Week 12!

Well, I have made it to week 12 and have spent the last week or so reflecting on what I know now about digital citizenship.  Truly at the beginning of this learning journey I was a little afraid of the online world and the tools offered.  I've heard a few horror stories of downloading a virus from a program.  I didn't feel technically savvy enough to ward off any invaders!

However, now I'm feeling a bit more confident in my abilities to control what I view and how I use it.   I understand the need for a positive digital footprint and why it is so important.  We all have a digital footprint unless we are totally unplugged from the modern world.  I did goggle my name and found there is a famous British actress Christine Hamilton who takes up a lot of space!  However I am in there if you go far enough!  Its important for me to monitor my digital footprint to ensure it is accurate and to be aware of the problem of identity theft.  I must be proactive, rather than reactive.  I control the information released.  Ainslie (2009) says she is " feeling very strongly that it is important for teachers not to avoid having a digital footprint, but rather to make sure they build a positive one".  Similarly I feel  it is very important to model the correct behaviour to students to ensure they build a positive digital footprint and understand the responsibilities which come with digital citizenship.

"digital footprint" retrieved from http://image.slidesharecdn.com/digitalfootprint-2-110814065859-phpapp02/95/digital-footprint-2-37-728.jpg?cb=1334430312

 Great websites for students to view which support digital citizenship include TED Education, Education NPR, Edudemic and Edutopia.  I have these websites in my feedly reader and they have been a great resource.  Here's a article about how the classroom will look and operate in the 21st century. 

Finally its time to say goodbye.  Thanks to everyone who has commented on my blog.  This is my last course and I'm happy to say I will be graduating shortly!  Best wishes to everyone for continuing success and learning.

Ainslie, D.J. (2009).  Yes, you should have a digital footprint...and keep track of it.  Retrieved from http://djainslietech.com/2009.
Christine