Walk Wisely Lesson Plan Your Digital Footprint: Walk Wisely
Lesson Plan • High School (9-12)
Duration
60 Minutes
Why This Matters
In today's connected world, understanding how our online presence shapes our future is crucial. This lesson empowers students to be intentional and responsible digital citizens, protecting their reputation and opportunities.
Objectives
Understand what a digital footprint is and distinguish between active and passive types.
Identify examples of their own digital footprints in daily life.
Explain the long-term impact of online actions on future college and career opportunities.
Teacher Prep
Review slide deck and activity case studies.
Set up projector/smartboard for the presentation.
Print Student Worksheet, Reading, and Activity handouts.
Prepare the Exit Ticket (Cool-Down) sheets.
Lesson Timeline
10 min
Warm-Up: What's Your Online Trail?
Students reflect on their daily online habits and the concept of an "online trail" using the Warm-Up handout.
10 min
Introduction: Defining Digital Footprint
Direct instruction using Slides 1-3. Define active vs. passive footprints with class examples.
15 min
Exploring Impact: Discussion & Reading
Students read "Your Invisible Ink" (5-7 min) followed by a facilitated discussion on long-term consequences.
15 min
Activity: Case Studies
Small group analysis of scenarios (The Rant, The "Funny" Photo, etc.). Propose responsible solutions.
5 min
Individual Reflection & Project Intro
Distribute Check-In worksheet and introduce the "My Digital Story" Project and Rubric.
5 min
Cool-Down: Wise Walkers
Exit ticket: One key takeaway or commitment for future online behavior.
Materials Checklist
Smartboard/Projector
Warm-Up Handouts
Digital Footprint Reading
Case Study Scenarios
Worksheet & Exit Tickets
Project Guides & Rubrics
Walk Wisely Slide Deck Your Digital Footprint
Walk Wisely Online
What kind of trail are you leaving online?
What is a Digital Footprint?
Active Footprint
Information you intentionally share (posts, photos, comments, emails).
Passive Footprint
Information collected without your direct input (cookies, location data).
"Everywhere you go online: social media, websites you visit, apps you use, and searches you perform... it all adds up."
Why Does It Matter?
Reputation
What others see about you online forms their first impression.
Opportunities
College admissions, job applications, and scholarships depend on your history.
Privacy & Safety
Protecting your personal information from bad actors.
Lasting Impact
Once it's online, it's often there forever!
Long-Term Impact
What's the Catch?
Think about how your online actions today could affect your:
Future Education
Career Prospects
Personal Relationships
Overall Reputation
Real-World Examples
College Admissions
Admissions officers often check social media for "red flags."
Job Applications
Employers screen candidates' profiles to gauge professionalism.
Scholarships
Online behavior can influence funding decisions.
Personal Branding
Your online presence tells a story about who you are.
Being a Responsible Digital Citizen
Make your mark a positive one.
01
Think Before You Post
Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it helpful?
02
Privacy Settings
Use them! Control who sees what and when.
03
Copyright & Credit
Give credit where it's due. Don't plagiarize.
04
Respect Others
Online interactions should always be respectful.
Activity: Case Studies
1
Read Scenario
Examine a real-world digital footprint situation.
2
Discuss Consequences
What could go wrong? Who is impacted?
3
Brainstorm Actions
Propose responsible steps to resolve or avoid the issue.
Walk Wisely Online!
"Your digital footprint is a reflection of you. Make sure it's a positive one!"
Walk Wisely Instructional Script Instructional Script
Your Digital Footprint: Walk Wisely
Warm-Up: What's Your Online Trail?
10 Minutes
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon everyone! Let's start with a quick warm-up to get us thinking. Today, we're going to talk about something called a 'digital footprint.' Has anyone heard of this term before? What do you think it might mean?"
[Wait for initial student responses, acknowledging ideas without correcting yet.]
Teacher: "To help us dive in, I've got a few questions for you to ponder. You can think about these on your own, jot down some ideas, or discuss quietly with a partner next to you. Take about 5 minutes for this."
[Display or distribute the Digital Footprint Warm-Up handout.]
Teacher: "Alright, let's bring it back together. Who would like to share one thought or idea they had about their 'online trail'? No right or wrong answers, just what came to mind."
Introduction: Defining Digital Footprint
10 Minutes
Teacher: "Excellent job getting your brains warmed up! Now, let's formally introduce what a digital footprint is. Please turn your attention to the screen as we go through our Walk Wisely Slide Deck ."
[Advance to Slide 1: 'Your Digital Footprint: Walk Wisely']
Teacher: "Our title today is 'Your Digital Footprint: Walk Wisely.' We'll be exploring the traces we leave behind when we're online and how to navigate the digital world responsibly."
[Advance to Slide 2: 'What is a Digital Footprint?']
Teacher: "So, what exactly is a digital footprint? It's essentially the trail of data you leave behind whenever you use the internet. Think of it like footprints in the sand, but instead of sand, it's the digital world, and instead of your physical feet, it's everything you do online. This includes social media posts, photos, comments, emails, websites you visit, even the apps you use. We can categorize this into two main types: Active and Passive ."
Teacher: "An Active Digital Footprint is information you intentionally share. Can anyone give me an example of something they actively share online?"
[Wait for responses: Posting a picture, commenting on a friend's post, sending an email.]
Teacher: "Great examples! Now, a Passive Digital Footprint is information collected without your direct input . This might be a bit trickier. Any ideas on what that could be?"
[Allow for brainstorming. Guide them toward cookies, IP addresses, location data.]
Teacher: "Exactly! You don't always actively *do* something to create this part of your footprint, but it's still being collected."
Digital Footprint Warm Up Warm-Up
Your Digital Footprint: Walk Wisely
Name:
Date:
Topic: What's Your Online Trail?
Take a few minutes to think about the following questions. You can jot down your answers, discuss with a partner, or just think quietly.
1. If your online activity left a physical trail, what would it look like? (e.g., a path of breadcrumbs, a bright light, a faint whisper, a huge muddy mess?) Explain why.
2. What are some things you do online every day or every week? (Social media, gaming, school research, streaming, etc.)
3. Have you ever thought about who might see or use the information you share online? If so, who? If not, why not?
Digital Footprint Reading Reading Passage
Your Invisible Ink
Understanding Your Digital Footprint
Imagine walking along a sandy beach. With every step, you leave a mark – your footprint. In the digital world, every click, every post, every interaction you have online also leaves a mark. This is your digital footprint , and unlike footprints in the sand, these digital traces can last a very, very long time.
What Makes Up Your Digital Footprint?
Your digital footprint isn't just one big mark; it's a collection of many small ones. It's broadly divided into two types:
Active Digital Footprint
This is the information you consciously choose to share online. Every time you post a photo on social media, write a comment on a blog, send an email, or fill out an online form, you are actively deciding to put that information out there.
Passive Digital Footprint
This is information that is collected about you without your direct action . You might not even realize it's happening! Examples include websites using "cookies" to track your browsing habits, apps tracking your GPS location, or advertisers recording your search history.
Why Does Your Digital Footprint Matter?
It might seem like just a collection of data, but your digital footprint can have a big impact on your life, both now and in the future.
Your Reputation:
What you share online forms an image. This image affects how friends, family, and future employers perceive you. A positive presence can open doors; a negative one can close them.
Future Opportunities:
Colleges and employers regularly search for candidates online. An inappropriate post from years ago could prevent you from getting into your dream school or landing a job.
Privacy and Security:
The more you share, the more vulnerable your data becomes. Your habits and location can be tracked, leading to significant privacy concerns.
Permanence:
The internet has a long memory.
Even if you delete something, it might have already been copied or archived. Erasing something completely is nearly impossible.
Walking Wisely: Managing Your Trail
Being a responsible digital citizen means taking control of your online image. Follow these rules to keep your footprint clean:
Think Before You Post
Digital Footprint Discussion Questions Discussion Questions
Lesson: Walk Wisely Online
Name & Date
Let's talk about what we've learned and how it applies to our lives. Be prepared to share your thoughts and listen respectfully to your classmates.
1
After reading "Your Invisible Ink," what was one new thing you learned about digital footprints, or one thing that surprised you?
2
Can you think of an example of an active digital footprint from your life? What about a passive one?
3
The reading mentioned that your digital footprint can affect your reputation. How does what you post online shape how others see you?
4
Why do you think colleges and employers look at applicants' online presence? What kind of information might they be looking for?
5
The internet has a "long memory." What does this phrase mean to you, and why is it important to remember when you're online?
6
What is one "Walking Wisely" tip that you think is most important for your peer group specifically? Why?
7
How can you use your digital footprint in a positive way to showcase your talents or help others?
Digital Footprint Case Studies Activity Case Studies
Digital Footprint Analysis
Group Members: __________________________
Instructions: In your small groups, read each scenario carefully. Discuss the potential consequences of the online actions described and then brainstorm responsible digital actions for each situation.
Case Study 1: The Rant
"Maya is really frustrated after a tough day at school. She goes home and posts a long, angry rant on her public profile, naming her teacher and several classmates, and using some harsh language. She feels better in the moment, but the next day, she starts to worry."
Potential Consequences:
Responsible Digital Actions:
Case Study 2: The "Funny" Photo
"Jake is at a party and his friend takes a silly, slightly embarrassing photo of him and posts it online, tagging Jake. A few months later, he applies for a summer internship and the hiring manager mentions seeing his social media profile."
Potential Consequences:
Responsible Digital Actions:
Case Study 3: The Fake Profile
"Sarah creates a fake social media profile using a different name and age to follow an account her parents won't let her. She shares personal opinions believing because it's not her real name, it can't be traced back to her."
Potential Consequences:
Responsible Digital Actions:
Case Study 4: Sharing Personal Info
"David meets a new friend in an online gaming community. After a few weeks, the friend asks David for his phone number, exact city, and school so they can play together in person. David is about to give them the information."
Potential Consequences:
Responsible Digital Actions: Digital Footprint Worksheet Digital Footprint Check-In
Student Worksheet
Name
Date
Instructions: Read each question carefully and provide your best answer in the space provided. This will help you review what you learned about your digital footprint.
1. Define "digital footprint" in your own words. Give an example of something you do online that contributes to your digital footprint.
2. What is the difference between an active digital footprint and a passive digital footprint? Provide an example for each.
3. List at least three reasons why it is important to manage your digital footprint.
4. Imagine you are about to post something online. What are two questions you should ask yourself before clicking "share" or "post"?
5. IMPACT ANALYSIS: How might a negative digital footprint impact someone applying for:
A College Scholarship
Their First Career Job
6. Describe one strategy you can use to create a more positive digital footprint for yourself starting today.
Digital Footprint Quiz Digital Footprint Quiz
Walk Wisely: Assessment
Name
Date
01
Which of the following best defines a digital footprint?
The amount of time you spend online.
The physical distance you walk while using a digital device.
The trail of data you leave behind when you use the internet.
The number of friends you have on social media.
02
Posting a photo on Instagram is an example of what type of digital footprint?
Passive digital footprint
Active digital footprint
Hidden digital footprint
Invisible digital footprint
03
Which of these is an example of a passive digital footprint?
Sending an email to a friend.
Your phone collecting location data from an app.
Writing a comment on a blog post.
Filling out an online survey.
04
Why is it important to manage your digital footprint, especially when thinking about your future? (Short Answer)
05
What does the phrase "the internet has a long memory" imply about your digital footprint?
You should try to remember everything you post online.
Your online content can be difficult to erase completely once it's posted.
The internet helps you remember past events better.
Only old people use the internet to store memories.
Digital Footprint Test Unit Test
Digital Citizenship: Your Online Legacy
Student Full Name
Date
Directions: Select the best choice for multiple-choice questions. For open-response questions, use complete sentences and provide specific examples to support your reasoning.
Which of the following activities actively contributes to your digital footprint?
A. Having a website track your browsing history with cookies.
B. Posting a photo on a social media platform.
C. Your phone's GPS collecting location data in the background.
D. Viewing an advertisement that was tailored to your past searches.
Explain the difference between an active and a passive digital footprint.
Provide a unique example for each that was NOT discussed in today's class.
Which of these is a potential negative long-term consequence of a poorly managed digital footprint?
A. Receiving fewer online advertisements.
B. Being unable to access certain websites.
C. Difficulty getting into a desired college or securing a job.
D. Improved online privacy and security.
You find an old, embarrassing post about yourself online that someone else shared years ago, and you can't directly delete it. What steps could you take to try and manage this situation?
What does this situation illustrate about the internet's "memory"?
What is the primary benefit of regularly checking your own digital footprint by searching for your name online?
A. To see how many followers you have gained.
B. To ensure all your personal information is visible to everyone.
C. To understand what information about you is publicly available and manage your online reputation.
D. To find new social media platforms to join.
Describe two specific ways you can use your digital footprint in a positive way to showcase your skills or interests for future opportunities.
Digital Footprint Answer Key Digital Footprint Answer Key
Teacher Resource • Walk Wisely Online
This key provides suggested answers and scoring guidance for the Worksheet, Quiz, and Test. For open-response questions, look for key concepts rather than exact wording.
Digital Footprint Worksheet
1. Define "digital footprint":
The record or trail of data an individual leaves behind while using the internet. Example: Posting on social media, searching on Google, or liking a video.
2. Active vs. Passive Difference:
Active: Intentional sharing (e.g., sending an email). Passive: Unintentional collection (e.g., website cookies tracking browsing).
3. Three reasons to manage it:
1. Protects reputation. 2. Influences future opportunities (college/jobs). 3. Enhances privacy and safety.
4. Two "Before Posting" Questions:
Is it kind? Is it true? Would I want my parents/boss to see this? Is it helpful? (Any relevant THINK criteria).
5. Impact Analysis:
Scholarship: Committee may view student as irresponsible or immature. Job: Employer may see unprofessionalism and skip the candidate.
Digital Footprint Quiz
The trail of data you leave behind when you use the internet.
Active digital footprint
Your phone collecting location data from an app.
Essential for long-term reputation; colleges/employers screen profiles. Negative footprints can close doors permanently.
Your online content can be difficult to erase completely once it's posted.
Digital Footprint Test
B. Posting a photo on a social media platform.
2. Active vs. Passive (Unique Examples):
Active: Uploading a video to YouTube. Passive: An online store logging the device model used to access their site.
C. Difficulty getting into a desired college or securing a job.
4. Embarrassing Post Scenario:
Steps: Contact the poster to request removal; use platform reporting tools; strengthen privacy settings. Illustrates the "permanence" and lack of absolute control over digital data.
C. To understand what information about you is publicly available...
6. Two Positive Uses:
1. Creating a digital portfolio of artwork/coding projects. 2. Engaging in professional networking (like LinkedIn) to highlight academic achievements.
Digital Citizenship Project Guide My Digital Story
Digital Citizenship Project
Weight
20%
Final Grade
Project Goal
To demonstrate your understanding of digital citizenship by creating a compelling resource that educates others about the importance of a positive digital footprint and responsible online behavior.
Learning Objectives
Define digital footprint clearly.
Identify long-term impacts.
Propose safety strategies.
Communicate effectively.
Project Options
Choose ONE of the following formats to showcase your understanding:
PSA Video
Create a 2-3 minute video defining a digital footprint and offering tips. Use Canva, Adobe, or phone recording.
Infographic
Design a visually appealing poster with at least 5 key facts and tips. Target parents or younger students.
Blog Series
Write three 250-400 word posts: Intro to Footprints, Long-Term Impacts, and 5 Golden Rules.
Short Story/Comic
6-8 panel comic or short story about a character facing a digital challenge and learning a lesson.
Important Dates
Project Proposal Due
Draft / Outline Due
Final Project Submission
Submission Deliverables
1
Proposal: A short paragraph outlining your choice, target audience, and main message.
2
Artist Statement: A 100-150 word reflection on your creative choices and what you learned.
3
The Asset: Your final video, infographic, blog link, or comic file.
Digital Citizenship Project Rubric Project Rubric
Assessment Guide: My Digital Story
Total Points
100
Category 4 - Exceeds 3 - Meets 2 - Partially 1 - Needs Improv. Content Accuracy & Depth (25%) Comprehensive, accurate understanding. Insightful explanations and unique examples. Accurate understanding. Clear and relevant explanations and examples. Some understanding. Minor inaccuracies or limited examples provided. Significant inaccuracies. Lack of understanding of core concepts. Message & Organization (25%) Exceptionally clear, focused, and persuasive. Logically structured and seamless. Message is clear and focused. Generally well-organized and logical. Message is somewhat unclear or lacks focus. Organization is inconsistent. Message is unclear. Disorganized, making it difficult to understand. Target Audience (20%) Perfectly tailored to target audience. Highly engaging and appropriate. Mostly appropriate for the specified target audience. Somewhat appropriate but could be better tailored to audience. Not appropriate or engaging for the specified audience. Creativity & Engagement (15%) Highly original and creative. Captivates audience with innovative elements. Shows creativity and generally engages audience. Effective elements. Limited creativity. May not fully capture or hold audience attention. Lacks creativity. Fails to engage or interest the audience. Format & Quality (15%) All requirements met with exceptional quality and attention to detail. Most format requirements met with good production quality. Some requirements met. Noticeable omissions or quality issues. Few to no requirements met. Poor production quality overall.
Total Score / 100
* Instructor Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Digital Footprint Cool Down Exit Ticket
Wise Walkers
Managing Your Digital Trail
Name
Date
What is one key takeaway or one new commitment you have about managing your digital footprint after today's lesson?
Walk Wisely Online
Please hand this to your teacher before leaving the classroom.
