Journal Refection #2

Tell me you're old without telling me how old you are: I had Facebook when it was only for students with college emails. This week has really had me reflect on my digital footprint. Digital footprint is the trail of your online activity such as things searched, copied, broadcasted, and is permanent (Common Sense Education, 2013). I question my use of social media all the time and I am one of those people that do not like to post or overshare. Intentional digital footprint is things you want to leave behind or things you are aware that are out there about you, like a tweet you sent out. Unintentional footprint is something you can’t control like you can your intentional footprint. I’ve been tagged on posts that I didn’t necessarily want to be tagged.

I have a hard time getting rid of Facebook mostly because I've had it since my college years and I feel like it is a part of me. Like I said, I never really post, I tend to just waste time and scroll through memes. I also am part of Instagram, anyone remember when it was an app only for iPhone users, yes I was there early on. I hopped on Snapchat late in the game, but it is one of the apps I like to post on because it's quick, doesn't have much substance and disappears in 24 hours. Instagram stories are similar so that is where I occasionally post things (mostly food or something my daughter did). Although I am not very active on my social media, I am a part of a lot of networks and am cautious of what I post, especially since I have the mindset that it is a reflection of who I am in the real world. I have matured and grown since my Myspace days and have worked hard to keep my digital footprint a positive one.

This week has also made me think about how our students are so dependent on devices and the internet. In my situation, teaching kindergarten, the issue with technology is that it can become something our students depend on way too much. They want instant gratification and become so impatient and frustrated when something is not working as far as their technology. We have come a long way from dial up internet, but students definitely take technology and internet speed for granted. An issue I come across in my classroom is that students are so used to being on an iPad or phone that they forget how to function, in some cases simply don't know how to function, with peers. As a teacher that has shifted towards bringing blended learning into the classroom, and uses technology to teach lessons, I find myself struggling with helping students find a balance with device use and instructional time. Having things like stations in place helps students get off devices because they have to work collaboratively in other stations. It is hard to find that balance though. At 5 and 6 years old, they have to decide if they get on the educational app or get on YouTube, which is not blocked for students at our school.

Last week we learned about digital citizenship and defining it. This week we learned about things like digital footprint, filter bubbles, and net neutrality. If we are going to be good digital citizens, we need to be mindful of our digital activities and how we present ourselves online. I've enjoyed the readings, videos, and learning this week.

References

Common Sense Education. (2013, August 12). What’s in your digital footprint? [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P_gj3oRn8s