This week in EDCI 336, we learned about what it means to be a digital citizen, and how that impacts our professional careers. We heard from a guest speaker, Jesse Miller, on how our social media and internet presence plays a huge role in how we are perceived inside and outside the classroom, and ways we can protect our professional image. We were then asked to google ourselves, look up the Privacy Policy for some of the social media platforms we use (I used TikTok and Instagram), follow two educators on either Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter and come ready to discuss social media in teaching.

I found this week very interesting and informative, as I didn’t realize how much information my employers and social media platforms can find out about me based on my internet presence. Luckily my social media and internet presence is very appropriate, however, the tips that Jesse provided us were still helpful for future reference. For example, I didn’t know that if you’re using the schools wifi, they can see the information and texts you are sending out, and wether or not they are appropriate for work time. Additionally, when taking photos of students on your iPhone for your own “personal use,” it is then sent to iCloud which is based outside of Canada. I never knew this, and I’m glad I do now as this would likely be a mistake I would make. These are just a few facts Jesse shared with us that completely changed my outlook on technology as an educator. My biggest take away that I was able to relate to previous course content was that students pay attention in spaces that they value. If we teach kids how to be responsible for their learning (like discussed in “Most Likely to Succeed”), they will decide what is responsible use of their phones in the classroom. That way, teachers aren’t taking phones away and being held responsible for expensive devices, and students can still have access to their phones incase their parents need to contact them directly.

I think a lot of what was covered in this weeks topic will help me navigate technology inside and outside the classroom. Not only for the students, but for myself. I now have a deeper understanding on how to protect my professionalism and my students safety/integrity, how to incorporate (as well as isolate) social media in the classroom, and safe uses of the internet.

Special thanks for the photo by Jason Strull on Unsplash