Sunday, March 22, 2009

They know who you are...




About Digital Footprints...


I googled my name…
I know in South America my name is somewhat common: Gabriela. I was amazed with all the different profiles that showed up: a journalist, endless facebook pages, an activist in Africa…and yes; I was there too.
As adults, it is opportune to think that our use of digital tools sets an example to our children. Think about it; what image does the world have of you? How can you responsibly use these tools and at the same time protect yourself?
As teachers; I believe digital tools should be present in our classrooms to enhance our curriculum. As a consequence, we have the duty to teach and show our students to be responsible users. Children have to understand the implications of having a digital footprint; they need to learn that their actions bring consequences. We need to help them know how to use these tools to boost their learning rather than deprive them from entering a college or getting a job.
Nevertheless, this is not the job of one teacher or one administrator or one parent. Learning about digital footprints; requires collaboration within a community. Students need to hear about it in school and home; they have to learn about it as they access the web.

Try it and find your digital footprint; google your name and see what’s out there.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Gaby,
    You nailed it with saying, "...digital footprints requires collaboration within a community." We are a community of learners, and it is a community responsibility to support learning--all the information is out there for us, steering learner into their own learning is fast becoming my main approach to teaching learning...
    (and i really like your graphic on this one)

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  2. Hi Gaby,

    I agree with you (and Susi) about the shared responsibility for educating children in a variety of settings.

    It is odd to see so much about people that share your name. Everything about my name has to do with people in the 1600's; I guess it's kind of old fashioned. I don't know how I'd feel, though, if I were you and had so many people that could be confused with me.

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