Visitor or Resident?

White's description of visitors and residents is liberating because he explains the perspectives and behaviors of both in a manner that is not condescending to either. I used to think that it was only 'older people' that were uncomfortable with the many and varied uses of digital media and the associated privacy violations. In fact, being a digital immigrant felt like a stigma that was connected to ones age. However, according to the Visitor-Resident principle, issues of privacy are not age based. Although the way people conceive of privacy may be shifting across generations, concerns about privacy violations are cross generational. After watching this enlightening Prezi presentation, I understand and feel much less stigmatized about my status as a Visitor.

I categorize myself as a Visitor for several reasons. First of all, like other Visitors, I have no desire to create a digital identity, nor do I wish to use the web as a space for making or enhancing relationships. That being stated, I must acknowledge my place on the continuum between Visitor and Resident is not far left. Unlike some Visitors, I do see the potential usefulness of the web for solving certain problems or facilitating the accomplishment of goals. There are particular web based types of media that I use and others that I am learning to use for this reason. In my case, as White correctly points out, it is not difficult to learn or use these tools. What IS difficult learning to use is web based media that has, from my perspective, limited beneficial purpose and/or presents privacy violations. Such tools may have some benefit but like other vices, the harm sometimes outweighs the good in them.

White mentions one such drawback about the amount and type of information accessed through social media sites. He describes people who need to maintain a web based presence and because this requires continuous posting, blogging, tweeting, replying, etc., the substance of what is being said on the web is often "banal". I certainly for one don't wish to add to the "noise" already on the web. Introverted people, like me, shudder at the idea of exposing or flaunting their thoughts, ideas, and opinions to any but a select few. As such, I would much rather spend my time honing my skills at being an analytical, critical thinker and researcher.

In the future however, I do see myself becoming a connoisseur of web based programs. As an educational leader, it is important to know how to reach out, connect with others, and disseminate useful information to all stakeholders and fellow educators. We need to know how to use the best and most effective web based tools to accomplish this. Just as teachers have had to adjust to being less isolated in their classrooms, administrative leaders must also learn to become more open to having a web based presence. Of course, that doesn't mean I can see myself creating a digital alter ego or an Avatar anytime soon. But, learning to develop and use my digital voice in different spaces through web based means is a positive step toward keeping up with future trends in education.