The Finale.

(Credits: www.luluandlattes.com)

 

This module (living on the web) showed me just how much the world focuses on our lives on the web and we are the first marketing ourselves to companies before we can successfully become marketers.

The module opened my eyes to how using social media network is actually a means to market myself. For me, “Image“ is the key component in making this work. Image to me is broken down into one key question.

 

What is the image I want to portray for potential companies to see?

 

Social media has made it possible for students like me to leave our mark on the web while still being in school. By starting early (now) and through mediums such as Facebook and Linkedin, I can start “advertising” myself. This module helped me understand that what i do on the web and on social media now could be a big investment for my future.

The image that I want to portray as I progress on through this degree would be one that I am always ready to learn more about the changing trends in marketing and also staying up to date with the world.

I believe that through the use of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) I will be able to achieve my goal. CPD refers to a continuous and long time commitment of wanting to gain more knowledge and improving one’s self. A good start for me would be to follow groups on Linkedin related to what I am passionate about. Two examples of groups are “Ted” and “eMarketing Association Network“. “Ted” provides good insights from successful individuals regarding constant developments and changes in the world. “eMarketing Association Network” provides up to date information on social media and in-bound marketing from marketers who have been in this field for many years.

 

My thoughts as a whole

Comparing myself now to the beginning of the module, I feel that I am taking small steps towards improving myself. Initially, social media has been more of a platform of fun or expressing myself.

 

(A long long time ago)

 After researching and completing a few posts combined with the reading of the different views of many of my course-mates, I started to see the bigger picture. I created a Twitter account and started to follow a few groups that significantly helped expose me to the things happening in the world.

Despite being resistant in the past, I am much more open now to using my social media networks as a platform to “brand” myself. By having a CPD it allows me to plan what I aim to achieve in the next year and evaluate myself at the end of it to see what I can do better.

Ultimately, this module is like a gateway for me to take my first step into the world of marketing and getting a real taste of it. The true test comes during the internship.

 

Well, its the final post for the module but definitely not the last for my journey ahead. Until next time.

 (Credits: Davis.V)

 

Available at: http://helpsme.com/articles/marketing/product-differentiation

Patel.N (2012) Available at: https://blog.kissmetrics.com/online-reputation-management/

Thorn.R (2013) Available at: http://www.independent.co.uk/student/career-planning/keep-your-career-moving-with-continuous-professional-development-8484585.html

Thoughts on topic 5

Credits: www.pinterest.com

This this topic, we were tasked to find out the advantages and disadvantages of content producers publishing their materials freely on the internet. After stating my views, i reached a conclusion stating that paywalls should exist but not for publications of health research or something that would benefit the society.

Through reading of various posts by my fellow course-mates, i saw a trend on what the advantages of having materials posted freely. The two main ones are for the use of educational purposes and the other health research. I personally agree with these 2 points as i feel they are the main factors that help improve the quality of life and build up a strong future generation of people. By putting a price on these information, it hinders the information flow that can positively impact many people.

The negative points on freely sharing materials online had many different views.

The negative view that i identified strongly with was Xiu Zhen’s post, i got a clearer picture of why publication costs remains so high even though costs have dropped from $5 to $0.0007 through to use of the use of the internet, . The main costs comes from the the need for competent editors who are able to understand the research and translate them into something everyone can identify with. An addition to that is the need for a team of developers to accurately meet the needs of the customers. I felt that another point would be that having paywalls help motivate publishers and researchers to continue on their work. By paying for their works despite countless other publications out there, it rewards the effort that went into it.

In conclusion, i agree with what Elisha mentioned on what the goal of the publisher is. If the goal of the publisher is not educational or health related research and solely for gains, it is ok for him to do so. I however feel that a possible way for information to still be freely available is if publications that have paywalls are in the net maybe for 2-3 years and have raked in a substantial amount of profits, companies can consider making they free for all. This way both consumers and publishers benefit!

Information shared freely. Good or Bad?

Credits: Natasha Starkell

The picture above basically sums up in 3 years time how 90% of online information would be like from the post by Stephen Lepitak. In the post, a survey shows that media content and educational information would be heading towards having paywalls to increase profit margins of companies.

Ultimately, the question goes back to what is the goal of the content producer. Is it to improve the lives of people or is it for self gain through the use of paywalls.

The good news is that there are people out there who aims to provide information freely for the sake of helping others.

This couple is no stranger to anyone. They have set up foundation to help the less educated and less fortunate. Furthermore, they have pledge over 17 billion to date to see that vision come to pass. They are non other than Bill and Melinda gates.

Credits: http://www.bbc.co.uk

Their vision to improve the lives of 1 billion “information-poor” people globally through free information is translated into them targeting poor and rural communities. The advantage in this is that through the free information flow and training in how to access those information in countries such as Africa is that lives of the people will improve. 1 of the biggest issues in Africa is the lack of knowledge about the deadly sicknesses and how to avoid or treat them. Through what Bill and Melinda making information freely available, that can change.

Credits: http://www.gatesfoundation.org

However, there too are disadvantages of having the content freely available for all. Springer publishes journals and books specially tailored to the different wants and demands of customers and researchers. Though over the years, publishing has gone digital and costs have gone down in that area, the amount of money that goes into it is still a tremendous sum. The skilled workforce and hours needed to translate and work with the researchers to best translate their findings into words paired with the complex systems needed all contribute to those costs. By having a paywall, it encourages continuity in research and science.

In conclusion, I feel that maybe a balance is needed. For basic information such as health and educational purposes, it is alright to have them freely available as it benefits everyone. At the same time, for the sake of encouraging researchers to continue, publishing of extensive research should have a paywall included.

Lepitak.S (2013) Available at http://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/04/12/90-online-content-be-held-behind-paywalls-three-years-media-company-survey-suggests

Available at http://www.gatesfoundation.org/What-We-Do/Global-Development/Global-Libraries

Brown.A (2012) Available at http://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/blog/2012/nov/22/open-access-research-publishing-academics?fb=optOut

Some personal reflections on topic 4

Credits: Heiddi Zalamar

When i started on this topic, I took the approach and looked at it from an educational perspective. I focus on cyber bullying and the effects that came along with it. Through reading of the other posts made by my fellow course-mates, I learnt a lot about the unethical approaches taken up by companies as well.

Reading through the post by Issac, it opened up my eyes to how actions by companies are not as simple as it seems. The example he gave about Ford shows that thanking the police might not have been their intention at all. A simple post with words would have been enough but they took it a step further and included 2 images of their cars. This looks more like them hiding an obvious attempt at advertising. Issac went on further to show that a simple thing like collection likes from users of the internet could very well be data collected from unsuspecting people.

Another post that caught my attention was Amanda’s post. Her post talked about how companies have gone from doing background checks on whether the qualifications of the applicants are real to searching up much more now. Even though in the US, people applying for jobs do not need to include photos or their race to avoid discrimination, with background checks on the social media platforms, discrimination is very real. The video Amanda shared talked about how there are laws that state that companies need to have a consistent hiring practice. I feel that by using background checks, they are drifting away from the consistent practice. If a company runs into an individual they deem as not giving enough information or is suspicious, more checks into their personal life and social media platforms are done. In this case, it is violating those laws.

In conclusion, I feel that be in in businesses or schools, unethical practices start because of people and it is only to get worst. There may be little to no way of stopping it as it has already become a norm. How then do we cope with these issues. The thoughts on this issue continues….

Social media- Good or bad? (topic 4)

Discuss ONE of the ethical issues raised by educational OR business use of social media that you consider to be particularly significant.

In recent years, thanks to the huge growth in the use of various social media networks around the world, many people have found their “voices” online. Through the use of platforms such as Facebook and twitter, sharing of our thoughts has become something that is instantaneously shared with the rest of the world with a click on the post or share button.

Credits: Prismatic

Many a time, we focus on the positive aspect of social media platforms in that they help to connect the world. Many fail to see or choose to ignore the signs that it is also where cyber-bullying or online harassment has taken flight.

No age group is neglected from having witness or experience some form of online harassment at some point of their lives. A staggering 73% of all internet users is said to at least have experienced it once.

As expected, the age group that it happens to the most is teenagers and young adults in schools ranging from 18-29 years old.

credits: youtube

Cyber bullying takes place most often on social media networks and the main reason for the growing trends is due to the power of being anonymous through the creation of various accounts.

It might seem like something that is not a big concern however, a  2011 youth risk behaviour survey showed that all it takes it a single cyberbullying occurrence to increase the chance of the child committing suicide compared to if he/she was not bullied.

Credits: http://www.modworks.com

I feel for ethical use of social media to ensure that it is used in the right way to benefit students and to eliminate cyberbullying, it has to start from the school. By ensuring that teachers and schools work hand in hand with internet service provides to track down the bullies and also working with local authorities to increase the punishments for cyberbullying, I believe step by step, cyberbully can be stopped.

Duggan.M(2014) Available at http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/10/22/part-5-witnessing-harassment-online/

(2011) Available at http://www.cyberwellness.org.sg/SitePages/PublicResourceTopicPage.aspx?Topic=Cyber%20Bullying&Cat=82

(2011) Available at http://www.cdc.gov/features/YRBS/

My thoughts on topic 3 (done on my phone far far away)

In this topic, we were tasked with posting on what we felt was needed to build an “authentic”professional online profile. Through reading of the different blogs by fellow course-mates, I gained many valuable insights from the different approaches everyone took.

Angie’s post showed the depth to which companies went to search out information about about candidates. From her post I learnt that increasingly, companies look for information from our social media accounts as a confirmation of who really we are and whether we are the right fit for them.

Winnie’s post gave me a lot of insight into what being real and honest was about. She mentions a local blogger (xia xue) who sets herself apart by “branding” herself different from the other bloggers. I learnt that even the smallest of skills or character we have, by being true to them and showcasing them out, it sets us apart from the norm and it is what many companies are looking out for.

Lastly issac’s point that when we forward or repost an article, sharing our personal voice/opinion is actually what helps set us apart from everyone else. I couldn’t agree with him more. I believe that it is through the sharing of our own options that companies can see how we think and may realize that we have fresh new ideas or are possibly an asset to the company.

In conclusion, what I take away from this topic 3 is that for an “authentic” professional online profile to be done well, it takes a long process but if done well, it is well worth the effort.

It starts from us! (topic 3)

Gone are the days of waiting in line for a face to face interview with a potential company without them first knowing much details about us. Today, everything revolves around the use of technology and the internet. Thanks to the reach of the internet, online recruitment is made possible.

Credits:Adecco Canada

To get accurate information about applicants, companies do various background checks of the applicants on the web. How then do we create an “authentic” online professional profile of ourselves that increases our chances of getting selected over thousands of other applicants?

 

The 1st point I would like to share is on is how we handle our social media. As much as we dislike that companies “check” up one us, it is an inevitable part of the screening process. An interview with Chirag Nangia(CEO of Reppify) shows that applicants are often tracked on their social media networks and their online presence. He shares the importance of constantly managing our accounts and keeping it up to date with things we are passionate about.

Linking it to us future marketers. Using the different social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin to follow articles or news related to marketing is a good investment for us as we “brand” ourselves early letting future employers know that we are truly passionate about this field we are studying.

 

The second point I would like to share is about being real.

 

Let me me introduce you to SteveKardynal!

 

 

Many people would know him from his famous wrecking ball video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6DmHGYy_xk) he made online awhile ago. His belief is simple, he wants to make people smile so hard that their cheeks hurt and he goes all out for it in a way it best showcases himself. I feel that there are not enough people out there like him who dares to be true and do what they are passionate about. I too fall into this category. 

 

Even though it seems so far-fetched linking a professional online profile to something as comical as this, the reason I am saying this is because over 60% of profiles or resumes on Linkedin have been found to hold information that overstates the truth about the individuals. The reason behind this is that people want to show the best side possible to potential employers, maybe a little too much sometimes. I however believe that being true to who we are would help set us apart from the 60% of false information. 

 

In conclusion, I believe these two points are crucial but just starting points to how to create an “authentic” online professional profile. Do you agree with me?

p.s (check out his videos, they are really funny)

 

Tukiki,M (2014) Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140811030116-11648880-the-lies-people-tell-on-a-resume

Quast.L (2012) Available at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2012/05/21/recruiting-reinvented-how-companies-are-using-social-media-in-the-hiring-process/

https://www.youtube.com/user/SteveKardynal

 

My thoughts #Chap 2

(credits: Victor Perez)

After reading various posts from different course-mates. I found that almost half stands on the side of being for having multiple online identities and the other against it. 

 

Novina believes that having multiple identities was perfectly fine. we both agreed that to different people, we reveal ourselves to different degrees. An example would be us in our daily lives. Our student(assuming you are a teacher) for example will not know us well as a friend. The reason behind this is that there is a clear limit to how much a student should know about a teacher’s personal life. Linking it back to having different identities, providing all our information in a single profile leaves us “open” to anyone be it strangers, students or friends to view. In this case would everyone be considered as a friend?

 

Evan on the other hand points out that it is crucial to have only one online identity. He mentions that companies search up information about us and if multiple accounts are found, it might a sign to that we have something to hide. Just like the video he shared about how Jack Vale with a few simple search was able to obtain personal information about strangers, how hard would it be for companies with resources at their disposal to search out multiple accounts. 

 

In conclusion, I feel that I would personally still maintain my views on having more than one online profile. But I would also change my stand a little. By having two separate accounts, one for work and another for my social life, it would help limit the information people I am not close to sees about me. When applying for a job, being honest and forthcoming about having two accounts would signify that i am not trying to hide anything. But ultimately, having one or more accounts to me comes down to the same conclusion. Do not upload anything you do not want anyone to know about because in this time and age, we do not have control over what people can dig up about us on the internet.

 

Comments on fellow course-mates’ posts

https://aetiiqcaz.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/one-girlfriend-or-more-hmm/#comments

http://ladyskorpios.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/more-than-one-online-identities-am-i-less-than-authentic/#comments

Topic 2: For and against having more than one online identity

Over the years, the Internet has seen a gradual change from being about anonymity and privacy in accessing information to us (consumers) being able to create information ourselves.

One of the biggest contribution to this change in my opinion would be the start of social media platforms such as Facebook and Google. The moment an account is created, your digital identity has been created. And anyone can view you just by typing your name on search engines.

Arguments on whether having more than one digital identity is right or wrong have spanned over a long time.

Yes to having more than one online identity

Michael Zimmer(privacy and internet ethics scholar) and Christopher Poole(owner of 4chan) are among the many who are for having more than one online identity. They both share a common ground in their belief that anonymity while using the internet is crucial.

Michael shares that even though privacy settings are available on Facebook to “protect” you, the biggest threat of information leak is Facebook itself. Since 2009, Facebook’s constant privacy policy changes have seen a constant “(de)evolution”. With each policy update, increasing amounts of information such as  in interest, links clicked or videos watched on Facebook are shared with companies. Having more than one digital identity, for example, work and another for general use would reduce the amount of personal information leaked out.

(credits: http://www.technologytell.com/)

No to having more than one online identity 

With how much the internet has grown in the years since it has started, the web has essentially become as “real” as the physical world we live in.

Mark Zuckerberg made a controversial statement in 2010  “Having two identities for yourself is an example of a lack of integrity.” 

Personally, I feel there are certain truths to this statement. In the world we live in, there are consequences for the things we do be it wrong or right. The same should apply to the use of the internet. With multiple online identities available, it promotes the growth of hackers and scammers. This allows them to gain the trust of unsuspecting people and take advantage of them without the fear of being caught.

A single online identity is also crucial in the working aspect. Many companies in recent years do background checks before hiring. Having multiple online identities shows inconsistency and might result in companies thinking twice.

  (credits: http://www.air-prehire.com/)

Do we as “consumers” of the Internet really have a control over our anonymity or are just one of the many out there trying to hide something that’s out of our controls? 

 

Zimmer.M(2008) Available at: http://www.michaelzimmer.org/2008/11/08/facebooks-zuckerberg-on-increasing-the-streams-of-personal-information-online/

Costa.C(2011) Available at: http://eft.educom.pt/index.php/eft/article/view/216/126

Opsahl.K(2010) Available at: https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/04/facebook-timeline/

Jarvis.J(2011) Available at: http://buzzmachine.com/2011/03/08/one-identity-or-more/

Topic 1: Digital residents and visitors

The idea of the digital “resident” and “visitors” was an update from Prensky’s original research on digital “natives” and “immigrants” (2001) where his research is based on the notion of age. Over the years Prensky’s research was seen to be rebutted by many including McKenzie(2007) and Kennedy(2010). In 2009, Prensky questioned himself about the accuracy of his own research, possibly due to the fact that his research had been done more than 8 years ago and how much the world has changed since his initial research.

Based on how David white explains it. A digital “visitor” is someone who uses the information the Internet on an ad hoc basis. This means that the use of the internet is limited to just meeting the requirements set before them. A ” visitor” would also prefer not to leave a trace of himself online. He would stay clear of social media networks and would prefer not to build an online profile of himself. Basically, the use of the Internet is a 1 person interaction.

A digital “resident” on the other hand believes that the use of the Internet is an opportunity to engage and interact with people out there. The use of the wed is much more than a one time interaction but a constant updating and adding of information about himself that goes way beyond the hours that the user is logged on. His footprints left behind are often seen in his social media networks and blogs posts and comments he make.

So where do i fall under? A “visitor” or a “resident”?

Personally i feel I fall right in the centre of being both a “visitor” and a ” resident”. There are times when I would like some privacy and not leave a mark and at times would love to share with the people my views or engage with people online. A good example I feel would be this module. Even though I want to engage and share my views through twitter I also want to have privacy at the same time. That is why I created a separate twitter account. I believe that might be the same reason for many of the others who created a new account.

A little pondering thought before I head off. Even if we truly are just digital “visitors”, do we really leave no mark behind after we log out or turn off our computers in this time and age where we have little or almost no privacy online? Even if we refuse to engage with others are we truly safe from what others might share about us online. Hence the part about using Google to search about ourselves.

 

Till next time. Thanks a lot for reading.

 

White, D.S., 2014. Visitors and Residents, UK. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPOG3iThmRI&list=PLgO50IKGkqyaX21RaPiSpCKsf87O8S0Yv.White, David S., and Lynn Silipigni Connaway. 2011. Digital visitors and residents: Project feedback. Available at http://www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/projects/visitorsandresidents.aspx