MOSEP foundation module/session 3

= Introduction =

A growing number of youngsters are using social software to socialise, share information about themselves, what they like, dislike, their favourite music groups, photos or internet site or engage into various activities (chat, games, etc.).

What do they do on social networking sites?

A social networking site is an online place where a user can create a profile and build a personal network that connects him or her to other users. In the past five years, such sites have rocketed from a niche activity into a phenomenon that engages tens of millions of internet users. More than half (55%) of all online American youths ages 12-17 use online social networking sites, according to a new national survey of teenagers conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. The survey also finds that older teens, particularly girls, are more likely to use these sites. For girls, social networking sites are primarily places to reinforce pre-existing friendships; for boys, the networks also provide opportunities for flirting and making new friends (see Pew Internet Report Jan 2007)

Especially with young learners with a weak media competence the role of privacy protection is important.

= Digital technology in the construction of one's identity =

Definition of Social Software
A growing number of youngsters are using social software to socialise, share information about themselves, what they like, dislike, their favourite music groups, photos or internet site or engage into various activities (chat, games, etc.).

The WikiPedia définition of social software and also do a google search to explore the breadth of "social software".

Digital Identity
The WikiPedia définition of digital identity and also do a SYMBOL'%22digital+identity%22&ie'EQUALS SYMBOL'UTF-8&oe'EQUALS SYMBOL'UTF-8 google search

PL Resources: Digital Identity example

examples of good practice in the use of digital technology in the construction of one's indentity

This could take the form of:
 * transcript of a dialogue with a student
 * observation by a colleague or a peer
 * examples of things produced by learners (in 43 things, MySpace, etc.)

Youngster reflection on technology and identity This could take the form of:
 * recording of a discussion with a youngster
 * personnal narrative

Examples of documents / profile information private/restricted/public This could take the form of:
 * a narrative describing which information is private/restricted/public, why and how.
 * the machine is using us []

When youngsters blog or publish online, they contribute to the creation of a representation of themselves. What will happen to this information in 10 years time and how will it affect the life of the now grown up adult?

Privacy protection
The WikiPedia définition of privacy and also do a google search

There are books you can find on Amazon, but a lot of them are highly technical and with no direct relation to the 'construction' of an identity through learning.

A relevant bibliography should include:


 * Sherry Turkle (2004) The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit -- Twentieth Anniversary Edition (first edition 1984)
 * Sherry Turkle (1995) Life on the Screen: Identity in the Age of the Internet -- New York: Simon & Schuster.
 * Etienne Wenger (2002) Cultivating Communities of Practice: A Guide to Managing Knowledge
 * Anthony Giddens (1991) Modernity and self-identity
 * Howard Rheingold (2002) Smart Mobs: The Next Social Revolution Howard Rheingold

= Why young learners might need ePortfolios =

Look at benefits of ePortfolio and advantages of ePortfolio