Report and Reflect #1: Hitting home

This week the focus was on our digital footprints and its importance, a topic that is often overlooked and taken for granted. 

"Soon you will have a real job." This is something my mom is constantly nagging me about,

"Soon you will have a REAL job"

reminding me that things are just going to get harder and that harsher critiques are to come. In about four months I will be packing up all my books and school bags and saying goodbye to school; the day that every university student counts down to. Last year that was me, it sounded so great at the time especially because I have a very clear plan in mind for my future. If only things were that easy, not only do I have to start worrying about graduating and applying for jobs but what about all the details I wasn't even aware of. 

My digital footprint, something that had never occurred to me; I have always had a sense that I have a digital footprint, but that was more just a thought in the back of my mind. To be honest after going through this weeks session, it scared me! I started to question "what kind of digital footprint do I have? How does it reflect on me as a person and as a professional?". Suddenly that simple plan I had for my future got a little less simple. 

Set an example for others

In this post I am supposed to reflect on some of the questions provided for me; however, I want to tweak one of these questions a bit. After reading Djainslie's article about the importance of a digital footprint, I thought she made a good point when she said a POSITIVE footprint. This is where I want to tweak the question, in addition to asking do I want a digital footprint; I want to also ask, what kind of digital footprint do I want.

A digital footprint is inevitable, we all have one we can not control that; however, we can control how people view us using the digital footprint. As an aspiring teacher I need to keep a very positive and professional footprint because not only am I representing myself but also my school. I think there are many different types of positive digital footprints, you just need to chose the one that will help you reach your goals. I may want a very professional footprint or a very creative one; depending on my goals the things I post online and do will need to reflect this. 

The Student and Teacher Blogging article was extremely useful for me. It had plenty of tips and tricks to help me to help me improve my digital footprint. Blogging is an excellent way for us to establish ourselves and to build a positive community; and a great way to do that is by commenting on others blogs. When we can comment effectively and properly we are able to spread information and promote ourselves.

In this weeks session we looked at our digital drivers licence exam. After completing this exam I found I have a very good knowledge on being an effective digital citizen; however there is always room for improvement. Even though I know what is the proper netiquette I do not always follow this. The areas I know I need to improve include: digital law, digital health and wellness and digital security.

Digital law 

Riddle (2011) defines digital law as "the electronic responsibility for actions and deeds". 95% of music files were illegally shared in 2009 found by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (Riddle, 2011. pg. 31) This is not a surprising statistic but it is a bit of a guilty one. I must admit I am certainly guilty of breaking digital laws and it is unfair to the creator of this content. If I put myself in their shoes I know I would hate to have my hard work stolen with out any credit or compensation.

Digital Health
"Physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world" (Riddle, 2011. pg. 38) This is probably my worst area I have some very severe back injuries as well as my right wrist. I can honestly say that these injuries have gotten worse because of my technology use; head down straining my neck, wrists at awkward angles, the chairs I sit in.

Digital Security
"The electronic precautions to guarantee safety" (Riddle, 2011. pg. 40) This has to do with the amount of security we use and how we share our information. My father is a computer technician so he is always on me about updating my safety software, but to be honest half the time I am just too lazy to do it. This is obviously not a good excuse nor is it smart.


In conclusion I have realized the importance and benefits that a digital footprint can have if used properly. I have also reviewed the nine elements of digital citizenship and have identified my weak areas. The important thing for me to do is to be mindful when ever I am using technology; these are also skills I can apply outside of technology.

Have a good week