lenny

Digital Footprint Detectives

user image

Lesson Plan

Digital Footprint Detectives

Students will learn to critically evaluate their digital footprint, understand the consequences of online actions, and develop strategies for maintaining a positive and safe online identity, fostering media literacy, cyber etiquette, and self-preservation in the digital world.

In an increasingly connected world, understanding one's digital footprint is crucial for students' safety, reputation, and future opportunities. This lesson equips them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and confidently.

Audience

Middle School Students (6th-8th Grade)

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Interactive case studies, group discussions, and practical strategies.

Materials

Smartboard or projector, Digital Footprint Detectives Slide Deck, Digital Footprint Discussion Questions, My Digital Footprint Worksheet, and Pens/pencils

Prep

Preparation Steps

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's Your Digital Shadow?

5 minutes

  • Display Slide 1: Title Slide.
    * Ask:
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Digital Footprint Detectives: Uncovering Your Online Self

What do you think 'digital footprint' means? Why is it important?

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of digital footprints. Start with an engaging question to activate prior knowledge.

Your Digital Shadow

Every click, post, photo, and comment creates your digital footprint.
It's like a trail of breadcrumbs you leave across the internet.

Think about it: What kind of breadcrumbs are you leaving?

Explain what a digital footprint is using relatable analogies. Emphasize that everything they do online leaves a trace.

Positive & Negative Footprints

Positive:
- Sharing helpful information
- Showcasing talents and achievements
- Connecting with family and friends

Negative:
- Posting inappropriate content
- Spreading rumors or negativity
- Sharing too much personal information

Discuss how their digital footprint can be both positive and negative. Provide examples for each.

Online Actions, Real-World Consequences

What you post online can be there forever, even if you delete it.
Future schools, employers, and even friends can see it.

Think about it: How might a past post affect your future?

Introduce the concept of permanence. What goes online stays online, even if deleted.

Before You Post: THINK!

T - Is it True?
H - Is it Helpful?
I - Is it Inspiring?
N - Is it Necessary?
K - Is it Kind?

Explain the importance of critical thinking before posting. Introduce the 'Think' acronym.

Case Study: The Gaming Grumble

Liam was playing his favorite online game and got really frustrated when he lost. He immediately typed a mean comment about the other player in the chat. A week later, he saw a screenshot of his comment circulating among his friends.

Discuss: What are the possible consequences for Liam? What could he have done differently? (Refer to Digital Footprint Discussion Questions)

Present a short case study or hypothetical scenario for students to discuss in small groups. This is where the Digital Footprint Discussion Questions will come into play.

Managing Your Digital You

  • Privacy Settings: Use them!
    - Think Before You Share: Apply the THINK test.
    - Google Yourself: See what others see.
    - Be a Positive Contributor: Share good things.
    - Delete Old Accounts: If you don't use them, close them.

Introduce strategies for managing and maintaining a positive digital footprint. Encourage students to be proactive.

Seeking Help & Support

If you see something online that makes you uncomfortable, or if you're worried about your digital footprint, talk to a trusted adult:

  • Parent/Guardian
    - Teacher
    - School Counselor

Explain the importance of reporting and seeking help if they encounter anything concerning online.

Your Digital Legacy

Your digital footprint is a part of who you are online. Make it a positive and responsible reflection of yourself. Remember, you have the power to shape your online story!

Now, let's work on your My Digital Footprint Worksheet.

Conclude with a summary and a call to action, leading into the worksheet.

lenny

Discussion

Digital Footprint Discussion Questions

Introduction

Take a moment to think about your online activities. What social media sites do you visit? What games do you play? What information do you share online?

Case Study Discussion: The Gaming Grumble

(Refer to the case study on the Digital Footprint Detectives Slide Deck titled "Case Study: The Gaming Grumble")

  1. What are the immediate consequences for Liam after posting the mean comment?


  2. What are the potential long-term consequences for Liam?


  3. What emotions do you think Liam was feeling when he posted the comment? How do these emotions sometimes lead us to make impulsive decisions online?


  4. If you were Liam, what would you do differently in that situation?


  5. How might seeing a friend post something negative online impact your perception of them?


Open Discussion: Your Online World

  1. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know saw something online that made you think twice about what you post?


  2. What are some positive ways you can use your digital footprint to help others or showcase your talents?


  3. What are some red flags that might tell you that something you are about to post could create a negative digital footprint?


  4. Why is it important to talk to a trusted adult if you see something online that makes you uncomfortable or if you are worried about your digital footprint?


  5. What is one new strategy you learned today that you will use to manage your digital footprint?
lenny
lenny

Worksheet

My Digital Footprint Worksheet

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

Part 1: Reflecting on Your Online Habits

  1. List three online platforms or activities you use regularly (e.g., social media, online games, streaming sites, search engines).










  2. What kind of information do you typically share or interact with on these platforms?






  3. Have you ever thought about who might see the information you post online? Explain your answer.






Part 2: Understanding Positive and Negative Footprints

  1. Give two examples of how someone could create a positive digital footprint.







  2. Give two examples of how someone could create a negative digital footprint.







  3. Imagine you are applying for a scholarship or a school club in a few years. How might a negative post you made today affect that application?






Part 3: The THINK Test

Remember the THINK test: True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind.

  1. Before sending a text or posting a comment, think of a time when applying the "T" (True) or "K" (Kind) part of the THINK test would have been helpful.






  2. Choose one social media post you've seen (or imagined) recently. Apply the entire THINK test to it and explain your reasoning for each letter.

    • Post:


    • T (True):


    • H (Helpful):


    • I (Inspiring):


    • N (Necessary):


    • K (Kind):


Part 4: Managing Your Digital Self

  1. List three strategies you can use to maintain a positive and safe digital footprint (e.g., checking privacy settings, Googling yourself, thinking before you post).










  2. Who is a trusted adult you could talk to if you have concerns about your online activity or digital footprint?



lenny
lenny