Weekly Reflection 2 — Datafication, Privacy & Building a Digital Identity

This week, some important ideas were introduced regarding datafication, online identity, and how to create an effective blog post. The talk by Bonnie Stewart truly made me aware of how much of our activity when engaged in online learning-log-ins, clicks, timestamps, posts-becomes data that institutions analyze. I just hadn’t thought how this informs decisions about students, nor how little control we have over it.

The resources on the protection of privacy and copyright (FIPPA, PIPA, and Creative Commons) clarified the protection of student data as opposed to the protection/choice of how openly we would like to share our own work. I also learned that it is relatively easy to apply a Creative Commons license, which I will apply to my blog.

The “How to Make a Good Blog Post” guide reminded me about clarity, reflection, and accessibility in writing in an open space. Posting publicly means thinking about the audience, and just how my writing contributes to my digital identity.

Above all, this week brought me more into the awareness of how data is collected in online learning environments and why it matters to understand privacy, consent, and open licensing. It inspires me to be more intentional with what I share and how I present myself online.