Session 3:
Digital Technology in the construction of identity (0.3)

Objectives

  • identify the contribution of the digital technology in the construction of one's identity
  • plan support to young learners in the construction of their digital identity
  • design a strategy that would ensure the privacy and safety of your learners

 

Outcomes

  • description on the positive and negative impact of digital technology in the construction of one's identity
  • this could take the form of a personal reflection, the transcript or the recording of a discussion with peers and/or students, a short review of an article on digital identity

Social Software & Social Networking

A growing number of youngsters are using social software to socialise, share information about themselves, what they like, dislike, their favourite music groups, photos or internet site or engage into various activities (chat, games, etc.).

What do they do on social networking sites?

A social networking site is an online place where a user can create a profile and build a personal network that connects him or her to other users. In the past five years, such sites have rocketed from a niche activity into a phenomenon that engages tens of millions of internet users. More than half (55%) of all online American youths ages 12-17 use online social networking sites, according to a new national survey of teenagers conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. The survey also finds that older teens, particularly girls, are more likely to use these sites. For girls, social networking sites are primarily places to reinforce pre-existing friendships; for boys, the networks also provide opportunities for flirting and making new friends (see Pew Internet Report Jan 2007)

Especially with young learners with a weak media competence the role of privacy protection is important.

Activity

Identify the range of online and social software used by youngsters:

  • Create a commented list of 3 to 5 different social software implementations:
    o Name
    o URL
    o Number of users
    o Short description of the possible activities
  • Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Activity can be performed alone with a group of peers or pupils

Digital technology in the construction of one's identity

With the increased level of online activities and the trails left on the Internet during these activities (blogs, web pages, comments, transactions, chats, etc.) we see emerging the notion of "digital identity." Understanding the role played by technologies in the construction of one's identity, being able to control and develop one's digital identity will be critical for insuring privacy and fully exploiting one's potential to find a job, for career development, build partnerships, participate in online communities, etc.

Examples of good practice in the use of digital technology in the construction of one's indentity could the form of:

  • transcript of a dialogue with a student in the Web
  • examples of things produced by learners (in 43 things, MySpace, etc.)

Activity

Describe how young people are using technology in the construction of their digital identity:

  • Write a reflection or comment, which is personal or from a group, on the notion of digital identity and the need for privacy enforcement
  • Duration 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Can be done alone or with a group of peers or pupils

 

Activity

At this stage, what we would like you to do is simply an initial exploration of the notion of 'digital identity' and its potential impact on the educational and social growth of adolescents.In order to achieve this activity, you could:

  • organise a collective navigation and discussion (which could be recorded and edited later)
  • observe a youngster working with an online application to socialise with peers
  • write a reflection triggered by an article on digital identity

 


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The project is managed by the Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft , if you have any questions or contributions, please contact the project co-ordinator Wolf Hilzensauer