Protecting yourself online

In this step we have outlined some important considerations about staying safe online. Please make sure that you read and understand this information prior to continuing on the course.

Staying safe online

As this course is all about digital, let’s start by thinking about the kinds of information you might already be sharing about yourself online – even inside this Course.

It’s important to stay safe online and we have included a great video from YouTube at the end of this article, to explain how you can do this.

What is your ‘digital footprint’?

Your ‘digital footprint’ is the information you share about yourself online. Lots of people use social media to share information and talk with friends, family and colleagues. It’s worth checking what people can find out about you. Why not take a moment to open a new window and do a Google search of your own name? Any surprises? Don’t share the results here! If you see anything unexpected or that makes you feel unsafe, go back and review the privacy settings on your accounts.

Maintaining a positive digital footprint can even help you when applying for a job. So it’s not just about safety, it’s about your reputation in a digital world.

Your FutureLearn profile

Now check your FutureLearn profile. What you see is what other learners on this course can see. Are you happy with what you’re sharing? If not, you can edit it now.

Participating in this course

We think that talking about ideas with other people is a great way to learn, which is why we encourage learning through conversation. Leave a comment when you are stuck or if you have an idea you’d like to share, reply to other learner’s comments and ‘like’ any that you think are interesting.

We expect your comments to be positive, constructive, and build your learning. Don’t leave negative or mean comments, this doesn’t help anyone learn. Comments that break the FutureLearn Code of Conduct will be removed.

When you participate in conversations, make sure you do not reveal any personal details about yourself or share contact information (like email address, telephone number, Facebook or Snapchat ID). If you see a comment that contains personal contact details, please report it using the flag button beneath the comment.

This course may contain references to the use of personal data. The EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and other privacy laws (both in the EU and throughout the world) provide legal guidance on how personal data can be collected, processed and stored. Please be mindful of the impact of data privacy laws on your personal data as well as the personal data of others.

Need help or advice on staying safe online?

These websites have got loads of great advice, and people you can talk to (links are at the bottom of this page):

At the bottom of every page, there is a section called ‘Using FutureLearn’. There is a link here to more information about staying safe online. Also, we have included a useful video from CEOP at the bottom of this page, on how people can find and manipulate your personal information online. You can pick up some simple tips from this video on how to make sure this doesn’t happen to you.

Ready to get going?

You’ve reached the end of your first step on FutureLearn! Now click the pink ‘Mark as complete’ button below. When you’re ready to move on, click on the tab with the right arrow to move to the next page.