Megan – Page 3 – Megan's Blog

Digital Learning Impacts in Rural Communities

In unit 4 activity 1, we were asked to discuss impacts of digital learning in pairs/triads. Terry and I selected Canva to create an infographic which highlights the positive and negative impacts of digital learning in rural communities. After reviewing several literatures and data on this topic, it was a great reminder for myself that internet and technology accessibility cannot be taken for granted. Something that seems easily available for me everyday does not mean the same for many others just like electricity, water and even shelters. On the bright side, the pandemic has actually generated some positive impacts to the remote communities hence bringing the connectivity gap a little closer.

I hope you enjoy reading our post.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFBp-bHS98/5vVyBcjhIpOJJGPffCjZDQ/view?utm_content=DAFBp-bHS98&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink

Unit 3 Readings Reflections

After the completion of unit 3 readings, I have learned that the opportunities to learn and socialize in continuously growing digital learning environments are ubiquitous (Veletsianos, 2016). This reassured my overall goal of cultivating my digital identity and digital presence (DIDP) plan in which I desire to learn together and establish life-long learning relationships with other stakeholders in the community.

Visual Network Mapping

Figure 1

Megan’s Visual Network Mapping

For this exercise, I used Kumu’s stakeholder template to create my visual network mapping. You can select the link under Figure 1 to obtain a clearer image of the map. I selected this template because it provides a simplistic and feasible visual map that I can explore my network in a visually engaging way. Instead of focusing on one specific area of my network, I prefer to see an all-inclusive view of my networks. I located myself in the middle of the map and surrounded by five main elements: Organizations, Family and Friends, Schools, Digital Network and Leisure. As I was adding the nodes and edges to the map, I can see a map of connections and stories, personal and professional growth and development, relationships, values, learning, and reflections.

My Digital Identity Digital Presence Plan

In Unit 2 – Activity 2, I created a map of my technology use by applying White and Le Cornu’s visitor-resident typology (2011). The map demonstrates a resourceful insight to my digital presence which emerges in more digital spaces than I expected. I predict that my digital presence in the resident spectrum will further develop with the increase of knowledge and awareness of new technologies, media platforms and digital tools over the next two years. Schryver’s (2013) question in her blog, “Are you the ‘Real You’ online?” causes me to have some deep thoughts about my digital identity. I believe I have been representing my authentic self; however, I also edit my photos because I want to be reasonably presentable in public. How much editing is acceptable to still show the real you? I think I will continue to define my digital identity throughout this course.

In the following sections, I will discuss my overall goal and purpose by cultivating digital identity and digital presence, my approach for achieving this goal, strengths and weaknesses, strategies to address the identified knowledge gaps, and KPI (Key Performance Indicator) metric for measures of success.

My Technology Use Map

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.

Virtual Symposium Reflection April 11-15, 2022

The week of week of Virtual Symposium was a great commencement of the MALAT Program. As a newly joined member of the program, the symposium was a very instructive and mind-blowing space where I can learn from so many professionals, subject matter experts and current students regarding learning and technology. Each of them had an admirable story to share. The openness and the respectfulness of diversity and inclusion was truly recognized.

This is the Time!

I can’t remember how many times I have questioned myself, ” Should I do it?”, “Is this the right time?”, “Can I do it?” Courage plays a tremendous part when hesitation and deferment happen frequently in the work-life balance equation. Here I am! Three weeks into the MALAT Program, and I am still feeling nervous and overwhelmed. At the same time, I am also excited and have no regret in starting this journey at this stage of my life.