I can use Pinterest as a tool to help find focus for a particular idea. Whether it be when I’m working on a group project or need help in finding inspiration or in generating ideas. Curating a pinterest board can be very useful in moments where words are not enough, a collection of images which follow a particular theme or idea might help in conveying a mood/environment particularly for projects which need a distinct visual through-line that can be followed. By effectively curating a board I also improve my visual communication skills which are essential for when I might generate visual content online for others to see. 

In getting familiar with ScreenPal I learn how to make my own screen casts. Screen casting shines most in the realm of teaching as well as learning. In many cases a clear visual demonstration will be a very effective way to teach, allowing for more collaborative thinking and more direct engagement between fellow students. (Stuckey & Wright, 2021). Through becoming more familiar with this form of content generation and by filming, editing and uploading a video, I increase my ability to engage with others online through interactions with my video content by putting it on YouTube where other users can leave comments or likes which give me information on how effectively I communicated my original thoughts through the video format. Just being aware of the process behind such content generation can make it easier for me to understand content creators and users better as well.

Datawrapper is a very useful tool that can help immensely in moments where I might need a visual representation of data to aid in deeper understanding and better engagement with a piece of writing or if there is a pattern I might like to highlight in a presentation or pitch. I imagine with more practice I could create graphics similar to those published in (Routley, 2021). The examples listed here show how much can be communicated through effective use of tools such as this one. Similar to how The Conversation makes it easier for those outside of academia to engage in scholarly articles (Osman & Cunningham, 2020), being able to make lists of information is also essential for anyone untrained at data analysis to engage with large sets of data more easily. 

All of these platforms allow me to participate in online spaces as I generate content and as I engage with generated content. By learning how to use certain features on one site I can become more familiar with other sites and how they function, this is especially the case with tools like Pocket and Pinterest as they are both social bookmarking sites. Once I get over the first hurdle of learning what different tabs and titles mean, I can more easily navigate online spaces in general and then finally be able to engage with more of the social aspects of a particular platform and even learn how to contribute by making content for myself. This then lays the groundwork for the development of my digital citizenship. As I learn to both create and engage with content created online each allows me to be a part of the large-scale collaboration that the internet can be (Ahn, 2011). As digital citizenship “typically connects practices to a collective or group” (Pangrazio & Sefton-Green, 2021) my ability to pair my digital literacy with considerations for how others will engage with the content I generate is essential. Engaging with these online services and platforms I develop both of these skills in tandem and create a robust digital citizenship.

I believe, that learning more about what gets written into privacy policies and the terms and conditions of sites and platforms we engage with paired with critical thinking skills from an ethical perspective is essential as I navigate this digital landscape. Take Instagram’s policy for example, as outlined by Anderson J, (2017), being aware that, anything I post on the platform, is “officially” my own, Instagram has their ability to use and let others use my posts without compensation, is essential information for me and will now be on my mind as I continue to use the platform. Knowing even just this, I can shape my digital strategy accordingly. The next time I post something I will be able to factor in this aspect of its privacy policy and think about if this post is something I’m willing to give Instagram access to. This knowledge also informs my critical thinking, to never forget the motivations behind each platform, that it is not a neutral entity, but is an organisation motivated by increasing profits often by appealing to advertisers. Understanding this will help me as this motivation informs the shape algorithms take, what content is suppressed and the kinds of content that get rewarded. 

The practical aspects within this module have noticeably expanded my toolset. In particular, resources such as map Mashup I found to be enlightening and am glad to be aware of the many possibilities when it comes to presenting information in a way that is easily understood while being pleasing to the eye. By developing my skills in creating video, social bookmarking and information mapping and presentation, I become more equipped as I continue to go about creating a strong presence online. Being aware of how each of these forms of media I am able to go forward and deconstruct content and media made by others and can use that information to go on to make high-quality content for myself in future. In other words, every time I engage with a piece of media I can continue to add to my bank of knowledge. I can then apply this learning as I move to look for work. Skills like presenting information in a clear and in a way that is easy to digest will be incredibly useful to have in my CV and will be a great addition to professional profiles on sites like LinkedIn.

These areas of knowledge combined equip me with an important understanding of the various dynamics within a digital space and how to develop my presence within such dynamics. I feel a good example of this is outlined in Casaló et al., (2020) in an analysis of “opinion leaders” on Instagram. This journal highlights ways in which an influencer can curate their strategy to best suit the dynamics within a particular digital space. How knowledge of dynamics informs practical application. In this case, the practical application involves cultivating a space that is filled with original and authentic content in a way that is still conducive to what essentially is a business. This example, to me, reflects the way this module has helped in my development of effective means to gain control over my presence online through the use of a theory applied to the tools of digital tools like social media. Through completing this module I have equipped a broad set of digital skills and the theoretical framework to approach them in an informed way. I feel I can move into the digital world with a new set of tools and a sense of understanding that will aid immensely as I develop and adapt my digital strategy in times to come.

References:

Fulton, C., & McGuinness, C. (2016). Digital Detectives: Solving Information Dilemmas in an online world. Chandos Publishing. 

Library, Library, (2023, November 4). Research guides: SIFT & pick fact checking & source evaluation: Home. Home - SIFT & PICK Fact Checking & Source Evaluation - Research Guides at Santa Barbara City College. https://libguides.sbcc.edu/siftpick 

Casaló, L. V., Flavián, C., & Ibáñez-Sánchez, S. (2020). Influencers on Instagram: Antecedents and consequences of opinion leadership. Journal of Business Research, 117, 510–519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.07.005 

S, G. (2024, March 4). 11 tips for creating amazing social media videos. eclincher. https://eclincher.com/11-tips-for-creating-amazing-social-media-videos/ 

Bridle, J. (2018, April). The nightmare videos of children’s YouTube -- and what’s wrong with the internet today. James Bridle: The nightmare videos of children’s YouTube -- and what’s wrong with the internet today | TED Talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/james_bridle_the_nightmare_videos_of_children_s_youtube_and_what_s_wrong_with_the_internet_today 

Anderson, J. (2017, January 6). A lawyer rewrote Instagram’s privacy policy so kids and parents can have a meaningful talk about privacy. Quartz. https://qz.com/878790/a-lawyer-rewrote-instagrams-terms-of-service-for-kids-now-you-can-understand-all-of-the-private-data-you-and-your-teen-are-giving-up-to-social-medi