Making connections in a Digital Environment

In session 1, I learned a few terms such as “digital footprint”, “digital citizenship” and “Netiquette”. I decided to search my name on Google, and found nothing! I wouldn’t say I keep my life private, but I never put my full name when a social networking site asks for it. I guess that’s why I couldn’t find anything about me on Google. I also don’t have a Facebook account because I feel like my life is open to the public, for everyone to see. According to Ainslie (2009), she stated that it is important for teachers to have an online presence. As a future teacher, this article made me think about building a positive digital footprint. She discussed how it is important for teachers to stay current and be updated on their digital footprint (2009). I would like to avoid having a digital footprint, but she recommended a few ways on monitoring my digital footprint. I don’t have anything to hide, but I like to keep my personal life private. I think with the help of her tips, I can build myself a positive digital footprint and be present in the online world. I think what is really important when using social media is to be cautious of what you post online. If you wouldn’t say it to someone in person, why would you say it online? I also want to be a good role model to my students, thus building myself a positive digital footprint, and learning Netiquette will benefit my students and me. It will benefit me because I get to share my ideas with other teachers and read their thoughts and advice on certain topics. Children look up to adults, so teaching my future students Netiquette and having them see me use technology appropriately will teach them to respect others online and when to use technology effectively (Ribble, 2011, p.29).

Based on the results from the Digital Driver’s License exam (Ribble, 2011, p. 105), I have a good understanding on the concept, digital citizenship. I got perfect in every area. I think the reason for this is because I took a course based on technology before. The course I took talked a lot about allowing students to blog in class. I think allowing students to blog is a great way for them to learn! I watched a few videos and read a few articles that discussed how blogging gives students the opportunity to share their ideas, opinions, and express their feelings. According to Shareski (2008), students are able to read good blogs that actually interest them. By reading good blogs, this can help improve their writing too. I think integrating technology in the classroom would be a good idea, as long as it is educational and teachers are teaching their students how to use it appropriately. What is your opinion on building a digital footprint and do you think implementing technology in classrooms is a good idea?

- Jenny

Ainslie, D.J. (2009, December 19). Yes, you should have a digital footprint… and keep track of it!. Retrieved from http://djainslietech.com/2009/12/19/digital-footprint/

Ribble, M. (2011). Digital Citizenship in Schools, 2nd Edition. Washington, DC: International Society for Technology in Education.

Shareski, D. (2008, July 17). Student and teacher blogging that succeeds. Retrieved from http://ideasandthoughts.org/2008/07/17/student-and-teacher-blogging-that-succeeds/