I demonstrated the Personal Social Competency for this artifact. I can understand that my identity is made of many interconnected elements. In this art project, we had to draw something that represents our cultural identity. I drew two sides that represented my Korean and Canadian cultures and how they contrast each other. I know that despite these two cultures being different, they both are part of my identity and affect my strengths and values. I can tell what is important to me and I can explain my values. On the Korean side of the art piece, I know that my Korean background is very important to me even though I don’t have the same experience in the culture as someone born in Korea would have; however, I know that it helps me understand and connect to others, especially those who share my culture. I also know that my Canadian side of me is important as it is the side that connects to me the most because it contains all of my main memories. Both cultures have shaped my values of being aware of others and myself.
This artifact represents how I demonstrated one of the facets of Social Awareness and Responsibility, Contributing to the community and caring for the environment, in my Career Life class. For this assignment, I had to answer the questions given independently to then work collaboratively with a group. I had to be responsible for making sure my reflections were well-thought-out as my answers would impact my group’s performance. A challenge I faced when working on this was not rushing my answers. However, I was aware that it wouldn’t benefit my group so I finished my reflection well so later I can discuss it with my group members. Another challenge was discussing my answers with my group members since it involved a lot of discussions and listening to other peoples’ opinions. Once we finished, we were able to contribute to our classroom community with our answers.
I’ve created an infographic that highlights what a digital footprint is and how to create a positive one. Along with the tips, I’ve included how to not only protect your privacy but how to become a digital citizen that can improve your profile. The program I used to create it is called Piktochart which is a program that allows users to create infographics, presentations, and posters. I decided to use Piktochart because of its easy tools and stunning graphics, as well as its accessible use to the public.
I know that my digital footprint can have both positive and negative consequences, including my future job and university applications as well as my relationships with my friends, family, and peers, so I adjust my actions to create a positive, safe, and helpful digital footprint. Now that I am aware of why our digital footprint is important, I have now adjusted my way of thinking when it comes to using my social media accounts. I am more cautious with what I comment and post as I don’t want to emit a bad reputation towards my audience. Since it’s important to take advantage of your digital footprint so there aren’t only bad consequences that come from it, I decided to share my interests and things I am passionate about. This way, my friends, family, and peers as well as future employers to know what I stand for and advocate. Despite the risks that my digital footprint could come with consequences, I want to use it to create a safe and positive presence that can inspire others.
One of my preferred strategies for maintaining a healthy, balanced online presence is managing my social media accounts. I believe that this is important as my social media accounts portray my image towards other people, therefore I should make sure that it remains a positive and healthy environment. One way I manage my social media accounts is by going over my posts with a trusted friend or family member. For example, on Instagram, I consistently ask my sister whether something is appropriate to share to make sure I don’t post anything that can hurt me or other people. I try to post things that can hopefully make people happy while expressing who I am as a person. Additionally, I use my social media platforms to spread awareness to current issues and news to maintain a balanced online presence as well as to inspire others to share these topics in order to create a strong and safe online environment. Creating a healthy online presence should also involve taking breaks from social media as too much of it can affect my mental health. Although managing my social media accounts is the main strategy I use to maintain a healthy and balanced online presence, I hope that in the future I can find more strategies that will help me to use my digital footprint to its advantage.
Some of the ways I work to build and maintain online relationships are by supporting my friends and keeping in touch. I often reach out to help them and offer advice when they need help with posting things online. To maintain a healthy online relationship, I give my honest opinion and thoughts to them as well as discuss any misunderstandings or issues happening online. Additionally, I support my friends’ posts as well as share and aid their online goals while discussing relevant topics occurring in our world. Connecting to other peoples’ beliefs, values, and interests they post online has led me to build strong relationships with them. Due to the pandemic, it can be difficult to build and maintain our relationships with people, so I am glad that we can grow these relationships online.
