Visitor-Resident Typology

 

Mapping my use of technology made me aware of my online presence.  I am, more often than not, a visitor rather than a resident.  The mapping exercise exemplified that I use the web as a ‘series of tools’ to obtain information or reach goals (White, 2013). On a daily basis, I go into my tool shed and I “select an appropriate tool which [I] can use to attain [my] goal.”  (White & Le Cornu, 2011) I am focused on completing work, moving ahead or finding information and I found it fascinating that this shows up on my digital footprint. I use Facebook as a vehicle to check in with friends and family. I do not connect with people on Facebook that I do not personally know.  I use internet searching tools and email on a daily basis for both my professional and personal life. I receive Instagram and Snapchat posts, therefore I consider myself a visitor. I see it as an effective and efficient way to connect and keep in touch with friends and family.

In my professional life, I am cognizant of the value of connections whether these are online or in-person.  I see it as a form of networking and an important facet of leadership. More importantly, I believe that in my professional/institutional life I need to make connections with others outside of my personal group.  I value learning new skills and developing new relationships and this is effectively completed by using technology. To this end, I am going to challenge myself to become more of a resident with technology, to get outside of my comfort zone and to become more engaged rather than visiting it from afar.

White, D. (2013, September 13). Retrieved April 28, 2019, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSK1Iw1XtwQ

White, D., & Le Cornu, A. (2011). Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement. First Monday, 16(9). doi:https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v16i9.3171