Social Media Reflection Assignment
Task/Instructions
Online identity search, analysis and reflection
1) Search for yourself online, using Google search engine. Go to Google.ca, enter the name you most commonly use, and look at the results. Check for all web results including images and video. Repeat the process for all variations of your name(s) that you have used throughout your life (e.g. full name, shortened first names, surname at birth, etc.). Then repeat the process using Bing.com.
2) Analyze your findings, based on the results. Consider what was found, where (what sites), when the information was posted, who posted it, and what it says about you and your online identity. Does it fit with who you are today or who you want to be online? What would a stranger, prospective employer or romantic partner think of your online identity? People are looking for you online, and they expect to find results. Therefore, a lack of results can also be detrimental.
3) Write a short reflection on your online identity using the assignment template. Download and save a copy of the template to your own computer and rename the file so it includes your last name.
Build a professional online identity and relationships
If you do not have a LinkedIn profile, you will have to create one. If you already have a LinkedIn profile, use your existing account and work to update and refresh your profile.
4) Go to LinkedIn.com. Create or update your profile using the resources provided, or search for other help online if needed.
5) Aside from creating/updating your basic profile information, do the following:
- Join LinkedIn groups and communities. You may want to look for groups related to your college, work, career/industry interests. Get involved in these groups by looking at their activities, members, and conversations.
- Search for, and send personalized requests to connect with others on LinkedIn with whom you already have a professional interpersonal relationship (I.e. colleagues, classmates, co-workers, professors).
- Engage with others by posting original content, and sharing, commenting on and liking the posts of others related to your career field and professional aspirations.
6) Write a reflection on initiating, building, and maintaining your online identity and interpersonal relationships with LinkedIn using the same assignment template for step 3.
Flexible Due Date Option
All students who would like to submit this assignment late can do so automatically without reason and without notifying the instructor to ask for an extension.
1) Submissions will be accepted up to the end of Week 6 without late penalty.
2) Late submissions will be accepted during Week 7 with an automatic late penalty of 25% applied.
Anyone not submitting this assessment by the end of Week 7 will receive 0.
