Pocket is a digital space where users can discover, read, and save articles along with videos and even web pages. Users are treated with simple instructions and user-friendly interactions. Users are offered the opportunity to save items with personalized labeling for simple retrieval. Pocket emphasizes personalization, allowing users to receive a platform tailored to their preferences. This style of application is best suited for people who value receiving content offline for free.

On the contrary, Pinterest emphasizes image-based content rather than reading material. Users are given the possibility to create “boards” where they can save and organize images with personalization in labeling. Content on Pinterest can vary from recipes to images of your favorite popular personnel. Pinterest thrives on aesthetics, encouraging users to tailor their page to their personal preferences. The algorithm in the application will also recognize one’s interests as they use the application, and then feed them topical content making it highly personalized. Pinterest offers a collaborative system as well, where users can follow others and engage with content posted by others, such as leaving a comment.

In the context of functionality, both applications work similarly where users can organize content and get feed content of their interest. Despite these similarities, these applications offer completely different forms of content. While Pocket focuses more on test-based content requiring additional attention and reading, Pinterest focuses heavily on image-based content. As Pinterest offers a much quicker experience in witnessing and finding new content, it appeals to a larger demographic, especially to a younger generation.

Fundamentally choosing between these two platforms comes down to personal preference. People who value text-based content over image-based content will find a better experience on Pocket, and vice versa.

Overall reflection on the first part of the E-portfolio, where I was required to engage with specific digital tools including, Padlet, Pocket, Pinterest, Screencast-o-Matic, and YouTube. I was assigned to complete specific tasks using the applications. In this reflective essay, I will delve into my experience using these digital tools and emphasize how the use of these tools was beneficial for me to gain a larger understanding of the digital world.

To begin, Padlet is the foundation of the E-Portfolio, where I collected and organized all my data. Padlet’s interactive interface allowed me to create an aesthetically pleasing collection of my work in the used applications. For each part of the assignment, I created a window in Padlet where I added screenshots of my work, with an additional description of the images (Edwards L. 2022). This was not only a requirement for this assessment, but it also greatly assisted me in visualizing the entirety of the assessment.

This assignment allowed me to be introduced to Pocket, which is a browser for reading material-related content. As I was previously unfamiliar with this application, I spent some time figuring the system out. At its core, Pocket helps people organize articles, giving users the option to label their saved items folder (How to use Pocket, 2019). While finding my way into Pocket, I discovered interesting articles, which I then saved so I could look back at them in the future. After extensive time spent on Pocket, I found myself drifting away from it, as my usual content preference does not align with what Pocket offers.

Pinterest, contrary to Pocket, circulates completely over image-based content. For the assignment, I had to create an account, which led me to realize that I already had one (How to sign up to Pinterest, 2016). Simply exploring Pinterest’s main page, and conducting searches of my interests, I was able to locate exceptional images which I could add to boards. Pinterest allows users to name and create as many Boards as they wish, allowing them to create a personalized space. The application relies on a certain social aspect in the sense that it thrives off users sharing images among themselves.

By comparing Pocket and Pinterest I was forced to broaden my knowledge and take on a new perspective. Pocket is a heavily text-based application, which requires users additional attention and time, for this reason, I found it less appealing to a younger generation but perfectly suited for anyone who desires this form of content. On the other hand, Pinterest is an image-based application, therefore lacking substantial reading-related content and for this reason, appealing to a younger generation. The process of comparing these two applications broadened my understanding of digital tools and their use and goal.

Creating a Map mashup was yet again a task I'd never encountered previously, so it naturally came with some challenges. Following the instructions found in the UCDs Library guide, I discovered Datawrapper (guide, s. 2024). Datawrapper is a customizable application, that allows people to enter data, and in return, it will plot the given data on a map. For this assignment, I wanted to create a map of Europe’s largest lakes, and I wanted the map to indicate the size difference of these maps as well. After further investigation, I found a way to bring my idea to life, with the use of certain editing tips (Datawrapper Academy, 2024). This part of the assessment was a personal highlight for me, as I found myself deeply invested in creating this map. Once one understands how to add data, and then how to edit, we can create fascinating representations shown on a map.

The use of Screencast-o-Matic allowed me to indulge myself in an area of personal interest, which is bodybuilding-related content. For several years now I have been fascinated by bodybuilding content on YouTube, but I always did not dare to create something myself. Screencast-o-Matic offers a very understandable way of creating content, by recording the user’s screen. I decided to demonstrate how to do a dumbbell incline bench press. First I recorded my screen, where I played a video of me completing the exercise, and then I added my narration over the recording (ScreenPal, 2023).

The completion of this assignment compelled me to use digital tools and execute extensive research to complete it. By doing so, I gained new skills in the digital world such as recognizing forms of content, creating personalized maps, and the ability to edit and publish a video. All of these tasks will relate to my future academic and work as now I will be able to effortlessly take on similar tasks. This assignment offered me a new way of learning and thinking, which elevated my resourcefulness, creativity, and reflection abilities.

References

(n.d.). Datawrapper Academy. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://academy.datawrapper.de

Create a screen recording with ScreenPal | ScreenPal. (2023, April 16). TC Technology Knowledge Base. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://teacherscollege.screenstepslive.com/a/937585-create-a-screen-recording-with-screenpal

Edwards, L. (2022, May 9). What is Padlet and How Does It Work? Tips & Tricks. Tech & Learning. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/what-is-padlet-and-how-does-it-work-for-teachers-and-students

Grazer, K. (2016, December 23). How to Sign Up For Pinterest. YouTube. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77tquwUsvJ4

guide, s. (2024, February 6). LibGuides: GIS at UCD and on the Web: For Impact Show Your Data on a Map. Guides & Help | UCD Library. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://libguides.ucd.ie/gisguide/show_your_data

How to use the Pocket App and organize all articles in one place. (2019, March 1). YouTube. Retrieved March 11, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9mAQr33p7E

Collection of Information:

• We collect the information you provide us, such as name, age, email address, and location.

• We also may collect information from your engagement with content provided on the "For You" page.

Use of information:

• Your information is used to give you a personalized interface, but to also allow us to improve our services.

• Your information is not going to be sold to third-party members.

Sharing your information:

• We may share your information in case of a legal procedure in order to protect our rights

Security:

• At TikTok, we take extensive precautions to protect users' information, with the use of third-party security service providers.

Your rights:

• the right to remove that which you have put up;

• the right to know who has access to your data and for what purposes;

• the right to safety and support, or knowing where to go when things go wrong;

• the right to informed and conscious use, or knowing that the internet wants to keep you on it and how to avoid that;

• the right to digital literacy, understanding the use and purpose of what you are using and/or creating.

Rationale:

I included sections on how information is being collected, used, and shared to provide transparency to users over how their information is being used. Security messers have been included to assure users that their information is safe and protected at all times. By providing people with the ability to access and control their data it aligns with the principles highlighted by Anderson.

The completion of the E-portfolio Part B revolved around comprehensive tasks which ultimately strengthened my research skills, and digital citizenship and helped me gain an understanding of privacy policies. This reflection will highlight the tasks that I had to complete for the Portfolio, it will include my work in Padlet, how I created a LinkedIn account, the completion of two e-tutorials, creating my privacy policy, and finally creating an infographic about my Digi Life in Canva.

Discussion

For this assignment, we were required to build upon the foundation we built in Padlet for the E-Portfolio Part A, so I continued to collect and organize all my data in it. Padlet is an interactive interface where people are allowed to collect their data in an aesthetically pleasing manner (Edwards, L. 2022). After completing an element of the assignment I created a window in Padlet, where I included images, links, and comments on what I did in the given task. Although the use of Padlet was a requirement, it also allowed me to visualize the assignment itself, which I believe ultimately raised the quality of this assignment.

Before this assignment, I had no connection to LinkedIn and for this part of the E-Portfolio, I was required to create an account, create a CV, and add three people to my network on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the world’s leading professional network, where users can connect and strengthen their professional relationships (LinkedIn, n.d.). I started by creating my account and then adding relevant information about me, my previous work life, and my interests in the work field (Techboomers, 2016). By creating a LinkedIn account and connecting with my peers and industry professionals, I was able to expand my network in my field of interest, but it also added to my being a better digital citizen. By adding data about my LinkedIn account to my portfolio, I was able to enhance the credibility and visibility of my Padlet.

Participation and successful completion of the two e-tutorials was a fundamental element of the overall assignment where I gained valuable insights into digital tools. The e-tutorial included, Foundational Social Media Analytics for Research and Data Visualization for Novice Researchers. The e-tutorials were found on Brightspace, each with an interactive layout and a short quiz at the end which I was required to achieve a hundred percent of each of them to move on. The tutorials helped me gain practical skills for collecting and analyzing data, ultimately enhancing my knowledge and scholarly work.

Creating my privacy policy for my portfolio required considerate steps over ethical principles to create a policy aligning with data protection and privacy rights. I was required to read Anderson’s article, choose a social media tool, and then write a privacy policy (Anderson, J. 2017). My privacy policy was also required to include the five rights outlined by Anderson (5Rights Foundation). In my privacy policy, I outlined the collection, use, and security of one’s personal information by being transparent and using user-friendly language, additionally, I also focused on not making it unnecessarily long or complicated. By implicating this strategy for the privacy policy, I aimed to create trust and confidence among readers while supplying them with their privacy rights. This part of the assignment was something I had never done before, so for that reason, I found it to be an exceedingly beneficial part of my portfolio as it required delicate and meticulous research and completion.

The last task of the assignment was to create an infographic about my strategy for my online presence. An infographic allowed me to graphically design and visualize relevant data (Hanna, K. T., n. d.). I found this part of the assignment most intriguing as it was highly interactive and creative, it also gave me a platform where I could describe and visualize my social media presence. For the portfolio, I decided to use Canva to create my infographic, where I added six different parts, such as digital identity, privacy settings, content creation, engagement, digital well-being, and security. For each part of the infographic, I included relevant and honest information, which in the end gave me a visually pleasing representation of my social media presence. This part of the assignment helped me create a graph that I found truly important as I was able to express and consider the things I do on social media. It helped me reflect on whether I'm leaving behind a positive or negative digital footprint, which now I believe to be positive.

Conclusion

The completion of E-Portfolio Part B was a many-step and many-sided journey that had various tasks enhancing my digital scholarship, professional connections, and ethical approaches. It helped me improve my presence on LinkedIn and Padlet, each will help me in future employment and being a better digital citizen. Moving forward I hope to use this knowledge and turn it into my professional life’s benefit.

References

(n.d.). 5Rights Foundation. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from https://5rightsfoundation.com

Anderson, J. (2017, January 6). A lawyer rewrote Instagram's terms of service for kids. Now you can understand all of the private data you and your teen are giving up to social media. Quartz. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from 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-media

Edwards, L. (2022, May 9). What is Padlet and How Does It Work? Tips & Tricks. Tech & Learning. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/what-is-padlet-and-how-does-it-work-for-teachers-and-students

Hanna, K. T. (n.d.). What is an infographic? – TechTarget Definition. TechTarget. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/infographics

LinkedIn. (n.d.). What is LinkedIn and how can I use it? LinkedIn. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a548441

Techboomers. (2016, November 15). How To Sign Up For LinkedIn & Fill In Your Profile. YouTube. Retrieved April 26, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bowqCeR0lV8