Across every aspect of this module, social media engagement has been the main element of each task which allowed me to explore a diverse range of topics, which most often than not revolved around the way social media impacts our lives. Cumulative learning forced me to acquire new skill sets, as the workload increased each week. This was an enjoyable process, which I slowly adapted towards.
For the purpose of this module, we were introduced to a badging system. Each badge focused on a different element of social media. Therefore, every task needed to be treated with an analytical mindset in order to tackle it and master it in a successful manner. Our fifth and final badge is this reflection essay, where I am instructed to express my thoughts about social media, whilst also evaluating my current learning to date. Finally, I will touch on challenges and future potential uses for social media in my career.
Badge 1:
Our first badge was an introduction to blogs through the use of WordPress. What I did not know at the time was how pivotal these would be for the remainder of the module. Blogging was the foundation of each badge to date and required me to adapt quickly in order to proceed with the course. The learning process with this badge made me acquire knowledge reading social media, and the various facets which come with it. It was my first ever time being taught online, so I had to adapt myself to the situation quickly. My skill set expanded soon after. Skills such as time management, computer literacy and self-motivation were the core of my initial learning. (Minnesota State University”, 2011)
In terms of this badge benefitting my future, digital use is becoming more and more prominent in the workplace, and in society. Being able to competently operate and set up my own personal blog will no doubt aid me in my future working environment.
Finally, I have to stress how important Badge 1 was for improving my digital literacy. It gave me a beginner’s insight into publishing, organising and managing online content. I learned about the uses and advantages of collaborative learning environments which prompt communication skills, encouraged myself and my peers to to develop social skills in reading and writing. (Chu, 2011)
Badge 2:
Badge 2 placed an emphasis on managing and storing information. I learned of the several benefits various services provide when users wish to organise their information online. Tools such as Pinterest, pocket and map mashup. Although having previously used Pinterest for mood boards when I was younger, I was taught how to use each of them in an effective manner and introduced to a very Pocket for the first time, which is a very effective social media site. Learning how to store and manage my content online through these tools provided me an alternative option to what I was accustomed to previously. Pinterest is an online sharing service which allows users to ‘pin’ images, videos and various other objects to their ‘pinboard’. Pocket whereas, is a simple tool which allowed me to create a reading list of articles I intend to read at a later time. I incorporated both tools for the remainder of semester, storying scholarly articles, relative news articles to my course as well as how to guides on my Pinterest.
Badge 3
Prior to completing badge 3, I was oblivious to the fact that information could be presented visually and in an attractive manner, in a simple way. Through using tools such as Piktochart and screencast-o-matic I found out quite easily, that these creations can be done by the ordinary user. I admit, it took me some time to become comfortable with the various skillsets, however upon an initial learning curve I picked up the basics and began to expand my knowledge and was able to create some very exciting pieces of work.
Piktochart is an online tool, which has an easy to use interface that provides the most basic of digital users to create nice infographics. Completed work can be produced in formats such as images, PDF or via google docs. (Pierson, 2017) Personally, I found Piktochart extremely useful and it opened my eyes to the possibilities the average user can do with good quality tools. The instructions were helpful and aided me in making my Piktochart images.
Finally, Badge 3 was the first time I had ever experienced uploading a video to YouTube. I often considered this a daunting task, as the general conception is that it is for professional videographers and editors who like to show off their professional content. Screencast O Matic recorded my screen live, whilst me being able to narrate over it. I was pleasantly surprised how simple the uploading process was. I feel in the future, I would be well equipped in the process of uploading a video to YouTube. Screencast O Matic would be an ideal tool to have and would also be a very employable tool to have on my CV.
Despite dedicating sufficient time to each of these tools, the most beneficial and resourceful service I found was Piktochart. I spent a lot of time customising, changing, cropping, adding images to my presentation and tampered with several layouts. Presenting content to an audience is a task almost every student must undertake whilst studying in college, as well as graduates who will be in the working environment. Pitching ideas, showcasing graphs, or simply sharing ideas are all tasks which majority of society encounter on a regular basis. I feel this tool will stand with me through the rest of my final year, as well when I reach employment down the line.
Badge 3 takes the claim for my personal favourite across the 5. It was the badge with the most flexibility as it allowed us to create our very own content, without any limitation on topics and gave us the independence and freedom to tackle this badge in our own personal way.
Badge 4
Badge 4 required a more analytic mind than previous. There were several tasks to complete within the badge, ranging from creating an online portfolio on LinkedIn and our own privacy policy on a selected social media site. The main aim was controlling our digital reach. I learned that your digital reach is tremendously important, for both individuals and businesses. I set out a privacy policy on Twitter on what I believed should be the rights of the all users of social media accounts. It really opened my eyes to how important your digital footprint is, especially in the future when looking for employment.
Secondly, by creating a LinkedIn account, I am now able to interact with likeminded people. I can share information, learn from others and see how my friends are doing in the workplace. Linked in is a great space for seeking employment and will without a doubt aid in my future career
In conclusion, the badging system has thought me the importance social media and the effect it can have on my life, as a general user, a creator, a student and as an employee. The knowledge and experience I have gained completing these badges will stand to me in my future career and workplace.
Ally's Learnings 