The document discusses how a user's digital fingerprint allows their online activity to be tracked. A digital fingerprint is unique to each computer and is created from factors like IP address, settings, programs used, and websites visited. This fingerprint can be used by websites, the police, and companies to identify a specific user and track their online behavior across the internet. On an online learning platform like the eLC, this means instructors can see if a user accessed assignments, forums, or videos and when they did so.

1. Hey, you.
Yeah, you.

2. I can see everything you do.
Every time you log into this
course or click on a link,
I know.

3. How?
The eLC tracks your every move
using your
digital fingerprint.

4. Like the fingerprint on your
thumb, your computer is unique.
Your IP address, your settings, the
programs you use, the websites you
visit, your login names, etc. create a
“fingerprint” that distinguishes your
computer from mine. (Fenlon par. 2)

5. This doesn’t only apply to the
eLC.
It applies to every website you
visit.

6. You can delete the list of sites that
you’ve visited in your Internet browser
and the cookies stored on your
computer, but you can’t delete your
computer’s digital fingerprint.
Ever.

7. The police and companies can use
this information to track your activity
on the Internet.
The eLC uses your login information to
track you as well.

8. This means that, on the eLC, your
teacher knows if you clicked on
a forum post, tried to submit an
assignment, or watched a
required video.
They even know when you did it.
They also know if you didn’t.

9. Creepy, huh?
That’s why you should always be
careful on the Internet…
… and on the eLC.
Now click on the next assignment.
I’ll know whether or not you did.

10. Works Cited
Fenlon, Wesley. “How Digital Fingerprinting
Works.” 24 July 2012. < http://computer.
howstuffworks.com/digital-
fingerprinting3.htm>