When+Should+Students+Start+Creating+a+Footprint?

= At what age //should// student begin crafting their professional footprints? = = =
 * Students should not begin to craft their digital footprints until they know the extent of what they are doing. Once they understand that what they put online is permanent, they should be able to create it. Many times it is out of their control because other people will post pictures or information without their knowledge. It would probably be best to avoid putting more information online than is necessary in order to keep some kind of security.


 * Students should begin crafting their professional footprints as soon as they consciously begin making them. For example, if a student is creating a profile on a social networking site, blog or other site, they should consider its possible audience, and limit the content they share. Students should be aware of the digital path they're leaving behind, and should monitor it carefully -- they should consider who may see the content they're posting in the future, and how it may or may not play into career opportunities. Subsequently, the crafting of this footprint //should// begin when the initial footprint is made.


 * In our opinion, students should begin crafting their professional footprint when they attain the knowledge needed to do so. There isn't a set age that people should begin this process. I think that this would allow students to understand the gravity of their digital choices and help them understand the repercussions of those choices.


 * Students should be crafting their digital footprints once they know the safety and security needed to protect themselves from the dangers of the Internet. It is important that they know what is a good website from a bad one. They need to have good communication with their parents or teachers about what they are doing on the Internet. Once they know the safety precautions they should be able to use the Internet to create their professional footprints.

  [|Crafting a Digital Footprint]
 * Students need to start being aware of their digital footprint even before they start exploring the Web. When it comes to the safety of children you can never be too cautious with personal information; especially in a time when children are 'plugged-in' from the day they are born. Digital trails are easy to follow and hard to erase.

[|Digital Footprint]

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