Content Collection

A digital identity is a representation of each user in the educational community. Each digital identity contains an inventory of attributes that represent a person. Digital identities ensure that systems can recognize, protect, and serve users, such as by providing access to the applications each individual needs. A digital identity is also about how the individual feels about or wants to be seen and can manage her/his reputation online.

The nature of online learning provides a structure for digital interactions and a safe environment in which students can develop or enhance their digital identities relative to educational pursuits. Educators are in a position to help students develop a professionally acceptable digital identity and make contributions as citizens in digitally connected democratic societies. This can achieved by developing students’ capacities to meet employers’ needs, leveraging currently used social media platforms, learning management systems, e-portfolios, and other tools, and by promoting or modeling appropriate engagement through development of digital identity. (Salman, n.d.) One example is creating a LinkedIn profile as a learning assignment.