“Oregon Trail” to Digital Trails: Navigating Student Digital Footprints and Safety

This workshop for teachers and administrators uses the classic 1990s computer game The Oregon Trail as a metaphor for navigating the modern digital landscape. Just as pioneers had to make critical decisions that shaped their survival and legacy on the trail, today’s students leave a permanent digital footprint with every click, post, and search. This proposal will show how educators can equip students to make safe, responsible decisions online, in line with the North Carolina Digital Learning Standards for Students that emphasize digital citizenship, data privacy, and cyber safety.