Module #3: Mapping my Digital Space
Visitors and Residents...?
Up until recently, I never really gave my technology usage a second thought. I have never mapped out the apps that I frequent most on a daily basis, nor have I really considered whether or not I have been using too much Peardeck in my classroom. I also truly never considered the role that I played in my technology usage. After reading through David White's blog post regarding his idea of "Visitors and Residents", my entire thought process revolving around technology usage and consumption has changed. I equate the concept of "Visitors and Residents" to how active or passive you are with your technology usage. For example, many people play a very active role on social media apps, such as Twitter/X, regularly tweeting and replying to other people. These people would be considered "Residents" of Twitter/X. However, there are some people, like myself, who have held a Twitter/X account for over a decade, yet have never published a single Tweet before. These passive Twitter/X users would be known as "Visitors".
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| Source: Nic Fair | |
What am I?
After looking into David White's concept of "Visitors and Residents", I began to map out my technological engagement in my personal life, as well as in the classroom. I analyzed the apps and websites that I most regularly use, and heavily considered what my contributions to these platforms are. My self-analysis showed me that the apps and websites that I most frequently use in my personal life have become communities for me in which I am actively engaged. Social media applications such as Instagram, Reddit, and Twitch are all platforms that I not only use for passive entertainment, but I actively contribute to as well. As mentioned earlier, Twitter/X is a social media application that I have been a member of for over a decade, yet have always been nothing more than a visitor on. For the last decade, I have used Twitter/X as a platform to stay updated on world news and sports. LinkedIn is a social media platform that I have been a member of since I was in college. I would say that I am a visitor of LinkedIn that occasionally becomes a resident. In regards to my technology usage in the classroom, Schoology, Remind, and PowerSchool, all platforms that are regularly used at my school, are places of residency for me and my students. For years, I have used these platforms as a means of establishing a classroom community between myself and my students. They allow for open dialogue and communication between all members of my classroom when necessary.
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| Source: Blog Author |
I was once one of those who would have been classified as a resident of Twitter. Recent developments have soured me to that particular social media platform, but it really got me thinking. 20 years ago there was no such thing as Social Media, until MySpace was started. At that time it was the greatest thing ever created on the internet and everyone was using it, now MySpace is a relic of the past and we've moved onto other platforms. So what I've been thinking is what will Social Media look like in another 20 years? I don't think anyone can even guess at this point.
ReplyDeleteHi Justin,
ReplyDeleteI found David White's description of "visitor and resident" to be pretty eye opening as well. It is funny how we do not typically think about how we use the internet because we are so accustomed to it being there. In my evaluation of usage I found myself to be the opposite of your findings. For example I am someone who typically reads through reddit and other social media without commenting. I am also a visitor on LinkedIn but I would like to become a resident. My wife works for a recruiting company and employers actually do go to LinkedIn to look for candidates.
Your analysis showcases the versatility of your digital engagement, moving fluidly between visitor and resident roles based on your specific needs and objectives. This adaptability allows you to harness the full potential of various online platforms, both in your personal life and as an educator. It's evident that you have a well-rounded approach to technology, emphasizing the importance of community and communication in your digital interactions.
ReplyDelete