Mapping my digital presence and use of technology was an interesting process. I knew I was using technology a lot. I made the assumption that through the simple use of online technology I had already established a resident identity. Looking at my map I discovered I lack terribly in the personal resident category. My only presence in the personal resident area, until starting my learning journey with RRU (Royal Roads University) was completely non-existent with a minimum use of Linkedin and Bitmoji. For my use of technology as an institutional resident White and Le Cornu (2011) offered me a good analogy :
Visitors understand the Web as akin to an untidy garden tool shed. They have defined a goal or task and go into the shed to select an appropriate tool which they use to attain their goal. Task over, the tool is returned to the shed.
My personal presence on the continuum from visitor to resident currently is defined by my personal visitor identity and is primarily focused on consuming. Even FaceBook has not been part of my online life for a number of years now, I primarily use FaceBook messenger in order to stay in touch with friends. I see my use changing with the use of the RRU Blog, Feedly and Slack and I ask myself: With this new motivation to engage online, what do I want my personal resident place to look like?
References
White, D., & Le Cornu, A. (2011). Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement. First Monday, 16(9). doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5210/fm.v16i9.3171
Hi Anita!
I really like how you made out your map. It seems like you have a nice balance between your resident self and your visitor self. I too have the same tendency to be more of an observer on the personal side. I personally don’t post a lot on Facebook but I use it to learn about what friends and family are doing. I’m also wondering what I will do to ensure more engagement both on the personal and professional sides.
Thank you Alastair, I have certainly felt more exposed in the personal resident area and over the years have successfully avoided to become too comfortable in this role. Recently I came across this great book by Jose Antonio Bowen, titled ‘Teaching Naked’. It is a great read, although I have not had time to give it my full attention. Have you come across this book before?
No I haven’t but it sounds interesting! When we get a spare week I’ll see about finding myself a copy.