It has been a fruitful journey for the past 12 days where I got to experience what it’s like Living and Working on the Web.
Although I have been exposed to online learning from a young age, #MANG2049 was a refreshing experience as the learning method is completely different. It taps on self-learning, independent research and critical analysis which is essential in preparing myself for the future when I head out to the work-force.
(Self Produced using Powtoon)
I have learnt a lot from the few topics that have been introduced in this module. Topic 1 enhanced my insights on digital differences, and Topic 2 has taught me the importance of being cautious online.
Personally, my favorite topic would probably be Topic 3 on “Single vs Multiple Identities” as it is something that I am familiar with which adds a personal touch when I write. Research on this topic allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of what I am on the Web.
Let’s take a further look at my Self-Test!
One of my biggest take-away would definitely be “Participating in Online Communities”. Prior to this, I had no knowledge that such platforms exist where there are professors and mentors where I am able to have discussions and interactions with. Through these conversations, I have learnt plenty from various experts.
In addition, MOOC has broaden my learning scope as I am able to learn from others’ sharing and think about topics from another perspective instead of just living in my own filter bubble! I will definitely be more active in the future in terms of joining communities as it adds value to my learning and network connections.
Blogging is not foreign to me. However, #MANG2049 is nothing like casual blogging as it required in-depth research with articles included to support my arguments and findings which I feel is a great training for me in my upcoming module projects and future career.
I have generally improved as many colleagues’ have cited my blog – showing that the material I produce helps their learning.
Comments were also generated – challenging me to push myself further which aids in my learning.
Looking back, my initial posts were mainly descriptive with no visuals as I had zero knowledge on creating of infographics.
After perusing my colleagues’ blogs, I realized visuals was an element that i was lacking. Thus, I took the liberty to search for some websites where visuals can be produced.
Initially, it wasn’t easy! However, as I progressed, I have honed my skills with this digital tool which helps my blog-post improve tremendously in terms of aesthetics and critical thinking.
These skills that I have learnt is interesting and helpful especially when I enter the work-force. Such graphics can be used in clientele presentations or reports to make statistics and findings appear less dull. Furthermore, videos and audios can be impactful when emphasizing on certain points. I must admit, I am definitely more digitally skilled now compared to before.
Personally, I am rather public with all my social media platforms, my information is displayed where everyone browse through. I created social media for my own personal leisure and socializing purposes, I never considered it as something where I have to maintain or be wary about.
However, from Topic 3, I have learnt the importance of separating my personal and professional accounts as 91% of recruiters look at our profiles!
I have changed my privacy settings for Facebook and Twitter:
BEFORE:
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Furthermore, I have created a new Twitter account where I mainly follow professional accounts for up-to-date news. This account would be a platform for me to market myself without including my personal life in – PURELY BUSINESS!
Although staying authentic online is important, I feel that there’s a certain degree of privacy that we have to uphold and not over-share with the public. Therefore, I have my multiple online identities.
PUBLIC ACCOUNT:
PERSONAL PRIVATE ACCOUNT:
This way, my employers would not judge my personal life with my working competencies.
Previously, whilst pursuing my Diploma, I created a LinkedIn account. I didn’t take my profile seriously as it was just a part of my grades requirement.
However, #MANG2049 has shed a light on me, emphasizing how crucial my digital professional profile could affect my career opportunities. Therefore, I have updated my profile for any opportunities or potential employers’ perusal.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Your brand identity is what makes you instantly recognizable to others. As a marketer, I see it in a way where I have to promote myself so that people will know my potential – which is why I have included the various relevant skills that I possess in my professional profile.
To elevate myself, I wish to learn and achieve more such as Photoshop, InDesign, Microsoft Office … etc. These web skills would be beneficial for me in my projects and future career.
The Info-communications Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore said “…computational skills are important 21st-century skills, and that the knowledge of these skills will better prepare students to take on future jobs in a knowledge-based economy.”
The future for the online digital world is evolving continuously, therefore, I will still be working towards expanding my networks and improving my professional digital profile even after this module end.
In addition, I can utilize this platform as a stepping stone to further develop my digital portfolio in a way that portrays my professionalism on the Web – incorporating my opinions and views through more blog-posts on different topics.
All in all, this journey has been enriching and I have improved to become a motivated individual.
(902 words)
My LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!
I’m exceptionally grateful to Sarah for constantly giving me feed-backs and advice on further improvements throughout the online module learning! Thank you Lisa and Nic as well for all the sharing and teachings on the live sessions! 🙂
REFERENCES:
Retrieved:
“What is Brand Identity?”
https://99designs.com.sg/blog/tips/brand-identity/
“Schools looking to better harness technology to aid learning”
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/schools-looking-to-better-harness-technology-to-aid-learning-8200446
“University of Southampton – MOOC FutureLearn”
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/3/todo/22413
“Why is it important to expand/upgrade my professional network?”
https://www.quora.com/Why-is-it-important-to-expand-upgrade-my-professional-network
THOUGHTS 
You must be logged in to post a comment.