Privacy Online…. Does it Really Exist???

Privacy Online: Guarding Your Digital Footprint….

In today's digital age, privacy online is a topic of increasing concern. As we navigate the vast landscape of the internet, our personal information is constantly at risk of being exposed, tracked, and exploited. From social media platforms to shopping websites, every click and interaction leaves a digital footprint that can be used by companies and individuals for various purposes. In this post, I will explore the importance of privacy online, the risks associated with sharing personal information, and tips for protecting your privacy in the digital world.

Image Source: Texas Public Radio

How private is the internet really…. 

The internet, despite its vastness and apparent anonymity, is not as private as many assume. While encryption and privacy tools exist, much of our online activity is tracked and monitored by various entities, including governments, corporations, and hackers. Social media platforms, search engines, and websites collect and analyze user data for targeted advertising and other purposes. Additionally, cyberattacks and data breaches are common, highlighting the need for robust security measures. Therefore, while the internet offers convenience and connectivity, users should be mindful of their digital footprint and take steps to protect their privacy online.  

So, how can one protect oneself/identity online? This got me thinking and searching, and I found 2 articles that help outline some ways to help navigate and protect your identity online. The first one being 10 Tips to Avoid Leaving Tracks Around the Internet  . This article offers ten tips for enhancing internet privacy, such as using secure passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious of public Wi-Fi etc. It emphasizes the importance of understanding privacy settings on various platforms and using ad blockers to reduce tracking. The article also suggests limiting the amount of personal information shared online and being mindful of the permissions granted to apps. Below is an infographic I made using Canva to help show an understanding of the 10 tips. 

Image Source: Author Created in Canva

The second article was  10 Tips to Protect Your Online Data.  Similar to the New York Times article above,  it emphasizes the importance of using strong, unique passwords for different accounts, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping software up to date to protect against vulnerabilities. But it also recommends using a virtual private network (VPN) for secure browsing and be wary of phishing scams to protect against identity theft and data breaches. So, that got me thinking about what are some things that I see on social media that could be harmful to one's identity online. The first couple things that came to mind were online quizzes and ads. 

So how Safe are Online Quizzes…. 

If you are a person who is on social media you know what type of quizzes I am talking about. Those silly quizzes that ask what Disney Princess Are You? Or what will 2024 look like for you?  I know that I am guilty of taking a few.  This week I took the dive into seeing what harm these quizzes could do to one’s identity. The article by Prevention warns about the dangers of taking Facebook quizzes, which can compromise personal information and lead to identity theft.

Image Source: TechRepbulic 

While these quizzes are tempting to click and see the answer, there are risks associated with taking personality quizzes on Facebook and other social media platforms. These quizzes often ask for personal information, which can be used by third-party companies for targeted advertising or even identity theft. Prevention’s article  highlights the importance of being cautious about sharing sensitive information online and recommends reviewing privacy settings and avoiding quizzes that require access to personal data/information.

Conclusion: 

Image Source: IPconfig.in

The landscape of online privacy is complex and ever-evolving. It's essential to be aware of the implications of sharing personal information online and to understand how companies collect, use, and store your data. But now after my dive into privacy online this week, I will think twice before taking those online quizzes that are all over Facebook as well as be wary of those too good to be true ads. I will take  the time to read carefully the terms of use and privacy policies that can provide valuable insights into how my information is being handled. I believe that by staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect your privacy, you can navigate the digital world with greater confidence and security. After reading about these interesting online tips/tricks..… I leave you with these questions. 

• How do you currently protect your online privacy, and are there any tips from this article that you plan to implement? 

• Do you think enough is being done by companies and governments to protect individuals' online privacy, or do more stringent measures need to be put in place? 

• What advice would you give to others to enhance their online privacy and security?

Remember, your data is valuable so treat it with care. Your privacy is in your    hands,  make sure to take the necessary precautions to protect it!! 

Additional Articles on Online Privacy: 

IPconfig.in :  Learn how to protect your online privacy : 10 things you must know to protect your online privacy.

Techrepublic: Why you should avoid those fun social media “Tell us about yourself” questions. 

Texas Public Radio : Who’s tracking your digital footprint? 

Resources: 

Admin. (2021, September 8). Learn how to protect your online privacy : 10 things you must know to protect your online privacy. IPConfig.in - What is My IP Address? https://www.ipconfig.in/how-to-protect-your-online-privacy/

Free design tool: Presentations, video, social media | CANVA. (n.d.-a). https://www.canva.com/

GfG. (2019, October 15). 10 tips to protect your online data privacy in 2019. GeeksforGeeks. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/10-tips-to-protect-your-online-data-privacy-in-2019/

Matteson, S. (2021, September 11). Why you should avoid those fun social media “Tell us about yourself” questions. TechRepublic. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/why-you-should-avoid-those-fun-social-media-tell-us-about-yourself-questions/

Pogue, D. (2019, October 4). 10 tips to avoid leaving tracks around the internet. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/04/smarter-living/10-tips-internet-privacy-crowdwise.html?action=click&pgtype=Article&state=default&module=styln-digital-privacy&region=BELOW_MAIN_CONTENT&context=storylines-guide

Police warn: Taking Facebook quizzes could get your identity stolen. (n.d.-b). https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/news/a47419/facebook-quiz-identity-risk/

Texas Public Radio | By. (2015, July 24). Views & Brews: Who’s tracking your digital footprint? TPR. https://www.tpr.org/tpr-events-initiatives/2015-07-24/views-brews-whos-tracking-your-digital-footprint

PLN and Community Exploration…….

 What is a PLN…. 

A PLN or Personal Learning Network is a web-based group of professional, academic and personal connections to help foster growth through online interactions. Teaching is often enhanced through participation with others and collaboration. In these groups, teachers share ideas, resources and advice. Oftentimes, these are formed through social media.    

Image Source: Getting Smart

Are PLNs and PLCs the Same……. 

Some of you might be wondering if this is any different than the PLC (Personal Learning Community) that I participate in at my school.  While these groups are similar, they are different.  A PLC is a group of educators that meet in person to collaborate, improve teaching skills.  The overall main focus is to improve the academic performance of their students. 

In a PLN (Personal Learning Network) you connect to take charge of your own personal development and enhance your own personal learning and are not fully focused on student achievement. 

Which ways do your PLNs support you??

This week I took a deeper dive into my PLNs, my reasoning for being part of them, and the support I look to receive. We join PLNs for support and growth. The PLNs we join might change as the “seasons” of life we are in change so that they provide the support we need when we need it. Dr. Torrey Trust, an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst  has conducted research on Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) in education. Dr. Trust's research provides valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of PLNs, highlighting their potential to support continuous learning and innovation in education. She discussed  that PLNs support educators in 4 ways of growth: affective, social, cognitive, and identity. (Videos linked to explain each type)  I found that when looking at my own PLNs that my biggest area of support is social. As the only elementary art teacher in my building, it can often feel like I am teaching on my own island. So for me one major support my PLNs offer me is a social connection with fellow art educators. The next areas of support that my PLN offers me are affective and cognitive support. A few years ago I  made the shift from secondary art to elementary art and felt a little lost.  My PLNs have helped me find my groove and footing as an elementary teacher, have opened new ways of teaching concepts and tools so that I am the best teacher that I can be. 

So why join a PLN…… 

Individually, we may be knowledgeable, but when we collaborate, our collective intelligence shines brightly. PLNs provide opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and support, helping teachers enhance their teaching practices and stay motivated and inspired in their teaching journey.  By being part of (PLN) you create a sense of community online that allows you to connect with other educators, share ideas, resources, and best practices, and stay updated with the latest trends and developments in education. Additionally, having your PLNs can help expand youe professional network, leading to new opportunities for collaboration, career advancement, and personal development.

Image Source: OSU Library  

Setting up a PLN…. 

Setting up a PLN (personal learning network)  is easy and can be done through social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, where educators can join groups or follow groups related to their interests. Additionally, teachers can join online communities, attend conferences or workshops, and participate in webinars to expand their PLN. Below is an infographic I created to break down setting a PLN in 5 simple steps.  

Image Source: Author / Created in Canva 

Resources for building/setting up your PLN (Also used for creating the my infographic above)

• Cathy L. Green, O. S. U. (2020a, August 28). Personal learning networks: Defining and building a PLN. Learning in the Digital Age.https://open.library.okstate.edu/learninginthedigitalage/chapter/personal-learning-networks_defining-and-building-a-pln/

• Pattenhouse, M. (2021, February 22). 4 ways to build a strong professional learning network for Innovation and Growth - Edsurge News. EdSurge. https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-02-16-4-ways-to-build-a-strong-professional-learning-network-for-innovation-and-growth

• Staff, T., & About The Author  TeachThought Staff  TeachThought is an organization dedicated to innovation in education through the growth of outstanding teachers. (2023, November 9). 10 reasons every teacher needs a Professional Learning Network. TeachThought. https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/why-every-teacher-needs-a-professional-learning-network/

• Ward, R. (2017, June 30). An introduction to twitter education chats. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/introduction-twitter-education-chats-robert-ward 

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Image Source: Free Icons PNG

Conclusion….. 

We all want to be part of a community, to be part of a group that makes us feel we belong, a group that supports us, a group that inspires. However, I think one of the key factors to establishing a successful PLN is diversity.  Participating in various communities with different focuses creates an enriching learning environment.  By engaging with diverse communities and resources, educators can expand their knowledge, gain new perspectives, and ultimately, improve their teaching practice. This is particularly simple in a digital space, where one has the entire world at their fingertips for inspiration.   Building a PLN is not only beneficial but also a rewarding experience that can lead to lifelong learning and growth. I know that from my own personal experience with my PLN it has helped spark new ideas, find a community of art teachers who inspire me grow and  to become better so that I can offer the best of myself and innovative experiences for my students. So I leave you with this question, what type of PLN support do you look for ? I hope that you all are able to find your “community” and your own PLN  help inspire you and your teaching.

Resources: 

Author, G. (2012, January 31). Personal Learning Networks for educators: 10 tips. Getting Smart. https://www.gettingsmart.com/2012/01/31/personal-learning-networks-for-educators-10-tips/

Cathy L. Green, O. S. U. (2020a, August 28). Personal learning networks: Defining and building a PLN. Learning in the Digital Age. https://open.library.okstate.edu/learninginthedigitalage/chapter/personal-learning-networks_defining-and-building-a-pln/

Cathy L. Green, O. S. U. (2020b, August 28). Personal learning networks: Defining and building a PLN. Learning in the Digital Age. https://open.library.okstate.edu/learninginthedigitalage/chapter/personal-learning-networks_defining-and-building-a-pln/

Home. PLN Course. (n.d.). https://websites.umass.edu/plncourse/1-4-what-are-the-benefits-of-a-pln/#:~:text=watch%20the%20videos%20here

Icons community download png transparent background, free download #29134 - Freeiconspng. freeiconspng.com. (n.d.). https://www.freeiconspng.com/img/29134

Pattenhouse, M. (2021, February 22). 4 ways to build a strong professional learning network for Innovation and Growth - Edsurge News. EdSurge. https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-02-16-4-ways-to-build-a-strong-professional-learning-network-for-innovation-and-growth

Staff, T., & About The Author      TeachThought Staff  TeachThought is an organization dedicated to innovation in education through the growth of outstanding teachers. (2023, November 9). 10 reasons every teacher needs a Professional Learning Network. TeachThought. https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/why-every-teacher-needs-a-professional-learning-network/

Ward, R. (2017, June 30). An introduction to twitter education chats. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/introduction-twitter-education-chats-robert-ward 

Introductions

 A bit about me… 

     

                

Facebook/Instagram Profile    Google Profile 

Image Source: Author 

My name is Kristen Hilton. I am an art educator in my 17th year of teaching. I am currently teaching Elementary Art (Grades K-5)  in Algonquin, IL.   I just love watching and seeing what my little artists will create! The stuff they make can be so cute and blows my mind away. I am a wife to my best friend, Dr. Hilton, for 14 years. I am a mom of 2 rambunctious kiddos (Miss. M. 6 and Mr. P.J. 4), a fur baby momma to our energetic 2 yr old Bichon Frise puppy named Tucker. When not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, painting, photography, graphic art, figure/synchronized skating, skiing and glamping in our camper. 

My Education…. 

My passion for art started at a young age. In elementary school it was always my favorite special to attend. My passion for creating works of art only grew as I got older and became my main focus of study in high school and college. My family has several educators but the most influential one is my mom. She was an English teacher for 30+ years. She helped me value education and see the positive influence teachers have inside and outside the classroom and  is one of the people who inspired me to become an educator.  To follow my passion to become an art educator, I attended Western Michigan University and received a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Art Education. While pursuing my desire to become a teacher, I met my husband and found lifetime friends through my sorority Delta Gamma. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Education and Technology endorsement at Dominican University. 

My Teaching Experience…. 

I have been blessed with being able to do what I love to do ….which is TEACH ART! I have taught a variety of grade levels, schools and states in my 17 yrs. I have been able to share my talents and love for learning and creating with kids in grades K-12. There are bits and pieces I LOVE about each grade group. In my career I have done some hopping around grade levels, districts and states.  My first 2 years of teaching I taught high school Art in the Northwest Suburbs of IL. I then had the pleasure of teaching Middle School Art in both IL and MI ( which I didn’t think I was going to like at first but found that I really liked this age group and found them fun to teach.) Before moving into my current role, which I have been in for the last 6 yrs as an K-5 Elementary Art Teacher in Algonquin, IL I went back to teaching High School Art for 2 years. The cool thing is I got to teach at my alma mater in Algonquin, IL. (which was cool and weird at the same time) 

Image Source: Author 

My Relationship with Social Media….. 

Image Source Social Media Profiles: Author 

I am not a social influencer or one who posts daily on social media.  I use social media to stay connected with friends and family, share moments from my life, and keep up with current events etc. I enjoy sharing my own experiences and seeing what others are up to. While I might not post daily, I do check my Instagram and Facebook feed on a daily basis and use Facebook messenger daily to communicate with family and friends. I feel these platforms help me stay connected to those who live further away than I would like and would like to see more often. 

As an art teacher, I see the value in using social media to collaborate, showcase student and personal artwork, share art resources and lesson ideas, but most importantly, connect with other art educators. I use  platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X(Twitter) to network and collaborate with fellow art educators.  I enjoy being able to connect with artists/art educators around the world and share ideas to better my own teaching. 

Thoughts on Social Media…. 

While I wasn’t on the bandwagon at first to join social platforms, I now use them everyday. I use them to stay in contact with family, friends, and colleagues. I use Pinterest and Instagram to share and gather ideas for lessons, parties, house ideas, you name it. 

However, social media doesn’t only have to be used to network or to make personal connections; it can be a resource for many other things. As artists and teachers, we can  use it to create digital portfolios for personal artwork or student work. Additionally, I believe it can serve as a professional development tool, allowing art teachers to stay up-to-date with trends in art education and collaborate with peers from around the world, which is one of the coolest things I think technology has brought us–being able to work with others across the world without even leaving home. 

While it can be easy to be an open book online; unfortunately, something we say/post online can affect us professionally. So as a teacher I try to be  mindful of my digital footprint and exercise caution when posting on social media. Anything I share online can potentially be accessed by students, parents, and colleagues, so it's important I  maintain a professional image. Being aware of one's digital footprint can help protect personal and professional reputation and ensure a positive online presence.

Social Media has become a BIG part of our lives, as a way to connect with friends and family, to network professionally, to express ideas etc.  but I wonder how much is too much. Have we let social media become too BIG of a part of our lives?  While  I appreciate the convenience and opportunities for connection that social media provides, I try to use it mindfully, balancing my time online with other activities.  I recognize the importance of disconnecting and being present in the moment, letting social media be a piece of life not my whole life.  In this blog I plan to share my exploration of social media in education with you, and it is my hope that this exploration not only helps me enhance my own teaching and learning but also fellow educators, family and friends. 

Cited Sources: 

Google. (n.d.). Google Images. https://images.google.com/

Google. (n.d.). Personal Cloud Storage & File sharing platform. Google.     https://www.google.com/drive/

Instagram. (n.d.). http://www.intagram.com/

Log into Facebook. Facebook. (n.d.). http://www.facebook.com/

Pinterest. (n.d.). https://www.pinterest.com/

X. it’s what’s happening / x. (n.d.). https://twitter.com/