We are beginning to see more and more news about how digital footprints are affecting people entering college and applying for jobs. It is important for our students to understand how the information that they place on the internet can have an impact on them later in life.

While this video does not answer all of the questions that need to be addressed, it certainly is a good conversation starter. I recommend showing this to students at the beginning of the year to open up the discussion about using the online world responsibly.

27 Teens Win 2009 Holocaust Museum Art & Writing Contest via kwout

My students learned a lot about the Holocaust during their research and designed some wonderful projects. The contest included a writing division and an art division and students had the freedom to choose the way in which they wanted to express themselves with their project. Video, sculpture, drawings, essays, poems and much more were received as entries. Students knew that their that projects would become property of the museum, may be featured on the internet, and could be shown at other venues. They understood that these projects could become a part of their digital footprint and they were excited about this.

I think that it is important that students begin working on a positive digital footprint at an early age. They need to understand that it is not something to be afraid of, but rather a way to showcase their work and skills throughout their lives. I believe that this is something that we, as teachers, need to help our students understand and that we should help them begin the process.

I received many wonderful entries from my students and am happy to report that one of my students, Kate Schlafly, won first place in the writing competition. Her project was displayed at the museum and will later be displayed at several other venues throughout the city. Another student of mine, Sara Franklin, received an honorable mention for her project in the art division. Her project was also displayed at the museum and will be showcased at other venues as well. They were both honored at an award ceremony held at the St. Louis Holocaust Museum and were mentioned in an article on the St. Louis Jewish life site. Their photos from the award ceremony as well as photos of their projects are featured on the St. Louis Holocaust Museum website under events. This is a great addition to their digital footprint.

I am so proud of all of my students who entered this competition and recommend competitions such as this to other teachers who are looking to get their students involved in projects in the community.

Sara at the award ceremony

Sara's Project

Kate at the award ceremony

Kate's Project