Journey To The Digital World

Leave a comment

This is what I can say after going through the module, Living and Working on the Web:

MANG2049 has changed my life. I have gained so much more knowledge and skills as compared to before taking up this module.

All the posts, reflections and comments in this blog are proof of what I’ve gained from this module.

A Twitter account was created, alongside this blog. This account is used to update my followers whenever a new post is published. It also serves as a sort of discussion forum, as questions would be asked through the hashtag, #MANG2049. Even if I was not the one asking questions, I would still be able to learn more just by going through the hashtag.

Screen Shot 2017-11-30 at 12.09.37 AM

Twitter Profile: https://twitter.com/journeytotheDW

I believe both the blog and Twitter account would extend the social media platforms I can use for my professional network.

Moving onto LinkedIn, before the start of this module, I do have some knowledge on the various topics that were covered over the past two-three weeks. In this case, I understand the need to separate personal and professional networks and so a few years ago, I have already created LinkedIn as my professional profile.

Screen Shot 2017-11-30 at 12.21.30 AM

LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/qing-xuan-foo-a420aa12b

Just like what Ming has mentioned in her comments once, it is wise to update one’s online profile whenever any accomplishment or achievement has been done. This was, and still is, the case for my LinkedIn profile.

Now, what exactly has changed for me? Let us take a look at the video below!

One of the biggest difference is definitely how I was unable to, or rather, no confidence in myself when it comes to, creating visuals. Since the first post, I have been able to produce infographics and videos. Which is definitely a long way as compared to before module! This has definitely boosted my self-confidence.

Another difference would be evaluating information. My diploma education has taught me to go beyond just the surface value. Verify against a credible source, such as government bodies providing official statistics for the country, or results from recognised research projects, before using it in my own research.

Through various forms of discussions during the course of this module, it has come to my attention that:

Not all credible sources are reliable, and not all unreliable sources are entirely not credible.

In my previous post, I have written how a discussion on FutureLearn has changed my view.

Screen Shot 2017-11-20 at 9.59.25 PM

A comment made by Lockhart, one of the mentors from the FutureLearn programme, mentioned how research papers, generally known to be more credible as compared to Wikipedia since they are published, can also be of poor quality, based on several factors. This is also one reason why as a student, and researcher, it is important for me to learn about this.

Take a look at this video here.

From the video, it shows how posts can go viral in a matter of seconds, with or without being verified. If not for this module, I wouldn’t have known that with each click I made to share a post, I could be contributing to the world of fake news. Even if I was misinformed, even if my intention was to educate and warn my family and friends, I could have ended up hurting people that I don’t know about.

Screen Shot 2017-11-30 at 12.30.44 AM

Source: Self-Produced via Visme, 29 Nov 2017

Throughout MANG2049, all the topics are linked together. For example, someone with multiple online identities would definitely have a huge digital difference as compared to someone with just a single identity.  One example could be the former being a digital resident, and the latter a visitor. With more identities, one must constantly update each and every profile, and not neglect them. Being well-versed in both digital and critical literacy would definitely prove to be useful as it can help one to avoid being misinformed and shared fake news.

Having experienced first hand on how useful MOOcs can be, it is definitely an explorable option when it comes to furthering one’s skills, digital or not. This module itself, has taught me how to assess and evaluate online information, how to protect one’s self and paths to explore when it comes to the future status of recruitment, etc.

Using what I’ve learned, I would definitely think very carefully before sharing any information, or using any information in my report. I have also learned just how useful an extra opinion can be, through interaction and engagement via comments on blogs and discussion forums. From these, I strive to improve not just my digital literacy, but also my media and critical literacy.

(Word Count: 770 Words)

References

(Icons Used In Infographics)

Instagram Icon: https://en.instagram-brand.com/assets/glyph-icon

WordPress Icon: https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/wordpress_174881

Facebook Icon: https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/facebook_124010

LinkedIn Icon: https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/linkedin_174857

Twitter Icon: http://www.iconarchive.com/show/socialmedia-icons-by-uiconstock/Twitter-icon.html

Different People. Different Approaches. Different Perspectives.

Leave a comment

Some prefer a single online identity for consistency purposes.

Some have multiple ones to draw a distinct line and tailors posts between personal and professional network.

Some could have integration of networks after a period of time, where colleagues become personal friends.

Screen Shot 2017-11-22 at 10.07.46 PM

Source: Self-Produced via Visme

Jian Wen‘s post helps to back up what I thought of having multiple online identities.

Although content and networks differ, these identities are not made-up personalities. Similar to how Michelle uses Tumblr for her interest in TV shows, identities serve as platforms for me to engage with people and talk about what I love, issues I wish to discuss with others and know more about, etc.

This brings me to my next point; digital residents are more than likely to adopt multiple online identities, as compared to digital visitors.

Screen Shot 2017-11-21 at 12.11.28 AM

Source: Self-Produced via Visme, Original Post

As mentioned before, my digital status changes over time, which is why my approach had changed from having one to multiple online identities.

Another question comes to mind after reading Sarah‘s blog.

When we draw a distinct line between professional networks and personal ones, would integration of those networks be possible?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Source: Sarah‘s Blog, Michelle‘s Blog, Tanya‘s Blog

From their comments, it is possible to some extent. It all depends on the relationship between your networks, whether you want them to know in your personal life, or for personal relationships to be in your professional network.

If you have one single online identity, what happens when you made a tweet that seems to discriminate a particular group of people?

Screen Shot 2017-11-23 at 12.21.45 AM

Source: Self-Produced via Visme, Content from NYTimes & MTV UK

In this case, their previous tweets were dug up. Anything mentioned on the web stays there unless its privacy. Hence, it would be best for one to manage distinct online identities and when the time is suitable, integration can take place.

If multiple identities is a hassle, here’s one way shared by Ming on how to manage it!

Screen Shot 2017-11-23 at 12.59.04 AM

(Word Count: 300 Words)

Blogs (Commented On & Used)

 

References

(Icons Used In Infographics)

Instagram Icon: https://en.instagram-brand.com/assets/glyph-icon

Tumblr Icon: https://www.tumblr.com/tagged/icons

WordPress Icon: https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/wordpress_174881

Facebook Icon: https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/facebook_124010

LinkedIn Icon: https://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/linkedin_174857

Twitter Icon: http://www.iconarchive.com/show/socialmedia-icons-by-uiconstock/Twitter-icon.html

 

 

Is One Identity Enough? Or Having A Few Would Do The Trick?

7 Comments

Some people have a single online identity. Some have more than one, and others could have multiple accounts even on one social media platform.

“…different social accounts reflect different parts of her persona” – Mallory Johns, engadget.com’s social media editor.

Like what Johns said, different accounts could reflect different aspects of one’s personality.

Screen Shot 2017-11-21 at 12.11.28 AM

Source: Content Self-Produced, Template via Visme

For me, my online identities increase over the years I started out with just one online identity – Facebook. At that time, I thought the only thing I needed was to interact with my friends and family. It was until I notice how a friend of mine was able to voice her opinions on Feminism firmly, with more freedom on Twitter, as compared to advocating her views to those around her.

I realized just how useful having another social media account was then. Sometimes, Facebook was not an ideal platform for raising up certain issues. By using hashtags and retweets, one tweet on Twitter could generate more than just one conversation and this is how like-minded people would meet.

However, will be we trapped in an echo chamber?

What happens if I had tweeted something through my personal profile that seems to discriminate a group of people (due to my lack of knowledge) and become a target to be shamed?

This brings me to my next point: benefits and drawbacks of having one online identity versus multiple ones.

Screen Shot 2017-11-20 at 9.52.42 PM

Source: Self-Produced via Visme, Content from FutureLearn & NYTimes

Would it be for the best to have a single online identity to show one’s authenticity? Or depending on the situation, it would be in one’s best interest to have separate online identities?

It definitely depends on each person, but I do believe that having different accounts for personal or professional reasons (e.g. Facebook vs. LinkedIn), would prove to be more useful instead of putting all your network in one place.

(Word Count: 300 Words)

(Topic Question: Compare and contrast the benefits/drawbacks of having a single online identity versus multiple personal/professional online identities.)

References

Media Literacy, Learning in the Network Age. (2017) University of Southampton, FutureLearn [Online] Available: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/3/comments/24657627 [Accessed: 20 November 2017]

What Is Your Network Identity? Learning in the Network Age. (2017) University of Southampton, FutureLearn [Online] Available: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/3/comments/24749698 [Accessed: 20 November 2017]

Lee, N. (2016) Having multiple online identities is more normal than you think, engadget. [Online] Available: https://www.engadget.com/2016/03/04/multiple-online-identities/ [Accessed: 20 November 2017)

Ronson, J. (2015) How One Stupid Tweet Blew Up Justine Sacco’s Life, The New York Times Magazine. Available: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/how-one-stupid-tweet-ruined-justine-saccos-life.html?_r=1 [Accessed: 20 November 2017]

(Icons Used In Infographics)

Instagram Icon: http://www.freeiconspng.com/img/958

Handshake Icon: http://www.konnectre.com/services/

Connect Icon: https://www.spyoff.com/en?a_aid=10099&a_bid=755ea4d4&data1=Connecting+icon

Cyberbullying Icon: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/cybercrime

Social Media Management Icon: https://gallusgolf.com/boost/

Real, Fake or Misinformation? Can anything online be trusted?

1 Comment

There are various methods for assessing and evaluating online information. For me, it was through growing up and receiving different types of education.

I was never one for discussion. I read the comments, voice my opinions, but when it comes to doing research, I would not use information that can be found in discussion forums.

After reading through various blogs, I realise that a healthy discussion does help one to broaden and expand her knowledge. Reading through Rebecca, Cai Ying and Yaamanni‘s blog’ posts made a huge impact on me, especially their comments.

Screen Shot 2017-11-18 at 2.04.46 AM

Source: Self-Produced via Visme, 17 Nov 2017

 

Let’s take a look at the video below!

Source: Self-Produced via Animaker, 17 Nov 2017

Rebecca gave a clear explanation on people who spread fake news, as compared to those who were ‘victims’ of the fake news, but genuinely believed it. They would become misinformed and share with those around them.

Cai Ying brought up the topic of ranking Wikipedia, forums and research papers. Wikipedia is generally frowned against by many, especially when it comes to referencing information in projects, as information can be contributed and edited by anyone. Hence, it is not a reliable source as compared to scholarly articles and research papers.

This brings me to my next point (Wesley’s comment):

Screen Shot 2017-11-20 at 10.00.43 PM

This is my reply: it is highly recommended for one to find the original research paper or article to verify the information before incorporating it into any project. From there, referencing from the original article would be better, as compared to taking it from Wikipedia!

Finally, would all research papers’ quality be credible?

Screen Shot 2017-11-20 at 9.59.25 PM

Source: Information Literacy, Learning in the Network Age. FutureLearn.com

Every person would have their own ideas on how to assess online information, but ultimately, we should verify before sharing and giving out the wrong news.

(Word Count: 300 Words)

Blogs (Commented On & Used)

 

 

Topic 2: How reliable are online information? How real are they?

17 Comments

I believe that one’s ability to assess the reliability and authenticity of online information would improve with several factors, such as education, an increase of knowledge, more job experience, doing more research papers, etc.

In my case, the different types of teachers, facilitators, and lecturers I was exposed to in the various type of education, played an important role in helping to shape my ability to assess the credibility of online information.

The infographic below shows the various sources I was exposed to at different life-stages; elementary, secondary, diploma and finally, the university level respectively.

Screen Shot 2017-11-15 at 11.41.10 PM

Source: Self-Produced via Visme, 15 Nov 2017

For me, I was able to assess the credibility of information found online during the start of my tertiary education. The facilitators of my diploma had triggered my thought process.

“How do you know this information is reliable just from looking at one source?”

“If this website (Wikipedia) allows anyone to change the information, do you think its credible?”

This has prompt me to look for statistics from official government bodies, research that are done by well-known companies in that particular field (e.g. A.C. Nielson), reports from recognized news agencies (e.g. The Straits Times in Singapore, BBC, CNN, etc.)

Truthfully, I never did think much of discussions. These were commented and shared by many people, and to me, there is no solid proof of anything. My current education institution, University of Southampton, introduced Future Learn, which showed me that a healthy discussion can help one to learn to and prompt further questions.

There are many ways in how one assesses the reliability and authenticity of online information. It depends on the effort people would want to put in their work.

Before I end off, here’s one way to assess online content from the University of Edinburgh!

Screen Shot 2017-11-16 at 12.02.33 AM.png

Source: How To Evaluate Website Content

 

(Word Count: 300 Words)

(Topic Question: Evaluate how to assess the reliability and authenticity of online information.)

Reference

How to Evaluate Website Content. (2017) University of Edinburgh [Online] Available: https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/library-museum-gallery/finding-resources/library-databases/databases-overview/evaluating-websites [Accessed: 15 November 2017]

Media Literacy, Learning in the Network Age. (2017) University of Southampton, FutureLearn [Online] Available: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/3/comments/24657627 [Accessed: 15 November 2017]

Information Literacy, Learning in the Network Age. (2017) University of Southampton, FutureLearn [Online] Available: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/3/comments/24658014 [Accessed: 15 November 2017]

Ever-Evolving Digital Differences and Web Interaction: Different Perspectives

Leave a comment

Everyone has their own experiences with digital differences. Their own set of factors, or factors references from studies done by other researchers, which they believe would cause these differences, and affect the way they or others, interact with the Web.

In my previous post, I’ve mentioned how the difference in life-stages, such as the level of education and age range one is at, would lead to digital differences within an individual, which would then affect the way they utilize the web.

Of course, there are certainly more than just education level and age range leading to these differences. After reading through other blogs, my perspective has definitely broadened. In particular, I would like to bring up posts written by Ming, Wesley, and Julian on the same topic.

Screen Shot 2017-11-14 at 11.38.14 PMSource: Self-Produced via Visme, 14 Nov 2017

As mentioned from the infographic, we share similar thoughts where the digital world has helped us in gaining more knowledge with just the click of a finger. This is especially so for me, as I have never produced any infographics during my diploma education. When it came to this module, I wanted to try out something different and learned from the web, the necessary tools needed to create one.

Similar points aside, we do have our differences when it comes to how digital differences can be a result of various factors including, but not limited to, educational level, socio-economic background, occupation, etc.

Using Ming‘s occupation factor, and given a company with digital marketers and production workers working on the same product, the former would definitely have more exposure to the web since it is the core of their job. Whereas the latter would know more about the product itself, rather than how to market it through digital strategies.

Digital differences are constantly changing, pulling web interaction along with it.

(Word Count: 300 Words)

Blogs (Commented on & Used)

 

 

 

Topic 1: Web Interaction and Digital Differences

10 Comments

Digital Differences between people goes beyond just those having basic web knowledge or those with intermediate knowledge. Besides demographics such as age and gender, occupation, physical environment, living conditions and etc, how one interacts with the Web could also be affected by the digital differences.

Lets take a look at a research done by Ofcom Research, on adults’ media use and attitude.

Screen Shot 2017-11-10 at 11.16.30 PM

Source: Digital Media Take-up and Use, Ofcom Research

Focusing on the age groups, the frequency of those who are 65 years old and above seems to have a higher number of people not using up their data allowance on their smartphones, as compared to young adults from 16-24 years of age. This could mean that young adults tend to have a higher digital literacy and utilise the Web more often as compared the older people.

As for me, there are quite some difference as to how I interact with the web, based on my past and current self.

The infographic below shows an overall summary of my web usage behaviour over the years.

Screen Shot 2017-11-10 at 11.26.44 PM

Source: Self-Produced via Visme. 10 Nov 2017

My interaction with the web changes according to my environment and its needs.

Taking school, for example, it was mostly textbooks and physical worksheets during primary school until my tertiary education kicked in. I have my own laptop, and more often than not, information needed to complete projects were done online.

At the same time, I was able to access information more readily as compared to having to go all the way home to use the desktop computer or having a smartphone as compared to feature phones.

Over the years, with the increasing rise of newer technology, quality of Wi-Fi improved and allowed for more learning to take place online. (E.g. Online lectures, MOOc, etc.)

Hence, digital differences greatly differ over time, resulting in, changes in interaction with the web.

Word Count: 300 words

(Topic Question: Evaluate the impact of your “Digital Differences” on how you interact with the Web.)

References

Introductory Post: Digital Resident? Or Digital Visitor?

Leave a comment

Resident or Visitor? How does one identify one’s status in this evolving, digitalised world?

To put it simply, whether you leave a trace behind, or expect people to interact to your posts, is part of what determines your status as a digital resident or visitor.

An application was developed through a JISC-funded study, conducted by the University of Oxford, OCLC Research and the University of North Carolina, Charlotte to find out more on digital residents and visitors with learners in the educational stages. It also helps participants to determine their digital status, and for the collaborators to get the results needed for their study.

Here’s my result!

Screen Shot 2017-11-09 at 8.35.35 PM

The result shows that I am a digital resident, to which I agree.

However, I believe that one’s digital status is not fixed on one extreme end. Several factors, both internal and external, could play a part in determining the digital status of the  person.

White and Le Cornu (2011) theorise that as a visitor, your purpose is to go online and search for the information you need to complete a specific task. Thereafter, you will go offline without leaving a trace. As a resident, the internet is not just a way for you to search for information, but also a community for you to socialise and interact with people.

Taking myself as an example, I am a student, blogger, frequent user of social media. As a student, I would have been a digital visitor; going online to search for information for my report only. When the holiday arrives, I would be more active as a digital resident; writing book reviews on my WordPress blog, interacting with indie authors through social media, etc.

Hence, there is no definite ‘fixed’ status for those who use the internet. It changes according to your environment and situation!

Reference