Use physical footprints and fingerprints as a metaphor to different types of imprints students make online because understanding their online presence is important.

  • Show pictures of footprints being left in the mud (Note: kids in cities might not have a lot of experience with footprints).

    • Technology example: A footprint is leaving a comment on a YouTube video because other people can see this.

    • These are immediately visible to other people.

  • Explain that fingerprints aren’t easily seen, but can lead back to you! You can remind students that special tools are used to uncover fingerprints.

    • Technology example: A fingerprint is a cookie being stored on your computer. Another is your computer recording your web history.

    • They aren’t immediately visible, but if someone wants to see if you were there they can find out!

      More about this tip

      External Source

      Interview with Tammy Pirmann.