Week 1 Report

Hi everyone,

I’ve officially made it through week 1 of ADED 1P32! I was initially nervous about setting up my first blog but with the information I gained from session 1 I feel more confident that I’ll be a successful blogger. In just this first week I’ve learnt new things, which I consider to be valuable.

I’ll begin by reflecting on what I’ve learnt about digital footprints. Prior to this course I’ve never even heard of this term! A person’s digital footprint can be described as the tracks someone leaves behind on the Internet.

Link: http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/04/a-great-guide-on-teaching-students.html

After watching a YouTube video on Digital Dossier in Week 1 I was shocked to find out that a persons digital footprint begins before they are even born. When we share a baby’s sonogram picture with family and friends via the Internet their digital footprint begins.  As we get older our tracks continue to grow. As I was learning about this topic I began to think how big my own digital footprint must be. I can’t even count how many websites I’ve signed up for growing up. These thoughts lead me to think about another thing, do you want to have a digital footprint?

Today I think it’s nearly impossible to avoid having a digital footprint so I was pleased to learn that yes you should have a digital footprint, but you should strive to make it a positive one. In order to stay on top of what’s current you need to use one of the greatest tools we have- the Internet. To keep your own digital footprint as positive as possible try only to post things you won’t regret later on. Before posting anything online ask yourself would a future employer or your parents approve of this? I became aware that you could improve and track your own social profile by using various web applications such as Socioclean. This site will scan through all your current social media accounts for things that are considered inappropriate and potentially damaging to your image.

Image retrieved from: http://drsaraheaton.wordpress.com/2010/07/

This week I was required to complete a Digital Driver’s License exam. The completion of the exam gave me an idea of how much knowledge I currently have on the nine elements of Digital Citizenship. From the results of the exam I learnt I should focus my attention on Digital Communication and Digital Commerce. Digital communication can be described as the electronic exchange of information (Ribble, 2011). This ties into another topic discussed this week; appropriate digital etiquette. Everyone communicates digitally through his or her cell phones and emails, it’s crucial to learn how to communicate with others respectfully online.

Digital Commerce can be described as the electronic buying and selling of goods (Ribble, 2011). Online shopping has become increasingly popular over the past few years, it’s an activity I engage in regularly myself. Online shopping requires you to share personal information so it is essential to know how to protect your identity.

While Week 1 comes to an end I’m eager to learn more about the digital world. I anticipate I’ll continue to learn valuable information, which will allow me to use the Internet safely and effectively.

Emily

Sources:

Ribble, M. (2011). Digital citizenship in schools. (2nd ed.). International Society for Technology in Education.