DIGITAL FOOTPRINT

As many politicians are becoming acutely aware, a person's past or their former identity if you will, is quite accessible on the internet whether they know it or not.   A person's digital footprint is far more detailed than the information that they would willingly share with the public and for persons entering the workforce or professionals subject to the public light,  this can have devastating consequences.   A quick name search on Pipl.com can reveal a person's social networking activities, their associates and often times the digital dirt is accompanied by photos that one might not want disseminated to their family let alone to possible employers.   The good news though is that it is  not too late!!!  

I am rather lucky in some respects in that when Facebook was created I was a police officer, and we were warned of possible repercussions should any information depicting any activities not deemed professional arise, thus my digital footprint is almost non existent.   As a student aspiring to become a professional educator, the rules remain the same but the game has changed drastically thanks to technological advances.    

What I am tempted to do is warn you about the dangers of almost everyone carrying a camera in their pocket, or about the availability of your private transactions including your browsing history to any person willing to take the time to investigate your online activities.   But, I do not feel that it would be productive nor would it conform with this blog site which is evaluating the uses of technology.  

Instead,  I implore people to become informed and be responsible.   As a starting point I recommend completing this quiz at Discovery by Koppel to gain an awareness of just how much of your life is recorded by both the business world and the government.  Next, by discovering, modifying and continually monitoring your digital profile, you can use the internet as an appropriate venue to promote your worth to potential employers.   Create blogs and websites to demonstrate your interests and your knowledge base, and link them all together so that you are easier to find.  By creating this digital dossier if you will, perhaps your online activities will serve to better promote your thoughts to a potential employer or client in a way that is often difficult during the interview process.   So take advantage of what was a "Eureka!" moment for myself, always conduct your online activities in a professional manner and promote the identity that you strive for!!!!   

Coming up next.....       Ministry provided digital resources for both the teacher and the student.