All Good Things Come to an End

QUESTION: have you ever Google'd yourself? I know you have! I mean, who hasn't right? 

What did you see? How big was your footprint...and more importantly was it positive?

If this course has taught me one thing- it is be CAUTIOUS of what I post. Even after you delete a post or image, it will remain online. If the content is available and accessible to you, it is just as accessible to other users. When I Google'd myself I found information from when I played hockey and took part in triathlons...from when I was in elementary school!! You do the math...that is years of content and user exploration. 

Unfortunately, this my last blog post. I know I know, please try to hold back the tears!
Lets focus on the POSITIVE! Overall this course has helped me learn the concepts behind being a digital citizen, and how important it is be an active one. Digital communication has altered the way in which people communicate today, and it is up to YOU (and me) to follow the trends and learn the knowledge others are willing to share. As well as share our knowledge to help out other users. You can build amazing connections online as long as you follow the rules of being a good digital citizen and are open and willing to embrace the opportunities the Internet has to offer!

Tumblr. (2013). sad. (animated image)
Retrieved from: http://gph.is/18GGPlZ

Now before I leave you, I want to end with three main concepts that have stuck out to me the most throughout this course.

Golden rule: The golden rule is; do onto others as you would have done onto you. Everyone has the same right to contribute to the Internet as well as the same freedom to explore. Be respectful to other users when adding comments and posts.

Fads: Yes, it may be popular now to post crude comments as well as racy “party” pictures, but just like fashion trends, these online fads will come and go. Is it worth compromising your digital footprint for 5 minutes of “instafame” or “Facebook” likes? *PSSST...It's NOT*

Be informed: Before entering online networks do your research! It is important to keep yourself protected and alert when on these forums. Every user has the right to be protected on these networks, but that does not mean hackers aren't out there. Be cautious when sharing any personal or credit information because you never know who may gain access to it.

Stay classy

XOXO

Rocking & Remixing

When I heard the term "Garage Band" I automatically picture Lindsay Lohan in Freaky Friday

#FlashBackFriday #FreakyFriday

This week, we continued our journey of remixing & creating, and added a whole new meaning to Garage Band (for me anyway). Garage Band is a tool that falls into this weeks session about remixing and creating your own content. It allows users to create podcasts. Now, personally, I am NOT a Podcaster! For starters, that CANNOT be what my voice actually sounds like...is it? But if I were to add it to my P.L.E.I would use it for social purposes, as a way to express my opinions or interest. Not only can you create podcasts you can also follow them. iTunes provides a library of accessible podcasts  you can cater to your interests. For instance, I am a girl, I like fashion, I like following fashion trends, so why not listen to fashion podcasts? Podcasts are other users who are sharing their interests and trying to connect with those who have valuable feedback and insights they can build off of.

TechTailgate (2013). Talking Wee Mee (online image from blog).
Retrieved from: here

BUT: let me summarize my experience for those of you who are interested in the art of podcasting!
Overall, I was surprised at how user friendly the tool was. I was nervous to use it but once I opened the application I realized that there was nothing to be afraid of (other than the sound of my own voice). I simply pressed "record", spoke, and once I was done I pressed "stop". After I simply pressed "play" and braced myself for the sound that would be coming from my speakers. Podcasts are the newest way to reach your potential audience. As technologies emerge, and new users enter these spheres they are constantly looking for the most effective and efficient method of receiving their news. Podcasts allow the users to CREATE their content, as well as REMIX other content (as long as they don't have a copyright).

GIPHY (2014). Recording. (online image).
Retrieved from:  realitytvgifs.tumblr.com 

Now, since we are on the topic of copyright, once you create your podcast or content, you as a digital citizen have the right to create your own patent! You have every right to protect your works and set the boundaries for those who may want to use or remix it. Remember Creative Commons from last week? Not only does it provide copyright free images, but it provides the software for you to create your own! So give it a try! Protect your online identity and embrace your rights as a digital citizen.
This online course has taught me to not only be aware of my responsibilities and rights as a digital citizen, but to also learn to protect myself online. With these digital footprints being left behind, it is important to protect the content you produce and share so my 'digital self' remains MINE.

Speaking of online courses...It's a bird, it's a plane it's a.... M.O.O.C.? As in....moccasins? OHHH...you mean the other M.O.O.C. as in... Massive Open Online Course...GOT IT! What rhymes with M.O.O.C. --- BROCK! 

Pouted Magazine (2014). Latest Education Trends. (online learning)
Retrieved from: http://bit.ly/1jKe377

Yes! Brock just received a grant of $75 000 to offer GEOG 1F90 across the province as an online course! Why is this a good thing? Well, first things first, online courses brought you this fabulous blog of mine! Anyone...? No, but in all seriousness online courses allow for learners to connect and collaborate over a common purpose. One of the perks of online learning is it allows you to engage in the learning process but on YOUR TIME! YES! Unlike formal classes held at a learning facility, learners are able to create their own schedule depending on their availability. With something so flexible how can you dislike it?

If you're like me, and love to follow the latest trends in fashion, think of this as the newest trend in education. Don't let physical barriers interfere with your learning, I definitely don't let it interfere with my shopping.

XOXO