Figure 1
Megan’s Technology Use Map
Note. This figure demonstrates my use of digital technologies and “engagement with the Web” under four quadrants – Visitor, Resident, Personal and Institutional using the resident-visitor typology (White and Le Cornu, 2011).
Reflecting from the map, I realize my internet usage for different software and applications has significantly increased due to covid restrictions and full-time working from home during the last two years. I visualize my use of technology map would be quite vacant few years ago compare to how it looks like today.
Prior to pandemic, I leaned more towards the “Visitor” wing, which I used internet for specific reasons and in search of “concrete benefit resulting” (White and Le Cornu, 2011) such as online banking, online shopping, general searching and personal emails. Recently, my “Resident” status has grown especially in the Institutional space. While working from home and enrolling in the MALAT program, I “see the Web as a place” (White and Le Cornu, 2011) where I can collaborate, share information and foster stronger professional relationships with my colleagues and cohort. Miro is a collaborative whiteboard software tool that I use frequently at work now. I found this real-time virtual tool very effective for brainstorming and creating process maps for innovation workshops. You can also save your work offline and then re-activate it at the next meeting.
I reckon it will continue to evolve depending on my technology needs, and “motivation and context” (White and Le Cornu, 2011). It is very interesting to analyze my own digital identity and online behavior via this technology use map. I can appreciate my adaptability and resilience through increased technology usage during the unprecedent times, but I also foresee continuous shifts and changes in my use of technology as we face the new normal.
Reference
White, D. S., & LeCornu, A. (2011). Visitors and residents: A new typology for online engagement. First Monday, 16(9). https://firstmonday.org/article/view/3171/3049
Your map looks amazing! I noticed that you included some apps that I completely forgot, such as Dropbox and One Drive which makes me wonder if I just do not put that much importance on them for me to have not added them. How do you think your map would change if your tension pairs were altered to be analogue/digital and/or individual/collaborative? After having read Dave Cormier’s blog, Digital Practices Mapping, what particularly struck me was his comment, “I was looking for something that looked at the whole of someone’s practice rather than just the digital stuff.” (Cormier, 2018). This got me thinking, so I created a whole new map in 3D. If you’re interested, check it out here https://malat-webspace.royalroads.ca/rru0260/resident-visitor-typology-map-a-progression-and-alternate-view/
Thanks Marion! My digital space would probably be quite full all over the individual and collaborative quadrants. Basically everything in the RV map would be transferred to these two areas. The analogue side would be quite sparse in comparison; however, it will show more of a big picture of my practice such as meeting people in person (e.g. office settings or coffee chat in a cafe), drawing, phone calls, photography, etc. Thanks for sharing your map. I will comment there 🙂
Hi Megan,
Your visual display of technology use is full! It made me reflect on mine; I realize I may have left off a few. I appreciate your comment about how your ‘residency’ quadrant has increased due to the demands of COVID.
I’m curious, do you think your job will revert back to a less ‘tech-dependent’ model? Or perhaps even a blended model regarding digital tools and platforms?
Hi Terry, thanks for your comment! That is a great question because I’d like to find that out myself too. We just started going back to the office last week and most people are working in the hybrid format, which is 2 days a week at the office. Personally, I think we will do a blended model as many employees found the benefits of using digital tools. We used to rely on analogue tools such as in person training and printed training materials. Many people were reluctant to join online training at first but now they are more acceptable mainly because of cost and time efficiencies.
Hi Megan, great map! I didn’t even think of some of the everyday tools I use such as banking and shopping. How do you see the use of technology shift over the next few years for you personally and professionally?
Hi Tim, thanks for your comment! I tried to stay away from the computer for this exercise and started doodling in a more relaxed setting 🙂 It helped me consider technologies that I use outside of work and school. I was a little concerned about privacy and security issues before especially doing online banking. Now that I’ve learned there is a level of trusted security I feel more comfortable and enjoy the convenience of it. I think most of my technology use would slowly shift to the right (resident) as I can see myself using the internet as a space more than just a tool. Personal technology use would probably move slower than the professional use. My company is also moving towards to digitalization so I can foresee more new technologies being used over the next few years.
Hi Megan, your map looks great! I like that you hand drew yours and used some colour! Our maps look very different as you’re more of a “institutional-resident” than I am. Looking forward to learning from you in the future. I will definitely need to pick your brain about Miro!
Thanks Giulia! I’d love to learn about your broadcasting world as well. It seems so interesting 🙂 Can’t wait to work with you!