Strategies for a Positive Footprint (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Have each group share key takeaways or one case study's solution with the class.
- Use Digital Footprint Detectives Slide Deck (Slides 8-10) to summarize key strategies for cultivating a positive online identity (think before you post, privacy settings, professional presence, regular checks).
- Emphasize the importance of being respectful and responsible online.
Step 5
Reflection & Cool-Down (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Distribute the My Digital Identity Worksheet for individual reflection.
- Students will complete the worksheet, reflecting on their own digital footprint and committing to one action to improve or maintain a positive online presence.
- Collect worksheets as an exit ticket.
Slide Deck
Digital Footprint Detectives
Crafting a Positive Online Identity
What's your digital story?
Have you ever Googled yourself or someone you know? What did you find?
Welcome students and introduce the concept of a "digital footprint" by asking them what they think it means. Use a hook question to get them thinking.
Our Mission Today
Become a Digital Footprint Detective!
Objective:
- Define 'digital footprint'
- Understand its importance
- Learn to create a positive online identity
Explain the lesson's objective clearly. Emphasize that they will become 'detectives' to understand and manage their online presence.
What is a Digital Footprint?
It's like your online shadow!
Your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind when you use the internet.
It includes:
- Social media posts, likes, shares, comments
- Photos and videos you upload
- Websites you visit
- Online purchases
- Emails and messages
- Gaming activity
Define what a digital footprint is using simple, relatable language. Highlight that it's everything they do and leave behind online.
Active vs. Passive Footprints
Two kinds of trails
Active Digital Footprint: Information you intentionally share.
- Posting on Instagram
- Sending an email
- Commenting on a blog post
Passive Digital Footprint: Information collected without your direct input.
- Websites tracking your browsing history
- Location data from your phone
- Online ads based on your interests
Distinguish between active and passive digital footprints with examples. Engage students by asking for more examples of each.
Why Does Your Digital Footprint Matter?
It leaves a lasting impression!
- Future Opportunities: Colleges and employers often check social media.
- Reputation: What you post can shape how others see you.
- Personal Brand: It tells a story about who you are.
- Safety & Privacy: Protects your personal information.
Explain why their digital footprint matters. Connect it to real-world consequences like college and job opportunities.
Digital Dilemmas: Case Studies
Put on your detective hats!
In groups, you will analyze real-life (anonymous) scenarios.
Discuss:
- What's the potential impact of this digital footprint?
- How could the person have handled it better?
Introduce the case study activity. Explain that they will be analyzing different scenarios to understand the impact of online actions.
Crafting a Positive Online Identity
Be intentional with your online presence
Think Before You Post: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it helpful?
Privacy Settings: Use them! Know who can see your content.
Professional Presence: Curate an image you'd be proud of.
Regular Checks: Google yourself! See what comes up.
Summarize the key strategies for maintaining a positive online presence. Encourage students to think critically before posting.
Be a Good Digital Citizen
Responsibility and Respect are Key
- Respectful: Treat others online as you would in person.
- Responsible: Think about the consequences of your actions.
- Resilient: Learn from mistakes and know how to respond to challenges online.
Reinforce the idea of being respectful and responsible. Connect it to good digital citizenship.
Your Digital Commitment
Reflect and Take Action
Complete the My Digital Identity Worksheet.
What is one action you will take to improve or maintain a positive digital footprint?
Introduce the cool-down activity, which asks students to reflect on their own digital identity and commit to an action.
Activity
Digital Footprint Detectives: Case Studies
Instructions: Read each case study with your group. Discuss the questions below each scenario. Be prepared to share your thoughts with the class.
Case Study 1: The "Party Animal" Profile
Scenario: Sarah is applying to several colleges. She's worked hard in high school and has great grades. However, her Instagram profile, though now private, used to be public during her freshman and sophomore years. It contains many photos of her at parties, some with questionable captions and references to underage activities. A college admissions officer, doing a routine online search, found some of these old posts via a friend's tagged photo that was still public.
Discussion Questions:
- What is Sarah's digital footprint in this scenario?
- How might these old posts impact her college applications?
- What steps could Sarah have taken earlier to prevent this, or what can she do now?
- What advice would you give Sarah about managing her online presence moving forward?
Case Study 2: The "Vent Session" Comment
Scenario: David was frustrated with a group project. After a particularly difficult meeting, he went online and left an anonymous, but very critical, comment on a school blog post about student collaboration. While he didn't use names, he described the project and some of his group members' actions in a way that made it clear who he was talking about to anyone involved in the project. His comment quickly sparked negative responses from other students who recognized the situation.
Discussion Questions:
- What impact could David's anonymous comment have on his relationships with peers and teachers?
- Even though it was anonymous, how was David's digital footprint still identifiable?
- What would have been a more constructive way for David to handle his frustration?
- How can comments or posts, even if anonymous, contribute to a negative digital footprint?
Case Study 3: The "Sharing is Caring" Dilemma
Scenario: Maria loves sharing every detail of her life with her friends online. She often posts photos of her home, her family, and even her school schedule. She uses location services on her posts without thinking twice. One day, she received a message from someone she didn't know, referencing specific details about her daily routine and neighborhood, which made her feel very uncomfortable.
Discussion Questions:
- What information did Maria share online that contributed to her digital footprint?
- What are the potential risks of oversharing personal information and location data online?
- What privacy settings or habits should Maria adopt to protect herself?
- How can a positive desire to share with friends sometimes lead to unintended negative consequences for your digital footprint?
Worksheet
My Digital Identity Worksheet
Instructions: Reflect on your own digital footprint and answer the questions below. Be honest with yourself – this is for your own learning!
Part 1: Self-Reflection
- In your own words, what is a digital footprint?
-
List three types of information that contribute to your active digital footprint (e.g., social media posts, comments, photos, emails, gaming activity).
a.
b.
c. -
List two types of information that contribute to your passive digital footprint (e.g., website cookies, location data).
a.
b. -
Imagine a college admissions officer or a future employer Googles your name. What kind of information do you think they would find? Do you think it would create a positive, neutral, or negative impression? Explain why.
Part 2: Taking Action
- What is one thing you are currently doing well to maintain a positive digital footprint?
- Identify one area where you could improve your digital footprint (e.g., adjusting privacy settings, thinking more before posting, deleting old content).
- What is one specific action you will commit to taking to improve or maintain a positive online identity, starting today? Be specific!
(e.g., "I will review my privacy settings on [social media platform]", "I will un-tag myself from old photos", "I will think of the 4 Questions before posting anything new").