The expansion of digital technologies and its’ functional adaptability in both formal and informal learning environments produces insurmountable ways to share knowledge; escaping the old challenges of time, boundary, access, and cultural differences. For this reason, I need to thoughtfully consider who my audience is and what it is I am trying to achieve, and appropriately use digital technologies that support my intention. Veletsianos argues that technologies are rarely neutral, and they are originally developed for a specific purpose (Veletsianos, 2016, p. 253). Veletsianos also added that “learning designers should have a critical mindset” when designing learning, including the digital technologies that will be employed to support the learning; examining the “daily realities” of learning technologies practice (Veletsianos, 2016, p.255).
According to Betham (2015), Jisc has outlined six elements of digital capabilities and I recognize that developing my digital capabilities to maneuver in the complex world of digital and social media is crucial to be an effective participant rather than just a consumer of information.
Creating my own voice in the social learning network is important to my journey of cultivating my digital presence and identity. Like any learners, I want to make sense of the world around me by seeking answers and formulating questions as I enhance my skills and attempt to acquire new knowledge that is emerging in the social complex systems (Dron & Anderson, 2014). Consequently, it is imperative to be cognizant of the different structures of the learning environments and to be skillful in using and interacting with digital and media technologies.
References
Beetham, H. (2015, Nov 10). Building capability for new digital leadership, pedagogy and efficiency. Jisc Building Digital Capacity Blog. Retrieved from https://digitalcapability.jiscinvolve.org/wp/2015/11/10/framing-digital-capabilities-for-staff-deliverables/
Veletsianos, G. (2016). Digital Learning Environments. In N. Rushby & D. Surry (Eds), Handbook of Learning Technologies (pp. 242-260). Retrieved from http://www.veletsianos.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/digital_learninig_environments.pdf
Dron, J & Anderson T. (2014). Teaching Crowds. doi:10.15215/aupress/9781927356807.01