My Digital footprint Reflection: A Librarian perspective on ethics and safety.
My work as a school librarian in Trinidad and Tobago has increasingly become more than physically booked. Nowadays, I take students through online databases and electronic tools. To do this effectively, I would need to walk my talk. It is now a part of my everyday work to reflect on my own digital habits (Kumar, n.d.). I handle personal information like a lab hazard: having risks within it. I have browser extensions (uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger) that block tracking codes on Google Docs or Canva, anonymize student names in shared drives, and lock social media, locking and deleting previous posts, and use Signal to have discussions with sensitive people.
The layers of security
include: 2 factor authentication is utilized everywhere; Bitwarden is used to
generate strong and rotating passwords; no use of public Wi-Fi without VPN;
malware is regularly checked. When phishing attacks targeted TT educators, I was
able to detect the warning signs through vigilance as I do to teach the
students on judging potential risks at work.
My online presence is
controlled through monthly Google of my name, asking online platforms to delete
old materials, and professionally on LinkedIn. I also check the AI tools on
accuracy and bias prior to their use (Kumar, n.d.).
I support practical and
interactive approaches among students. Every month, there are in-person
sessions on Digital (Personal Protective Equipment) PPE
(setting up 2FA [Two-Factor Authentication], phishing detection, with
local examples: e.g., Carnival-season scams). During the design of infographics
of workplace hazards, students develop privacy checklists. Safe browsers are
present in tool stations as well as posters of "Think Before You Link".
We gamify our learning: a Footprint Challenge is the opportunity of students to
audit profiles and attain badges due to strong passwords. Parent partnerships
are taken home through the safety practices through newsletters. It is equity
in the first place: I provide every student with the access to safe library
connection, and therefore the safety is not at risk depending on the money
(Kumar, n.d.). The inclusion of the "Digital Hazard Reports" in
science projects can assist the students in learning to interpret footprints in
combination with chemical safety.
I can help students to
emerge safe on the internet by modelling mindful habits, and encouraging
critical thinking, in particular about AI. Digital citizenship is not something
that comes along; it is a life skill, such as recognition of hazards. We establish
a culture of trust, integrity and active safety in the school together
(Speechi.com, n.d.; Kumar, n.d.).
References.
Aspiring
Teacher Guide. (2025, June 27). What Are Ethical Considerations When Using
Technology in The Classroom? - Aspiring Teacher Guide. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_hBuDUjKdc
Challenge
Innovate Grow: Teacher & Learner Centre. (2025, February 16). How to Use
AI Ethically in the Classroom: A Teacher’s Guide. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjC2YAEE5nU
Kumar,
Dr. S. (n.d.). Ethical Considerations in Digital Education. In Online and
digital education (p. pp. 155–175). Retrieved March 7, 2026, from Ethical
Consideration_Online and Digital Education-FinalBook-172-194.pdf
Speechi.
(n.d.). How to incorporate technology in the classroom: Importance &
ethical use. Https://Speechi.com/.
https://speechi.com/how-to-incorporate-technology-classroom/