For me, learning is a process that lasts a lifetime …the “poor quality” (whatever this means) of today may be the genius of tomorrow (Einstein is the perfect example). I would like to think that one’s worth is not reduced to work that was produced online as a student at a certain time but represents an array of skills, competencies and experience gathered over time.

What worries me here though, as I quoted above, is the governments’ and businesses’ insatiable appetite for personal information, which is given out recklessly, innocently and then used purposes other than those one intended and without the users’ knowledge. It may be easily used for control, pressure and manipulation.

I’d say that being aware of how social media may be using individuals is a more important part of digital literacy than how to use a tool or platform and yet this is a subject that is seldom touched upon.
Read Michael Welsh’s post about participatory media: http://mediatedcultures.net/ksudigg/?p=192

A useful and interesting video. Definitely one to consider showing to our students. It complements the discussion The Webheads had just a while ago about whether or not to get students to sign up for sites or not.

I think I’m going to continue to get my students to use pseudonyms or nicknames for any sites I get them to use. I’d hate to prejudice their future chances if someone found their work and decided it was poor quality etc.

Best,

Seth.