Digital footprint considerations
Being conscious of the online platforms we ask reflectors to engage with and thinking about the types of questions we ask can help reflectors manage their own digital footprints.
A typical reflective assignment could require students to write a reflective blog, which seems natural to put online for ease of assessment and availability. However, asking students to put any reflections online adds the consideration of digital footprints. This consideration is not new and echoes trust and confidentiality discussions. As a facilitator, you should think about what you are requiring people to upload online – especially due to the personal nature of reflections. The Institute for Academic Development (IAD) has support for managing digital footprints and can support you if you have any concerns.
Managing Digital Footprint (IAD's website)
Match written reflective activities/assignments with the right technologies
You should modify the sort of online technology you decide to use with the required level of openness to do well. The more open you require the reflectors to be, the more private the digital platform should be; this includes who owns the rights to all published materials, etc.
Therefore, the easiest way of bypassing any digital footprint concerns is to use handwritten reflection in journals, on post-it notes, etc. However, handwritten reflections might be difficult to manage if you need to read the reflections for assessments, and therefore online platforms might be the best choice for you and your initiative.
The University supports a series of platforms hosted by the Information Services, who can provide support.
Learning technologies (Information Services' website)