Internet for Educator's- Week 2

This week in Internet for Educators was full of information, almost to much to take in! We talked about things such as using social media in the classroom, digital identity, dualism, and technological determinism, and the new generation of students and how important it is they become efficient and skilled in using technology in their generation.

The one term that fascinated me the most was Digital Identity. I had never thought of this term. Am I the same person in every day life as I am on social media? Before I went into the faculty of education, I was on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram almost every single day. I can say I am guilty of posting some funny but inappropriate pictures, tweets, and statuses. It did not bother me at the time because it usually got some laughs, likes, and favourites which made it all worth it. As I am emerging the end of my schooling and preparing myself to become a teacher, I have realized that making sure each one of my social media sites I use must be filtered accordingly. I am well aware that many of my students will without a doubt try to add me on social media, and I do not want to ruin my teaching career or lose respect from any students over a night out with my friends. So to answer the question of my digital identity, I believe I am the same person online. I have the same humour, personality, and talk the same way, just perhaps a bit more confidently and without thinking about some of the consequences.

I also read the slide show on Digital Habitus. There were some excellent points in the presentation that made me think of what my Digital Habitus was. Habitus is defined as " the process through which every day activities and life shape and order our values and expectations. They are the habits we acquire, and how we conduct our behaviour." The point that stood out to me was "our fearsome fascination with cellphones, video games, and gravitation towards social media. I can attest to this as when I really think about the reality of the situation, I am addicted to my cellphone, as are millions of other people in this world. I remember Mike talking about forgetting his cellphone at his house and feeling lost without it. I feel the same way. I wonder who texted me? I just posted a status how many likes do I have? The game is on and I am without my score app! Great! I know we have all been in that situation and I do believe that phones and devices have taken over us. I believe we gravitate towards social media to feel a sense of belonging or community, to check up on people,  to "creep", etc. When thinking about this concept I have looked at various videos and articles saying " Just put down your phone, you are missing what is right in front of you. I realize that social media and technology can affect you, your loved ones, and even make your miss out on life. Cyber bullying ( just don't go on the computer!), hacking, and trolling can all be downsides. I remember being a kid playing outside, looking at what was right in front of me and not worrying about anyone else or where my phone was. I tend to miss those days. While technology does have its down side, it also has positives as well. Interacting with friends, uses for education ( which I had never thought of), quick access to several facts, etc. Technology can affect us in may ways, we just have to decide how we use it.