Teens and Digital Identity

 

Recognizing that Teens are building an Online Identity

Understanding one’s identity is an essential part of teen development. Interestingly, the platforms for expressing identity in the 21st century have expanded.

As I encourage my students to engage online via our Learning Management System, Moodle, I am aware that I am also helping them build an online identity.

This is important for a couple of reasons :

Firstly, helping students recognise that developing an online presence can potentially be useful from a future business perspective – ie. authentic learning.

Secondly, making sure that students post comments and create a responsible digital identity.

Digital citizenship is something that needs to be taught in a similar way to other types of citizenship.

Thirdly, allowing students to express themselves via an online medium, offers a differentiated learning and teaching environment within which to engage with the identity of the individual