I started this project as I assume most did – with a review of Dave Cormier’s work and a quick Google search for examples to help spark an idea on how to present the information. I settled on a Kumu free platform built into quadrants, with the four elements being Friends, Family, Colleagues and Classmates. When I think of networks, I still think of the people in my life – live communities vs. virtual communities. Friends and Family hold equal importance therefore are represented with same size circles, with Colleagues and Classmates slightly smaller – this is not just due to importance, but also frequency in which we interact. I hope no one’s feeling are hurt!
I admit, when I started developing the map it felt like a new take on an already explored idea; very similar to the resident/visitor map or the analogue/digital activity. And then I plugged in the elements and their connections…and more connections… and more connections… never.ending.connections.
This was my biggest take away from the activity: there are nearly never ending connections that can be made with every element or community I have listed, and I’m sure there are many more elements with corresponding connections I have yet to consider. I tend to think of my communities as a simple two-way interaction – output from myself to a family, friend, colleague or classmate and then return input communication. What I didn’t truly reflect on before is how the family, friend, colleague, classmates all connect with one another and carry on outward, sometimes as far as the World Wide Web.
It brings me back to my original concerns with developing my digital presence. There truly is no such thing as posting privately. While measures can be taken to keep privacy settings tight, and I can work to understand the security options of each platform, there is no controlling the spread of information once you post online. Much the same as open learning reduces the ability of the teacher to direct the learning of the student or the topics they choose to study, posting information online reduces the ability of the poster to determine how that information is used. A simple screen shot and most privacy controls are circumvented.
I will continue to reflect on how I want to represent my digital self online, and now added to the equation is the understanding that the connections don’t stop at the elements I chose to highlight. This spread and reach needs to be included in my decision making while I increase my digital presence.
June 1, 2023 at 11:19 am
Hi, Jessica. Your map and comments brought up some thoughts for me as I reflect on my own network map. I didn’t make a distinction to create the circles larger for those networks that hold more importance or significance for me. Do you have recommendations on how measure, or assess how to visualize the relative importance of one community over another? Also, I made the same realization about the vastness of connections that can be made across platforms and networks. Thanks for sharing.