This is in response to Dave on the discussion of Virtual Learning Environment http://davecormier.com/edblog/2008/12/03/how-ples-make-sense-to-me-intro-to-emerging-tech-week-3/
“Some important things to note here regarding that. In last week’s conversations about identity I suggested that we need to be careful that we don’t say things ‘on the record’ or ‘on the internet’ that are easily misinterpreted. One of the other important issues relates to digital identity. It can be very important to monitor what people claim you have said, and to address those issues in a professional manner. Our online identity is all most people will ever know about us,…” Dave
Expressing opinions and perspectives in forum or blogs always carry risks. In the case of forum, some institutions will even insist on the moderation of the posts and threads. This is especially important in the high schools and even vocational educational institution. To safeguard the participants from trolls – and the associated unwarranted criticisms or comments.
So, expressing opinions and connecting in a professional manner is important in any blogs, forum or even digital media postings, live conversation or recordings. This will also build up your credibility and professional image in the network or community of practice within a digital world.
However, I would think that one’s view on the educational issues might be more openly discussed via blogs (outside the wall garden) where people could debate and share perspectives. This is the essence of connectivism, as espoused by George, Stephen and Dave in his rhizomatic education – community as curriculum http://davecormier.com/edblog/2008/06/03/rhizomatic-education-community-as-curriculum/ (especially in peer review), and that knowledge is in the network, and learning refers to the navigation throughout the network. Without such exchange, sharing and contribution in the connections, we might be going back to the old model when we have to wait for the experts to authorise what is and what is not “knowledge” in a particular field. This may still be desirable for the younger kids, where security and an authentic source of knowledge is important. But for adult learning, why are we building walls in the networks that hinder our learning development?
There are good reasons why people are scared of openly criticising or commenting any colleagues or their organisation, as one could easily lose her job or could affect the relationships with others. If that is the case, it is imperative to consider what to share or contribute wisely in forum and blogs.
Would these be the options to consider in the postings and responses in blogs or forum?
(a) be “professional” in all conversation – no criticism on their employer? Stay positive, be constructive with solutions?
(b) seriously consider every connections they would like to make, weighing every risks each carry, and connect with caution (especially if the connections are dubious, or lacking in credibility)
(c) share ideas in a closed environment such as a class with known digital identity, with no written or verbal records held on opinions or criticisms
(d) hide one’s digital identity – no one knows who you are, and so there will not be any “liability” issue
(e) cite all others’ opinions, but not yours, and be reserved in commenting or criticising (even if it is viewed as constructive, from your perspective)
(f) don’t comment on anything, you are just an aggregator. Leave others to think
(g) use appreciative inquiry – every exchange connection is appreciative – and only allow to have positive comments (use a sandwich approach) – the good – the comment – followed by good wishes…
(h) your suggestions here……
How does it sound?
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