Students all over the globe are reaching out to be found by potential employers, coaches, collaborators, etc.. and they are using several online tools to do so. Students are currently using networks such as LinkedIn, blogs, forum chats, and webpages to develop their professional networks. That being said, I also know several educators and companies which are using Instagram to post and create a professional network. When I began noticing what students were using to build their networks, I started looking at mine.
After evaluating my own V&R map, I became aware of some of the things I could consider doing in order to expand my PLN. I could separate how I use my Instagram in order to expand my PLN. For example, my personal Instagram, which is riddled with my kids and my family which is currently intertwined with my teaching projects, could be broken up into a personal more private account and a professional teaching account. This way I can keep my personal separate from professional (as mush as possible with tight settings). Doing so would allow like-minded professionals a lens into my classroom and a chance to reach out, rather than seeing images of my kids and become disinterested as it doesn’t mirror their interests. The same would go for the caregivers of my students. A professional Instagram could give them some insight into my practices and pedagogy, thus allowing them to see the type of teacher I am. Another thing I can do to increase my professional learning network would be to use the website created in this course to attach my professional Instagram page to so that I can be found in different platforms all in one place. This way, I can send out a newsletter with my website attached and then caregivers and other professionals can search me from that location with the information I provide, rather than any information they get while googling me. Finally, I feel it would be important to implement platforms that other educators, my students and their caregivers are using. For example, other educators use Google Classroom, MS Teams as well as Instagram. Parents are using FreshGrade, which I currently use, as well as Instagram. Perhaps, I could somehow build this into my website with links so I can inform, engage, inspire and nurture education for all in one place. As Wikipedia points out, “participants in all of the educational stages frequently mentioned convenience/ease of use as an important factor in obtaining information” (Wikipedia, 2020), therefore perhaps making all my links convenient can make it easier for all users of my website to find what they need to support their learning which, in turn, helps me.
No matter how I choose to network, it is incredibly important to create a digital image of myself that is respectable. I need to remember that I am putting myself on the web to either tell something about myself or to attract potential employers, coaches, collaborators etc… Therefore, when I am acting in social networks, it is vital to do so with thought, care and attention to the fact that my comment has both positive and negative impacts to myself and possibly others, all which can all be traced back to me. In other words, I need to stop and think “Why am I sharing?” and “How will what I post demonstrate the kind of person I am?”
For example, If I am choosing to share something I find funny, I need to ask myself, “Will it be funny to all?” Will it discriminate? Will it hurt feelings? Will it be taken out of context? What would a potential employer think of this? If I can justify those questions, I might think about posting it. However, if those answers cannot be justified, I will absolutely not post.
Not only should I consider what I post, I should acknowledge the importance of how I post on other people’s posts or comments. I must think about the direct link that a potential person has to my comment and what my comment shows about the type of person I am. When I post or comment, I always act how I do when I am speaking to someone in person, or even maybe a little bit better as there is a paper trail. I am supportive of what I believe and kind in how I treat and speak to others. I may have a differing opinion, however, I continue to be kind and thoughtful. The reason I believe it is important to watch how I say things or what I say in comments comes from experience when I welcomed an adult volunteer into our class. They seemed absolutely lovely. A colleague of mine came in and mentioned to be weary of sharing too much to this person as they have a habit of “being kind to your face and ripping you apart on social media.” I was taken back. I asked how she knew this and then she showed me the mom’s group chat comments of facebook written by this volunteer. I was now terrified to have this volunteer back as I didn’t know what could possibly be posted about myself or the learners in our classroom. I never asked this person back because their posts gave me insight into how they behave online, which changed my mind about them in person. They seemed sweet, but showed a different side online. This volunteer hindered their own opportunity by posting unkind remarks online. I have since made a written contract that any volunteer in our room must sign which mentions how they must keep anything they see to themselves or actions could be taken. The contract mentions both online and offline comments. I hope it helps people think before they write or talk.
On the other side of this, when I created my V&R map, I noticed how it isn’t always about how a person can damage their image to an employer. They can also enhance their opportunity by participating in more networks. Currently, I tend to “lurk” in a few platforms but have not yet shared my thinking. Take Twitter for example. I follow people and the news on twitter, but I have yet to post. When I stop to think about why, it stems from my fear of backlash from an employer or caregiver, as well as the potential to post something out of context. However, if I actually participated in this realm and became more of a resident, my ability to be noticed would increase substantially. Tweeting is a quick and efficient way to get what you are doing out in the world within seconds. There are so many users and potential collaborators which use this platform, so when I want the chance to be noticed it would be important to participate on the Twitter platform. I would just have to remember the reasons WHY I am posting and HOW what I choose to post can make me look to ALL potential readers.
If a future employer were to search my name, they would not come up with much. I do use several “alias” names for different accounts which are managed quite securely. They would likely come up with my running times, marathon photos and my outdated LinkedIn account. The running and marathon will absolutely be fine to see by an employer as it may show them I am determined, athletic and work towards my goals. However, my LinkedIn is outdated and I should either cancel it, or update it so that potential employers do not have outdated information regarding my current credentials.
One question I still have is, in regards to the quality of my overall digital identity (both personal and professional). After participating in the V&R activity and readings and really taking a look at how I use platforms, I wonder if I should separate my ID’s into two separate networks- a professional and a super secure private personal, or should I somehow meld the two. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Citation:
Wikipedia contributors. “Digital Visitor and Resident.” Wikipedia, 31 Dec. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visitor_and_Resident
“V&R Mapping.” David White, 13 Jan. 2020, daveowhite.com/vandr/vr-mapping/.