As part of the first course in the MALAT program, we have been given an assignment to develop a Digital Identity and Digital Presence (DIDP) plan to support the cultivation of our digital identity and presence over the course of the program. Although I have not considered my identity in this way before starting this course, through our required readings and preceding assignment, I have been spending considerable time reflecting on this and working towards a realization of my digital identity and presence and how I can cultivate that over the next 2 years or so. In a New York Times blog post, Kelly Schryver (2013) poses a question about being ‘googled’, “How much do you think about the fact that much of what you post will last forever, and can be seen by anyone?”. This question has caused me to think more critically about how I present myself in the digital world now and how I would like to cultivate that as I move forward in this program.
My main goal for developing my digital identity and presence relates to my contribution and collaboration within the learning community. From a social-constructivism perspective, my digital presence and collaboration with my cohort will support the construction of knowledge and subsequent learning when engagement and dialogue are present (Dron & Anderson, 2014, p. 43). Over the last few years, I have come to appreciate the construction of knowledge within a collaborative setting and truly value what I have learned from my peers in addition to readings and any formal instruction. My approach will be to show up authentically within this digital space and lean into vulnerability as I express my thoughts and ideas which may or may not be supported or correct but will contribute to dialogue and result in a greater depth to my learning.
As I embark on blogging in a public space, I would like to be cognizant of my digital footprint while also considering my audience, both the immediate as well as the potential audience from varying contexts (Boyd, 2010, p. 8). With this in mind, and as I have started with this post, I will include a small introduction to my writing to provide context to potential audiences outside of my MALAT cohort. I believe context is important for understanding and my hope is that if anyone stumbles upon my blog from outside of this program, they will be able to better understand what I have written.
I have much to learn. Although I have been working in community education for quite some time, the intersection of education and technology is fairly new to me. I certainly have more gaps than knowledge but I am confident that through the affordances of this program, that I will fill those gaps over time. As those gaps fill, success will be defined by growth in my digital competence, expansion of my networks and the cultivation of a digital identity and presence that is grounded in authenticity, openness, and continuous learning, reflected through my blog and engagement with my cohort.
References
Boyd, D. (2010). Social network sites as networked publics: affordances, dynamics, and implications. In Papacharissi, Z. (Ed.), Networked self: identity, community and culture on social network sites (pp. 39 – 58). https://www.danah.org/papers/2010/SNSasNetworkedPublics.pdf
Dron, J. & Anderson, T. (2014). Teaching crowds. AU Press. https://doi.org/10.15215/aupress/9781927356807.01
Schryver, K. (2013, February 5). Who are you online? Considering issues of web identity. The Learning Network. https://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/05/guest-post-who-are-you-online-considering-issues-of-web-identity/
Hi Kristen,
A great blog post on your DIDP. Your comment, “Over the last few years, I have come to appreciate the construction of knowledge within a collaborative setting and truly value what I have learned from my peers…” really resonated with me. It reminded me of what I should show gratitude for and how my friends, family and peers not only support me but are also great “sounding boards” where I can share my ideas without fear or judgment. You mentioned being more vulnerable….how do you approach collaboration with new people in terms of that vulnerability? This is an area I definitely need to work on myself and would love to hear your thoughts. Cheers!
Hi Marion,
Thanks for reading and for your comments 🙂 In the simplest response to your question, I would have to say that I approach vulnerability with respect to collaborative work with bravery. I try not to overthink it too much (because I love to do this!) and just dive in as best as I can. I remember Elizabeth Child’s remark during one of the symposium sessions that “one of us is not as smart as all of us” and this really stuck with me. We all have something unique to contribute to a collaborative learning environment and this is what gives me the courage to be vulnerable – I also know that this opens the door to growth and that is really motivating!
Thanks for your post, Leah. I particularly appreciate your goal of being authentic. This in itself could be longer topic for a post or debate, but I find that I am often more receptive to information when it seems authentic. How would you define this? Also, how do you determine what is truly authentic? It’s definitely a tricky balancing act between academia, professionalism and authenticity.
Hi Kristin,
Thanks for your questions! I have to start by saying that this is definitely a work in progress for me and something that I am committed to doing in all facets of my life. Like you, I also find myself being more receptive to information when it is authentic which also motivates me to be more authentic myself. I am also driven to be more authentic from my experience with and exposure to media and social media. From struggling with perfectionism to body image to toxic positivity, I am trying to be more authentically human wherever I show up. Brene Brown speaks a lot about the connection between authenticity and vulnerability – this is where I land when it comes to being authentic. It is being ok, not being perfect. In a professional or academic setting, this means that I will speak and share my ideas and thoughts rather than letting fear stop me. I will own my mistakes. I will always strive to be driven by my values and I will honour the boundaries that I set for myself so that I can be the best (authentic) version of myself in other areas of my life (i.e. time with my family).
Thanks for reading!
I enjoyed reading and connecting with the points in your plan Leah.
One of the points you brought up was audience, “both the immediate as well as the potential audience from varying contexts”. As a beginner blogger myself, I need to be aware of potential audiences when posting. With this in mind, do you think you will have separate platforms for both your personal and professional world, or do you think one platform with a shared audience is a better choice? I am currently very divided: one platform for public, a separate one for private, but that may change…
You also brought up your gaps in knowledge and working in the educational field.
I am also an educator and have realized some gaps that I need to address. What aspects would you like to develop most? Presently, I am focused on collaborative digital tools. Since Covid, I found my students have difficulties connecting with each other and the material. My hope is that co-creating material will allow those with quieter voices a chance to show their thinking on the page. Let me know if you have any suggestions!
Hi Terry,
Thanks for some great questions! I do like to keep my professional and personal platforms separate as I am generally a private person. I never imagined that I would be blogging and at this point in time, I don’t imagine that I will take up blogging as a hobby – although I have heard the same sentiments from some of our peers that are further along who now intend to keep blogging so I am keeping and open mind to this. With respect to this blog, I am trying to keep it open to a shared audience, however, I am undecided if I will share it widely within my personal network. This may change as I grow in confidence, I guess time will tell. I am aware that this is a public space and that anyone could find it and read all of my posts so I am keeping that in mind when I consider my audience here.
As a designer and facilitator of community education (mainly professional learning), we (my organization) had made a conscious decision to move away from technology (mostly power point, sit and get style) and focus on more hands on, collaborative, experiential learning. This transition resulted in a very positive and effective learning experience for the participants in our sessions. Then the pandemic began. This was a very hard transition for us and facilitating online was not ideal. As time went on, I started to see the potential of online learning rather than the limitations – especially within a hybrid structure. That is essentially why I am here – my gaps are in technology but my strengths are in learning design and I want to merge these 2 areas to unlock the potential for effective and engaging learning environments in a digital context.
I have also just completed a certificate in Adult and Community Education from the University of Calgary and spent quite some time studying andragogy which I really loved. The more I learned about this field, the more I started to see the value of some of the principles of adult learning in the K-12 system and how andragogy and pedagogy could be viewed as ven diagram rather than completely separate. So, I think you are on the right track and I would encourage you to explore adragogy more – especially since you teach in High School, it is likely even more relevant.