Managing your digital footprint: the personal and environmental impact.

How do I attend?

Go to Managing your digital footprint: the personal and environmental impact and select ‘Join Room’ located at the bottom of the page. The room remains closed until the trainer has entered - this will usually be 15 minutes before the start time.

Benefits

This 1-hour interactive session is about managing your digital footprint. It will explore how your online activities can both shape your reputation and impact the environment. The session will explain how a digital footprint is created and how it can influence how others see you, as well as sharing simple ways to create a positive online impression. It will also explore the environmental impact of everyday digital habits—from emails to AI tools—and share quick, easy tips to reduce your digital carbon footprint. The session includes practical tasks and real world examples to help you make informed and sustainable digital choices.

Who's it for?

Any OU member (staff or student) who would like to learn more about their digital footprint.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session, you will be able to

explain what a digital footprint is
recognise how your digital footprint influences how you are perceived
identify ways to build a positive image on social media
recognise the environmental impact of common online activities
take practical steps to reduce your digital carbon footprint.

Downloads and Further Help

The slides are available for this session.

The following online resources provide additional information and guidance:

Engaging with Blogs, Twitter and LinkedIn: a 30-minute activity covering the responsible use of different social media platforms in the context of building and managing your digital footprint.
Developing a good digital footprint: a short activity exploring what a digital footprint is and how you can improve it.
Digital sustainability pathway: short activities which discuss the environmental impact of everyday online activities and tools and suggest simple ways to minimise that impact.
Landing jobs on social media: 10 true success stories: a blog post from Careerarc.
Using social media to find jobs: advice from Careers Wales.
Social media: how to use it safely: guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre.
My digital footprint: a brief guide: guidance from the National Protective Security.
Who really gets fired over social media posts?: an article from 'The Conversation' website.
Your online presence and your career: guidance from the Open University Careers Service.
Generative AI for students: guidance for Open University students.
Ecosia: an internet browser which uses its profits for climate action.