For this response post, I have focused on Justine Dhillonâs blog post about Navigating Digital Identity
I really enjoyed reading blog post Justine thank you for sharing! I really liked the way she explained the importance of balancing personal and professional digital identity. I completely agree that keeping LinkedIn for your career growth while using other platforms such as Instagram for personal interactions is the best approach, it is the same approach that I personally take. Her point about recruiters checking social media profiles is a great reminder of how much our online presence can impact our future job opportunities. I also found her Digital Visitor and Resident Map section was also interesting; I like how she broke down the difference between visitors and residents using her own experiences. It made me think about how my own digital habits might change as I enter the professional world. Lastly, I agree that it is very important to be mindful of what we share online, no matter if it is professional or personal everything we post online can can effect ourselves and our image.
For this response post, I have focused on Michelle Webbâs blog post about Exploring Digital Identity and Ethics
I liked how you started off her post by defining digital identity and the importance of keeping personal and professional spaces separate. I found her list of ways to maintain boundaries helpful, and I agree that it is better to be cautious online with our personal actions having professional consequences. Your connection to cancel culture made me think about how easily actions online can be misinterpreted and the discussion of privacy and surveillance I also found very interesting. Your experience with PowerSchool is a terrible story to hear about I am sorry to hear that, but that truly shows how everything online is not always safe even in where you think about the most secure places. I have had a similar experience where in 2011 the PlayStation servers got hacked and my account was one of the compromised ones with the hackers having all of my passwords and my parents credit card information, so I know first hand how scary that can be. Overall I really enjoyed reading your blog post thank you for sharing!
Social media has significantly influenced how I develop and maintain my Personal Learning Network (PLN). Platforms like LinkedIn, X, and Instagram have provided me with access to a plethora of information I seek from experts, communities, and resources that work with my interests and professional goals.âUsing social media to expand your PLN provides access to diverse viewpoints, real-time information, and collaborative opportunities, helping you continuously learn and stay informed in your professionâ (Joshua Hotchin). I really enjoyed this point because this is exactly how I feel about the topic and have used social media to expand my PLN. The ability to interact directly with professionals and educators has enhanced my understanding of current trends and best practices in whatever field I am interested in.
One major benefit of using social media for my PLN is how immediate and accessible the information is. I can follow conferences, join discussion groups, and read insightful articles shared by experts in real-time. No matter what you are trying to do, watch, follow, or learn there is a platform you can do it on, that is what is so great about the internet. Additionally, social media can foster a sense of community, allowing for collaborative learning and networking between one another. Engaging in professional groups on LinkedIn or following media on Instagram, social media has been instrumental in keeping me informed and connected about anything, anytime I need.
Navigating digital spaces in a safe manner requires a strong commitment to privacy, ethics, and security.If you take several steps to protect your information online, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and limiting the amount of personal data you share on your public platforms for the sake of your own privacy and security. The most prominent scam on the internet right now has to do with getting users to click on links, share sensitive or personal information, or malware hacks. To help prevent these things from happening to me I try to only engage with verified and trustworthy sources.
While Privacy and Security are very prominent issues within the internet, participating in Ethical practices are also crucial in digital interactions.âEthics involves behaving responsibly online, like respecting othersâ privacy and not sharing false informationâ (Joshua Hotchin). I strive to represent a respectful and professional online presence by giving proper credit to content that I source and their creators, avoiding misinformation wherever I can, and engaging in constructive discussions where I always stay respectful to others opinions. In my opinion these practices are essential for maintaining a safe, trustworthy digital environment where people feel secure in sharing their knowledge, thoughts, and experiences without fear of harassment or data breaches.
Inclusivity and UDL in PLNs
Inclusivity within my PLN should be a priority, this is because diverse perspectives enhance learning and innovation in your own ideology. When you have all the information from all different perspectives is when you can make your most informative decisions. I make an effort to follow and engage with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences when doing research on a given topic so I can truly educate myself to the best of my ability. When you seek out information outside of your normal viewpoint and listen to underrepresented groups it fosters an area where everyone is heard and represented. This can truly broaden your understanding but also ensures that you can be part of a more inclusive learning space which I believe to be important.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational structure that strives to make learning accessible and available to all students no matter the background, that being said UDL plays a significant role in fostering inclusivity in PLNs. This is done by incorporating Multiple Means of Engagement, I can interact with content in various formats, such as podcasts, blogs, videos, and interactive discussions. UDL encourages different learning styles and fosters a sense of flexibility within learning. Not everyone learns best the same way and UDL can truly help all students no matter how you learn. Different means of representation and UDL principles can ensure information is equally accessible to diverse audiences, including those with disabilities or language barriers. This will allow for flexible participation, encouraging collaboration through different mediums, such as writing, speaking, or visual storytelling.
Challenges and Importance of Diversity in Digital Learning
Despite the benefits of digital learning spaces, challenges with digital learning will always persist âInclusivity in digital spaces can be challenging due to factors like accessibility issues, language barriers, and limited representation of diverse voices Not all digital platforms are designed to accommodate users with disabilities or different cultural perspectives, and some online communities may unintentionally exclude certain groups. â (Joshua Hotchin). Encouraging the use of captions, translations, and adaptive technologies can help bridge accessibility gaps and create a more inclusive digital learning environment where all voices are represented and respected.
Ensuring diversity in digital learning is crucial because it promotes equity, fosters innovation, and improves problem-solving by incorporating a variety of perspectives. Noticing these inequalities is the beginning to making the internet a more welcoming place to all, the importance of having this diverse open space to learn is not something to take lightly. âWhen digital spaces are diverse and representative, they provide richer, more relevant learning experiences and promote understanding across different communitiesâ(Joshua Hotchin). Prioritizing diverse representation will lead to a more rich, in-depth, and full learning experience about any given topic while also creating an environment where all learners feel seen and respected for their opinions and views.
Thank you for sharing your opinion in your Blog Angela! I really agree with your point about the different social media outlets and how they all can affect your learning differently such as discord and reddit being a way to foster real-time discussions, and youtube being a way to enhance our learning with different outlets though video. It was also interesting to hear your take on digital Identity and how it affects you with your family being on the other side of the globe. If I were to change anything about your blog I would just say I would add more information within your topics to fill it out more, but overall I enjoyed reading your first blog!
Hello Valen! Thank you for sharing about yourself, it is always interesting to hear about different people from different backgrounds and places in the world. Even though you say you don’t have much experience with social media in education, all those different skills and hobbies you have listed such as video creating and using the channels you spoke about Bilibili and Douyin will all give you a good foundation to start with. I would highly recommend you start using Social media in education. Even if it is not for school education, there is so much information to learn about with your favourite Animeâs, Comics, and all the other hobbies you enjoy. Again Thank you for sharing your story. I really enjoyed hearing it!
I really enjoyed reading your post Andy! I loved hearing about your journey from France to Canada and about your thoughts when it comes to how social media can be integrated into our learning. I really enjoy how your blog is broken down, for me as a reader I could very easily identify what you are talking about with point form used very effectively to emphasize your points. I also think that it is very aesthetically pleasing, when you are a reader it is nice to have what you are looking at be well organized and âniceâ to look at and I feel like you did that amazingly. Your last point about âFinding the right Balanceâ is the one that stuck out to me the most, I completely agree with everything you are saying and also believe for that to be the overall answer to it all being about balance. One thing I would say to improve on what you have would be to just expand on a few of your points, I felt like there were certain parts where as a reader I wanted more information. Overall I really enjoyed your Blog Andy, Thank you for sharing!
In today’s world it is extremely important to manage our digital identity whether it be for personal or professional reasons. Digital Professional Identity (DPI) is defined as “professional identity that develops through internet-based social interactions by utilizing online platforms and communication tools.â This is to maintain boundaries between your work and personal life. For me I like to keep all non professional social media outlets such as instagram private, where I post stuff just for my friends and family to see. Where on the other hand my professional profiles such as linkedin I like to try and make it as available as possible for companies and employers to see. I believe this separation to be vital between personal and professional life, in order to keep a balanced life while being able to keep your privacy where warranted. A well-managed digital identity can open career opportunities, for the rest of your life so it is extremely important to keep a well managed digital image whether it be Personal or Professional.
Digital Visitor and Resident Map
Introduced by David White and Alison Le Cornu, the Visitors and Residents (V&R) model describes a continuum of online engagement. The âVisitorâ mode allows individuals to use the web as a look to complete a specific task while leaving no social trace. While the âResidentsâ can see the web as a place were part of their lives and lived, leaving a digital trace.
For me reflecting on this model, I find myself acting as both a âVisitorâ and a âResidentâ. While I am using the internet to do research, accessing information, and accessing online databases on an everyday basis I am applying the âVisitorâ approach of being able to access that information without leaving a trace. With programs like Linkin I find myself using the âResidentsâ model. While on Linkedin I want people to see what I am saying and have to offer so it is beneficial to me to use this approach. As I grow in the business world I hope to have my âResidentâ impact to be higher than my âVisitorâ but as of right now I would say I am a âVisitorâ much more.
Theories of Personalized Learning
Personalized learning is an education approach that takes into account a student’s strengths, needs, skills, and interests aiming to customize the learning experience for each and every student. This provides an experience that allows students to get a learning plan based on how they learn best. Constructivist learning theory highlights the importance of actively engaging with material, allowing students to build their own understanding based on experiences while Self-Directed Learning encourages students to take action in setting learning goals and developing strategies that best suit themselves.
For me specifically this way of learning adopted in some of my classes I have taken has been extremely beneficial to me. Growing up I have always had a problem with my working memory so it is sometimes hard for me to retain all the information that is presented within a class. The flexibility in personalized learning keeps me motivated and engaged, fostering a stronger learning mindset essential for both academic and professional success.
Privacy, Surveillance, and Digital Footprint Awareness
Everything you do online will contribute to your digital footprint, making privacy and surveillance awareness critical. In today’s world where everything is done online hackers and security breachers run rampant, and it is more important than ever to try and sleep yourself protected. There are plenty of things you can do to help yourself try and stay protected such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious about the information I share online.
Because online actions are frequently monitored and personal information might be exploited for a varying degree of severity from cyber threats to personalized advertising , it is more important than ever to understand privacy dangers. Maintaining a secure online presence is ensured by adopting strong digital practices, such as confirming the reliability of sources before releasing information. It is always critical to be aware of what you are doing online.
Conclusion
Overall navigating the digital world requires a strategic approach to managing your digital identity, understanding online engagement patterns, embracing personalized learning, and protecting privacy. Being aware of how I interact with the internet can help me create a balance between my personal and professional life while also keeping me safe and secure.
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