Digital Footprint Discussion Script

Warm-Up: What's Your Mark? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To kick off our lesson today, I want you to think about this question: When you walk on sand or snow, you leave a physical mark, right? What kind of 'mark' do you think you leave when you use the internet? Take a moment to think about it, and then I'd love to hear your ideas."

(Wait for a few student responses. Encourage a variety of answers.)

Teacher: "Those are some great thoughts! It's true that everything we do online, every single click, post, or comment, leaves a kind of trail. Today, we're going to talk about something called your 'digital footprint.' We'll explore what it is and, more importantly, why it really matters to you, now and in the future."

Understanding Your Digital Footprint (10 minutes)

(Display Your Digital Footprint Slide Deck - Slide 2)

Teacher: "So, what exactly is a digital footprint? Simply put, it's all the data you leave behind when you use the internet. Think about it: every post you make on social media, every comment you type, every photo you upload, every 'like' you give, every online game you play, even your search history – it all adds up! It's like your online story, and it forms your online reputation. It's a collection of information about you that exists online because of your online activities."

(Display Your Digital Footprint Slide Deck - Slide 3)

Teacher: "Now, here's the really important part: your digital footprint is often permanent. Even if you delete something, it might still exist somewhere on the internet. It can be seen by your friends and family, yes, but also by future schools you might want to attend, future colleges, and even future employers when you're looking for a job. It really does shape how others see you, both online and in the real world.

"Why do you think it's so hard to completely erase something once it's been online?" (Allow for 1-2 student responses.)

(Display Your Digital Footprint Slide Deck - Slide 4)

Teacher: "Exactly! Because so many people can see and share things so quickly. So, your digital footprint can either be your friend, showing off your awesome talents, interests, and kindness to the world. Or, it can be a foe, if it shows thoughtless comments, or inappropriate content that you might regret later.

"The good news is, you get to choose what kind of footprint you leave!"

Scenario Activity: Footprint Choices (10 minutes)

(Display Your Digital Footprint Slide Deck - Slide 5)

Teacher: "Alright, now it's your turn to put on your digital detective hats! I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will get a copy of the Digital Footprint Scenarios Activity (or I will display them for everyone).

"Your task is to read through each scenario. For each one, discuss these two questions:

1. What's the potential impact (positive or negative) on the person's digital footprint?
2. What would be a more responsible action they could take?

"You'll have about 7 minutes to discuss in your groups. After that, we'll come back together, and each group will share one scenario and your conclusions. Does everyone understand the task?"

(Circulate among groups, providing guidance and facilitating discussion.)

Teacher: "Okay, let's bring it back together. Who would like to share one of their scenarios and what your group discussed?"

(Call on 2-3 groups to share.)

Cool Down: My Digital Promise (5 minutes)

(Display Your Digital Footprint Slide Deck - Slide 6)

Teacher: "Fantastic discussions, everyone! To wrap things up today, I want each of you to take a moment for personal reflection.

"I'm going to hand out these Digital Footprint Reflection Cool Down slips. On your slip, think about what you've learned today about your digital footprint. What is one promise you will make to yourself about your online behavior to manage your digital footprint responsibly? It could be about what you post, what you share, or how you interact.

"Please write down your promise. This is just for you to think about, but I'll collect them as you leave class. Thank you for your thoughtful participation today!"

(Collect cool-down slips as students exit.)

Digital Footprint Scenarios Activity

Instructions: Read each scenario with your group. Discuss the questions below for each scenario and be ready to share your answers with the class.

Questions for each scenario:

1. What is the potential impact (positive or negative) on the person's digital footprint?
2. What would be a more responsible action they could take?

Scenario 1: The Gaming Grumble

Maya is playing an online game with her friends. When she loses a round, she gets really frustrated and types an angry, name-calling message in the public chat to another player she thinks cheated.

Scenario 2: The Awesome Art Post

Liam loves to draw and has been practicing a new style. He takes a photo of his best artwork, which is a detailed drawing of a futuristic city, and posts it on an art-sharing website with a positive caption about how proud he is of his progress.

Scenario 3: The Party Photo Fiasco

Chloe attends a friend's birthday party where some people are doing silly things that might be embarrassing later. Her friend takes a photo of Chloe making a funny face, and Chloe gives permission for her friend to post it on social media, even though she feels a little unsure about it.

Scenario 4: The Research Rabbit Hole

Noah is working on a science project about space. He spends hours researching facts, watching educational videos, and participating in an online forum where he asks thoughtful questions and helps other students understand complex topics.

My Digital Promise

Instructions: Reflect on what you learned today about your digital footprint. Write down one promise you will make to yourself about your online behavior to manage your digital footprint responsibly.

My Promise:

I promise to ___________________________________________________________________________

so that my digital footprint reflects the kind of person I want to be.