Building a Positive Digital Footprint (Week 1)

Report

Throughout this first Session of the course, I was introduced to the fundamentals of technology and my impact on the digital world. After watching the Digital Dossier video (watch here), I was surprised about how big my digital footprint actually is. I learned that my digital footprint was created before I was even born. For example, information related to my birth and baby pictures sent to family and friends both contributed to building my digital footprint before I even knew what technology was. As I grow older and become more involved in the digital world, I continue to contribute to the development of my digital footprint.

I also learned about the The 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship, as referenced in Digital Citizenship in Schools by Mike Ribble. In my opinion, the first element, Digital Access, is the most important element of them all. Digital Access is defined as being involved in society via technology. Unfortunately, not everyone has equal access to technology, for example, based on socioeconomic status, disabilities, and physical location. However, it is important to provide additional opportunities to provide everyone digital access, allowing fast and efficient communication.

http://www.fractuslearning.com/2014/09/09/digital-citizenship-poster/ 

Technology was created for opportunity and convenience, not harm or distraction. Ribble states that “technology use is a privilege, not a right, and users must follow the "rules of the road" to retain that privilege”. His Digital Driver’s Exam is a useful tool that tests your knowledge of proper use of technology in a classroom, or “the rules of the road”. Following the completion of the exam, I personally believe that I have a good knowledge of the rules of the internet and of being an effective digital citizen, however two areas needing improvement were Digital Communication and Digital Commerce. As always, I want to improve and develop my skills related to my digital footprint for career purposes.

Reflection

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A digital footprint is part of every day life, even if you do not frequently surf the web or use social media. Since I am a daily social media user, I have significantly expanded my personal digital footprint. However, by attending university, I am also encouraged to sign up and use online school resources, which increases my print even further. As I continue to use a variety of online resources throughout my life, I hope to create a positive footprint for myself. Building a good footprint for myself can be done by monitoring my Internet usage and not posting inappropriate content. Having good “Netiquette” is also important to maintaining a positive digital footprint. Netiquette is “the do's and don'ts of online communication” (http://www.albion.com/netiquette/). This includes being respectful online and following the “rules of the road” of the Internet. By establishing a positive footprint, I am creating a positive image of myself, which could benefit me in the future, for example in the job search.

Throughout this Session, I have learned a variety of lessons relating to digital learning and digital citizenship. I have learned the do’s and don’t’s of being online in today’s society, such as being respectful of other people’s time, bandwidth, and privacy, and creating a positive image for myself online. Using the Internet and creating online posts can have an affect on how people see me as a person and can also decide my fate in the business world. I continue to look forward to learning more about being a good digital citizen and creating a positive digital footprint.

Cheers,

Robert DeMelo