Who am I in the digital age? I am very confident in using data analysis software/databases since it is part of my work but I am not really a user of social media. According to David Whites definition I am definitely a Visitor not having an online identity. I do not like to share my life online and I am one of few who does not have a Facebook account. I have a Twitter and LinkedIn account but I hardly use it. However, I think it is useful when other people share their experiences and I really think I should improve when it comes to sharing. This is why I am taking this course in ONL: To learn the beauty of sharing things in a larger network.

During the first weeks of this course I have learnt how easy it is to share documents in Google Drive and therefore how easy it is to work together on a subject although you do not have a physical meeting. It is possible to discuss and write at the same time and it is also possible to work on it whenever you have time. I have realized that the way of just writing down your thoughts without finalizing a document/report, i.e., lower the threshold to make an input, stimulates discussions. I therefore think that it can be good to have smaller “closed” networks to share ideas (with less “pressure”) before you publish something to a broader audience. However, one must not forget this last step and submit a summary to a more open network. This step motivates you to review and collect your thought and of course making other people aware of them (and they might be able to learn something). It is important with peer-review but it is also important with me-review.

I have also learnt that digital literacies are beyond IT skills (Developing digital literacies (2014) JISC guide). It is more about attitude and behaviors. For me it is to not be afraid of leaving a digital footprint. Referring to Beetham and Sharpe´s framework of digital literacies I am starting to move up the pyramid and depending on area I am on different levels. I have fulfilled the foundation of the pyramid, i.e., “access and awareness”, and I have developed some “skills” in several areas (although in some areas it can of course be improved…). It is definitely a progressive learning rather than linear sequential learning (Belshaw 2014). I also “practice” some of the skills but in some areas I do not so here I can very much develop and it feels like I will do so during this course. When it comes to the top of the pyramid (“identity”) I am far from there. I have not yet created an online identity. I do not think I will ever put a lot of personal information online but I hope that I will dare to make some small digital footprints even though I am taking small steps.

I was not aware of the concept “learning diary” but now I have learned more about the online version of learning diary, i.e. the learning blog. I have realized the power of reflecting on what you have learnt, and learning more while doing it. It made me realize how powerful it can be in teaching. I also realized that mixing different media can make your learning more efficient, e.g., watching a video on YouTube that make you interesting in learning more and search for more information. By giving the students several options how to learn we will reach a higher learning suitable for more people. With this flexible education (David White) the chance to find something interesting increases and interest is a very powerful motivating force.

 

References:

David White: Visitors and residents (part 1), YouTube

David White: Visitors and residents – Credibility (part 2), YouTube

Doug Belshaw: The essential elements of digital literacies, YouTube

Developing digital literacies (2014) JISC guide