Thinking about digital identity in a time of crisis

Before I read this week’s articles, I never considered context collapse – now I think about it quite a bit. I am finding myself wondering about how others view my posts and comments – am I clear in my meaning and connecting with others with integrity?

My intention in joining this group was to figure out how to foster a thoughtful discussion community in my online classes. In Canvas, I use the Discussions tool, but I would like to make these conversations more flexible and inclusive of the real world – to take in what is happening that week as well as deal with the “required materials.”

I am drawn to Twitter constantly this week – reading, re-tweeting, and noticing how much more different the discussion and even the videos are on that medium. The protests are both inspiring and concerning – violence against peaceful people exercising their freedom of speech is painful to see. It brings back memories of the 60s – sad ones, but also hopeful ones. At that time, our primary medium to view the world was TV – and now I marvel at how we are using new media to show what we think, feel, and what is happening. It is liberating.

I can’t stop thinking about the historical significance of what we are living through. What things can I draw on from this experience in terms of classes as well as how I deal with the world in person and online?