Participate: Digital Safety and Security Quest

Post date: May 16, 2016 6:22:26 PM

I think the most important step we can take in terms of ensuring our digital safety is being cognizant of our online surroundings and being aware. Knowing reputable sites vs. non-reputable sites, staying on reputable sites, not "releasing" too much information online, etc. For example, most people know that it would be a bad idea to share their credit card numbers on Facebook. However, some people do not realize that when people "check in" to locations, they are also alerting people to the fact that they aren't home. Just like you wouldn't walk alone on a dark street at night in a big city because it is not safe, you should tread similarly online.

It is important to continually remind our students about digital safety. When we assign research projects or have students explore the internet, it is important that we continually reinforce the idea of being cognizant of their online surroundings. It would even be useful to have a page or "pinned post" somewhere in your DLC where ways to keep themselves safe online are listed in an easily accessible spot. We could also add something to our AUP about online safety and also "quiz" them over safe online practices, so we know they understand them.

I found a few websites useful and bookmarked them here: Digital Safety. I highly recommend the bookmarked TED Talk, of course, I love almost every TED Talk I've heard.