Mapping My Digital Space

When I was a child, I discovered I loved looking at maps. The lines, dots, and place names all seemed to me full of possibility and wonder. Even today I have switched over from looking at atlases to Google Maps but the excitement is the same.

Image source: Rawpixel.com

This week I have taken time to map my digital space. Researcher David White has coined the terms "visitor" and "resident" to describe people on a continuum of digital usage. People often begin their digital journeys as a "visitor". White (2011) describe "visitors" as people that use the digital space to accomplish a particular task, and often fail to leave a trace of their presence on the web. This contrasts with "residents" who often go online "in order to connect with people and make a social presence" (White, 2011). 

Image source: Digital Map created by Jason Hill. Icon size represents frequency of use.

I had an opportunity to map my digital usage from a personal and professional perspective. What I discovered is that I am both visitor and resident, and that this is dynamic throughout the week and even the year.

What I discovered


There are many websites and apps that I use on a daily basis. I wake up in the morning and listen to a Google podcast as I get ready for work, and I check Google Weather every morning to see if I need to grab my umbrella on my way out the door. As an android user I frequent the Google suite of apps, especially Gmail. I also pay for a Google 1 account so I don't have to bounce between different email addresses. While I do have a social media presence, and I check my social media daily, I'm not an avid poster to Facebook and Twitter. As a result, those icons are closer to the line between visitor and resident. I cut the cable chord nearly ten years ago and don't regret it. I find that Netflix and Hulu are sometimes switched depending on what show I am watching. I'm also a daily consumer of the New York Times (which I pay for as well). 

What am I willing to pay for?


I don't believe in the idea that everything on the internet should be free. I am willing and happy to pay for services that provide me value and that I use on a daily basis. I receive tremendous value from Google 1, Netflix, Hulu, the New York Times. I find that I am unwilling to pay for social media platforms. My twitter account will not have a blue checkmark anytime soon (sorry Elon). 


Image source: Rawpixel.com


How does my personal compare with my professional digital space?


My workplace is a Google district, and I use the G Suite on a daily basis. As a social studies teacher we use Savvas Realize, which I find provides great value for students. There are interactive features in the lessons, many options have a Spanish language option, and the program will even read the text to struggling readers. Powerschool is our attendance and gradebook so that app is used daily, and we use a website called Clever to house all of our district applications. It's a wonderful one-stop-shop for everything teachers and students are looking for. 

I find myself a "visitor" when it comes to some educational apps that I use infrequently. I don't use EdPuzzle on a daily basis, nor do I use Blogger on a daily basis either. My communication tools are used on a weekly basis. I use Google Voice and Remind to communicate with parents and families about upcoming events and important information. 

Where do I go next?

I need to become more intentional in using digital teaching tools on a daily basis. I would like to move my communication tools, Remind and Google Voice, over to the resident quadrant. I would also like to discover new apps to use and add new icons to my digital map. My goal is to research and find two more apps and websites that will provide value to my students and learn about them over the summer. I will begin the new school year with more tools in my toolbox. 

Bibliography

Visitors & Residents. (2014, September 9). David White. https://daveowhite.com/vandr/

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Comments

  1. Liz GMay 24, 2023 at 5:31 PM

    Hi Jason! I really enjoyed reading your post, and found it interesting to consider the question "What am I willing to pay for". My own digital map has quite a few tools that I pay for (particularly in my professional life) and that was a component that I did not put much thought to. It's certainly an important point both as a digital visitor or resident and as an educator! I enjoyed seeing the various tools you're using in the classroom. I'm curious about different ways the same tools can be engaged by educators and students as residents and visitors. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jason HillMay 26, 2023 at 4:01 PM

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts Liz! I've been thinking about the websites/apps I'd like to add next school year, and I'm leaning towards Khan Academy (an oldie but a goodie) and Aloyoga. I've been on a mindfulness journey since Covid and I'd like to share that with my students.

      Delete
  2. CMMay 25, 2023 at 7:12 AM

    Hi, Jason! Yeah, Elon is not going to see a dime from me; however, I think you made a good point on paid services that add value or ease to your day. My school uses Savvas & Clever, as well. I LOVE Clever; it's a great way to get around the issue of passwords & it also gives my students ONE PLATFORM to house all their apps and websites. Clever has a few great features, including messaging, and my young students learn to use it with ease.

    I'm sure that if you like maps you enjoyed mapping out your digital platforms and it was interesting to see what you shared! -- Christie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jason HillMay 26, 2023 at 4:03 PM

      You are absolutely right Christie, I rather enjoyed this activity. I share your love for Clever.com. It really does make everything easier for the students.

      Delete
  3. CarolMay 25, 2023 at 6:00 PM

    Hi Jason! You have a definite resident presence personally and professionally...something that I don't think I will ever achieve. How did you cut the cable cord? I find it expensive but have grown so accustomed to basic cable. I borrowed a fire stick from the public library a few times as a trial and enjoyed some shows (Only Murders in the Building was a binge last summer.) I admire your cable departure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jason HillMay 26, 2023 at 3:51 PM

      Thank you for your kinds words Carol. I decided that I was paying WAY too much money each month for cable. For me, I decided to cut the chord in summer, when I am more busy spending time outdoors and not cooped up in the cold, winter months. The first week was the hardest, but after that I grew accustomed to watching my favorite shows a day later on Hulu. Now, I don't even miss it, and I have saved thousands of dollars over the years. It won't be easy, but you will save in the long run.

      Delete
  4. NMZumpanoMay 28, 2023 at 9:01 AM

    This was such a nice post to read, Jason. I enjoyed your explanations about what apps you frequent and which you find value in. Like you, I pay for a few services (too many streaming services while still having cable and also NYT) and accept that there are perks to some paid applications as well as free ones.

    ReplyDelete

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