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Nicola Osborne and Dr Louise Connelly

If I Googled you, what would I find?

As we move around the online world we leave tracks and traces of our activity all the time: social media accounts, tagged images, professional presences, scraps of text, but also many artefacts we don't always realise we are leaving behind, or that others leave about us.

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If I Googled you, what would I find?

As we move around the online world we leave tracks and traces of our activity all the time: social media accounts, tagged images, professional presences, scraps of text, but also many artefacts we don't always realise we are leaving behind, or that others leave about us.

In this course you will hear from a range of experts and you will have an opportunity to explore and reflect on your own online tracks and traces, to understand why your digital footprint is important. We will introduce you to some of the tools and approaches to effectively manage your online presence (or digital footprint).

The course will focus on the different dimensions of a digital footprint, including developing an effective online presence, managing your privacy, creating opportunities for networking, balancing and managing professional and personal presences (eprofessionalism). By the end of this course (MOOC) you should be equipped to ensure that your digital footprint works for you, whether you want to be more private online, or are looking to create a more effective and impactful presence.

You can also join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #DFMOOC and follow us @DFMOOC

We hope you enjoy the course!

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

What makes an online presence effective?
In week 1 we provide information on how to engage with the course as well as our Twitter account, using #DFMOOC. This week, we will introduce you to the topic of Digital Footprint. There are a range of activities, videos and resources for you to work through. By the end of week 1, you will have the opportunity to critically reflect on your own online presence and consider how you can make better informed choices as well as setting appropriate personal goals around your digital footprint.
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Why does your digital footprint matter?
This week, there is a range of experts who focus on why a digital footprint matters and how to create an effective online presence. The themes explored include data after death, privacy online and managing your online data. The activity and quizzes will help you to consider your own online presence and what you might do to make it more effective and work for you!
What does it mean to be an effective online professional?
This week, we examine the idea of a professional online presence and what this might mean for different people and professions. Understanding whether your personal and professional online presence should blur or be kept separate can be a challenge. We will hear from experts in Business, Nursing, Science, Education, and a Careers Consultant. They will provide useful advice on what you can do to make your online presence more professional and potentially help you with finding a job, standing out from the crowd, complying with professional bodies' guidelines, and much more. The activities, including the quizzes and peer assessment will help you to reflect on your own online presence. There will also be an opportunity to get advice from your peers and consider putting into action what you have learned during this course.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores digital footprints and their impact on personal and professional lives, which is relevant to a wide range of individuals and professions
Instructed by Nicola Osborne and Dr Louise Connelly, who are experts in the field of digital footprint management
Develops skills in managing online presence, privacy, and professional networking, which are essential in today's digital world
Offers insights on eprofessionalism, a topic that is gaining importance in the digital age
Provides practical tools and approaches for effective online presence management
Includes interactive activities, videos, and resources to enhance the learning experience

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Reviews summary

Digital footprint management

Learners say this informative course is largely positive and helpful when it comes to understanding your digital footprint. It offers practical tips and discusses key concepts, including online privacy, professional networking, and reputation management in the digital age.
Insightful and comprehensive
"This course taught me a lot about digital footprints and our online presence in general."
"I learned a lot of interesting things about privacy and how to manage our digital life."
"This course has taught me useful content about digital presence, I had to pause and evaluate my digital presence and I see that I have some work to do."
Discusses relevant and important topics
"Very informative and useful course to know more about what digital footprint means, what are the pros and cons to look out for, and the ways it can benefit one's career if used properly."
"This course made me learn few things which were barrier to me when I open my social media pages. All of my queries are solved here."
"It is a short yet helpful course designed with insights on the importance of online persona management and how taking responsibility of one self's digital footprints can make a big difference in making our online presence meaningful, worthwhile and secured."
Useful and actionable advice
"The Course is really good and there is so much to learn in this course. I loved the way the Course Instructors demonstrated the overall course."
"This course helps me to have a full-real understanding about my online presence and gave me so many useful tips in maximizing my online profile."
"This course is short but it offers a lot of helpful tips on how an individual can make his or her online presence professional."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Digital Footprint with these activities:
Create a Digital Footprint Audit
Develop an awareness of your current online presence and identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on Online Presence
Show steps
  • Gather your digital footprint
  • Review and analyze your online presence
  • Identify areas for improvement
Explore Privacy Settings on Social Media Platforms
Gain a deeper understanding of privacy settings on major social media platforms to enhance your online privacy.
Browse courses on Social Media
Show steps
  • Review privacy settings on Facebook
  • Explore privacy options on Instagram
  • Learn about privacy controls on Twitter
Join or start a study group or online forum for discussions on digital footprint management
Engaging in peer discussions allows learners to share perspectives and support each other in managing their digital footprints.
Show steps
  • Identify or create a study group or online forum dedicated to discussing digital footprint management.
  • Participate actively in discussions, sharing your experiences, insights, and questions.
  • Provide feedback and support to other members of the group.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Learn Adobe Photoshop basics through online tutorials
Following guided tutorials can help learners develop practical skills in using Photoshop, which is a valuable tool for managing and editing online images.
Browse courses on Adobe Photoshop
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online tutorials or courses that cover the basics of Photoshop.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, practicing the techniques and experimenting with the software.
  • Apply the skills learned to edit and enhance your own images.
Quiz on Digital Footprint Management
Test your understanding of key concepts related to digital footprint management.
Browse courses on Online Presence
Show steps
  • Take a quiz on best practices for managing your online presence
Read 'The Image: A Guide to Photographic Composition and Design'
Reviewing this book can help learners understand the fundamentals of photography and improve their composition skills.
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with the book's structure and organization.
  • Read through each chapter carefully, paying attention to the examples and exercises.
  • Apply the concepts you learn to your own photography, experimenting with different compositions and techniques.
Develop a Personal Branding Statement
Create a concise and impactful statement that conveys your professional identity and aspirations.
Browse courses on Personal Branding
Show steps
  • Define your brand values
  • Identify your unique strengths and skills
  • Craft your personal branding statement
Attend online or in-person networking events to connect with professionals in the field of digital footprint management
Networking events provide learners with opportunities to connect with experts, learn about industry trends, and explore potential collaborations.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Identify relevant online or in-person networking events.
  • Prepare an elevator pitch and materials to showcase your interest in digital footprint management.
  • Attend the events, actively engage with professionals, and exchange contact information.
Develop a digital footprint management plan for your personal or professional brand
Creating a digital footprint management plan provides learners with a structured approach to managing their online presence and achieving their goals.
Browse courses on Personal Branding
Show steps
  • Assess your current digital footprint and identify areas for improvement.
  • Establish clear goals and objectives for your digital footprint management.
  • Develop strategies and tactics to achieve your goals, including content creation, engagement, and monitoring.
  • Implement your plan and track your progress over time.
Discuss the Importance of Digital Footprint for Career Development
Engage with peers to explore how your online presence can impact your career prospects.
Browse courses on Career Development
Show steps
  • Join a discussion group and share your perspectives
  • Exchange ideas and learn from others
Develop a blog or social media account dedicated to sharing your online presence reflections
Creating a blog or social media account allows learners to document their journey of managing their digital footprint and engage with others.
Browse courses on Online Presence
Show steps
  • Choose a platform and create your blog or social media account.
  • Regularly share your thoughts, experiences, and insights on managing your digital footprint.
  • Interact with others in the community, sharing knowledge and learning from their perspectives.
Create a Professional Online Portfolio
Build a showcase of your skills and experience to enhance your online presence and attract potential opportunities.
Browse courses on Online Portfolio
Show steps
  • Determine the purpose and target audience for your portfolio
  • Select and organize your best work
  • Create a visually appealing and user-friendly website

Career center

Learners who complete Digital Footprint will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Social Media Manager
Digital Footprint is a perfect course for Social Media Managers who wish to advance their career or enter this exciting field. Social Media Managers are tasked with understanding and leveraging social media platforms to help their clients build a positive, professional reputation. Through interactive activities and expert advice, this course will help you harness your Digital Footprint to make the most of social media, whether you are looking to promote your brand or seek out opportunities for networking.
Community Manager
Community Managers can benefit from this course in Digital Footprint. The course covers the importance of understanding one's digital footprint and how to manage it effectively. Community Managers in particular will benefit from learning how to build an effective online presence. This includes understanding what makes an online presence effective, why it matters, and how to manage your privacy online. The course also covers how to create opportunities for networking and how to balance and manage professional and personal presences. This knowledge can help Community Managers build a strong online presence that can help them succeed in their role.
Digital Marketing Specialist
Digital Footprint is a course that can be beneficial to Digital Marketing Specialists, those tasked with planning, executing, and analyzing digital marketing campaigns. This course introduces the concept of Digital Footprint and explores its various dimensions, including developing an effective online presence, managing privacy, and creating opportunities for networking. Digital Marketing Specialists will find the advice on how to balance and manage professional and personal presences particularly useful.
Writer
Writers of all kinds should have a good understanding of how to maintain a digital footprint and convey a good message on social media. This course explores all aspects of developing a digital footprint and how to ensure it works for you. This includes how to manage privacy online, create opportunities for growth, and find a balance between your personal and professional presence. Mastering the knowledge in this course can help you develop a targeted strategy for your online presence that attracts potential readers, expands your network, and builds an audience.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists may find that this course provides helpful insights into how to craft a compelling digital footprint that helps them succeed in their role. As public perception management is a core part of Public Relations, it is imperative to understand how to build a brand that conveys a positive and professional image. This course will provide advice on how to develop an effective online presence that can attract and engage the audience or market you are trying to reach.
Marketing Manager
This course in Digital Footprint may be of interest to Marketing Managers. Marketing Managers seek to build and maintain the reputation of an organization or business. This course can help Marketing Managers develop a digital footprint that is both positive and professional. It will teach them how to manage their privacy, create opportunities for growth, and balance their professional and personal presences online. With this knowledge, Marketing Managers can develop a targeted strategy for their online presence that attracts potential customers, enhances their reputation, and grows their business.
Business Development Manager
Individuals seeking a career or advancement as Business Development Managers are encouraged to take this course on Digital Footprint. Business Development Managers are responsible for identifying and developing new sales opportunities and generally work to grow an organization's business. This course covers how to develop an effective online presence, manage your privacy, create opportunities for networking, and balance and manage professional and personal presences, all of which are relevant to the work of a Business Development Manager.
Product Manager
This course covers developing and managing an effective online presence, including how to manage privacy, create networking opportunities, and balance professional and personal presences. As Product Managers frequently engage with the public, especially through social media, this course can be helpful for developing skills in managing their digital footprint.
Consultant
Consultants can benefit from this course on Digital Footprint. Consultants need to be able to build and maintain a positive reputation, both online and offline. This course will provide advice on how to develop an effective online presence that can attract and engage potential clients.
Freelance Writer
Freelance Writers can benefit from this course, which covers how to manage your digital footprint to ensure it is working for you. The course will teach you how to create an effective online presence, manage your privacy, create opportunities for networking, and balance and manage professional and personal presences. These skills are valuable for Freelance Writers, as they can help you develop a strong online presence that attracts potential clients and grows your business.
Sales Manager
This course can be useful to Sales Managers. Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams to achieve sales goals. This course can help Sales Managers develop a digital footprint that is both positive and professional. It will teach them how to manage their privacy, create opportunities for growth, and balance their professional and personal presences online. With this knowledge, Sales Managers can develop a targeted strategy for their online presence that attracts and retains clients.
Account Manager
Account Managers may find this course useful. Account Managers are tasked with managing relationships with clients and ensuring their satisfaction. This course can help Account Managers develop a digital footprint that is both positive and professional. It will teach them how to manage their privacy, create opportunities for growth, and balance their professional and personal presences online. With this knowledge, Account Managers can develop a targeted strategy for their online presence that attracts and retains clients.
Media Planner
Media Planners can benefit from this course in Digital Footprint. Media Planners are responsible for planning and buying advertising space. This course can help Media Planners develop a digital footprint that is both positive and professional. It will teach them how to manage their privacy, create opportunities for growth, and balance their professional and personal presences online. With this knowledge, Media Planners can develop a targeted strategy for their online presence that allows them to build relationships with potential clients.
Advertising Manager
This course may be of interest to Advertising Managers. Advertising Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing advertising campaigns. This course can help Advertising Managers develop a digital footprint that is both positive and professional. It will teach them how to manage their privacy, create opportunities for growth, and balance their professional and personal presences online. With this knowledge, Advertising Managers can develop a targeted strategy for their online presence that attracts and engages potential customers.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Digital Footprint.
This classic work of sociology explores how people present themselves in everyday life. It valuable resource for understanding how people create and manage their online identities.
Explores the impact of social media on our lives. It provides insights into how social media can be used to build relationships, find information, and make a difference in the world.
Explores the ethical implications of algorithms. It provides insights into how algorithms can be used to discriminate against people and how we can design algorithms that are more fair and just.
Provides a comprehensive overview of social media marketing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use social media to grow their business.
Provides a comprehensive overview of social media marketing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use social media to grow their business.

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