Digital Footprints

Digital Footprints in an online, self-paced course by the Internet Society Learning, a global non-profit organisation, which aims to promote free, open and trustworthy Internet for all and empower people to use and benefit from digital technologies, tools, and opportunities. The objective of the course is to equip learners with an understanding of the digital footprints they leave behind and provide them with the knowledge they need to manage their digital identity in a confident and secure way. 

Details of the course

Digital footprints, or the traces we leave behind each time we access the Internet, bring numerous benefits in our everyday lives, but are linked to privacy concerns as well. Through a practical and self-guided approach, the course fosters a more thorough understanding of the transferable skills, which enable people to make informed choices about their online activities. The course is structured in 9 lessons, each covering key topics linked to digital identity and privacy, such as: various issues linked to digital footprints, their economic value, legislation and others. Course themes also explore digital traces left from different devices, use cases and examples of websites tracking, and how digital footprints are used commercially. Finally, learners also discover practical tips and tools to help them manage their digital identity more effectively and limit the traces they leave online. 

The course offers an interactive environment: learners can communicate with one another via a discussion forum and support can be accessed through an online chat. It is available in English, French and Spanish and is optimised for low and high bandwidth. Learners, accessing the course material through their mobile phones are encouraged to follow the lower bandwidth version of the course. A certificate for participation is available upon completion.