Exploring My Digital Map
Digital Maps
This past week I learned what a digital map is and the significance of creating an individual digital map. A digit map is primarily how a person uses anything digital: a phone, a tv, a computer, an iPad, etc. Digital maps help give individuals an understanding of how they use the internet, apps, and programs and why they are actually using them.
David S. White developed the idea of "Visitors and Residents" to help people understand how they interacted with the internet. A visitor is someone who visits a place, gets what they need, and moves on. A resident is someone who goes on an app or site, connects with others, and makes their presence known by leaving their mark. Moving back and forth between a visitor and resident can be fluid depending on the time of year, personal life, or career.
Visitor and Resident
I am entirely a visual person, so the idea of creating a visual model was appealing to me. At first, I questioned my placements several times. I moved things back and forth, talking through my method out loud. When I was finished I stared at my completed map for quite some time. It became apparent to me that a lot of what I use is teetering between a visitor and a resident. When I took a deeper look I realized I mostly fall on the visitor side. I only used the apps or visited the sites for a specific reason. Once I get what I need, I leave with no real trace of being there. I don't use these tools to interact or communicate with others.
Source Image: My Security Sign
Pinterest is an app I use on my phone. I scroll through looking at different topics, some for work and some for personal use. I never add or post anything. I browse through other people's material and pin what I like. When I am shopping on Amazon, I search for an item, find it and purchase it. I have never posted any reviews or commented on any products for others to view. I use my iFit and Under Armour Map My Run apps to log my fitness progress. I never comment or post my results for others to see. Lastly, I specifically use my Group Me app for work. I use it to read and hear about any school updates. I have never started my own message or replied to anyone else's posts. I realized in my digital world I am like a ghost; no one even knows I was there because I leave no trace of myself.
The closest I am to being a resident would be with a few work items. For example, Schoology is our LMS platform, and I use it to interact, post assignments, and answer questions for my students. In Microsoft 365, I use SharePoint, Email, and TEAMs all to communicate and collaborate with my colleagues. Finally, I use PowerSchool to share with my students and their parents their graded assignments which include comments and feedback.
Right now I am ok with just being a Visitor. I know with time this might all change. I will be curious to see what my map might look like, say in 2 years from now.
Hi Amy! I am very much like you in the aspect that apps are more fluid and used for various reasons at different times. Many of the apps and technology are used for both personal and professional reasons, but like you mentioned much of what I used is for a direct purpose and then I am done. So much of the technology is meant for visiting as opposed to being a resident and communicating with others. Now, I must add, my reasoning for being a visitor is that nowadays there is so much technology that it is easier than ever for a hacker to find your information. This is why I try to limit the amount of sites or technology I use for residency. I like to think that the less of a resident I am and the more private my settings are on apps that the few chances I have of being hacked. Hence why this class is definitely out of my comfort zone, BUT I enjoy learning more about technology and ways to put it to good use. :)
ReplyDeleteVisual representation is very important to me so creating this mapping was also appealing to me. I am actually very surprise you do not use social media at all. Not even Facebook! You are a ghost!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I have realized that life is so much better when you are a ghost. I am trying to isolate myself from social media right now. I am trying to become a ghost so do not feel bad!
I have a Facebook, but I stopped going on it about two and a half years ago. I found myself spending too much time on it, and I wanted to cut down. I thought it would only last a few days but here I am 2 1/2 years later and I haven't gone on it once. I don't have Twitter or Instagram either. My friends think I am crazy!
DeleteI agree- two years from now your map may look completely different. The good news is that you are comfortable with what it looks like right now.
ReplyDelete