The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Digital Footprint in Learning Experience (Essay Sample)

The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Digital Footprint in Learning Experience
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The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Digital Footprint in Learning Experience
Introduction
Digital footprints are traces of online network environments from an individual's online use. According to Swanson CITATION Swa13 \p 39 \n \t \l 1033 (2013, p. 39), international efforts introduction of digital tool has been changing drama of events in this era; since human pattern interaction with ideas is changing dramatically, taking a different course. Use of digital tools serves to enhance an individual digital footprint when using virtual spaces for professional learning. However, digital spaces used online determine one's footprint. For this reason, this paper intends to address both the advantages and disadvantages of a digital footprint in learning experiences.
There are several ways in which the digital footprint seems to influence the learning experience positively. According to Summers CITATION Sum12 \p 18 \n \t \l 1033 (2012, p. 18), it helps individuals stay current on new trends. These make a person in the lead of new things that gives an impression of a go-getter person. Staying current and updated keeps one from falling behind the times, which seems to take a rapid course in the online world. Richardson CITATION Ric08 \p 17 \n \t \l 1033 (2008, p. 17), argues that with a virtual environment made connecting various individuals, who share experiences, learning can be useful. It also builds expertise early in an individual’s field of study by creating opportunities in an area. They establish a positive reputation during learning and finally, have monetary benefits to the savvy through finding cheap used text- books for use CITATION Sum12 \p 18 \l 1033 (Summers, 2012, p. 18).
Conversely, digital footprints can impact negatively on a learning experience. Richardson CITATION Ric08 \p 18 \n \t \l 1033 (2008, p. 18), identifies the use of social media in learning to affect an individual's reputation through the ruin of the public figure thus leading to loss of any future opportunities in workplaces. There is also wastage of time online since students engage in social mediaCITATION Fer11 \p 92 \t \l 1033 (Ferriter, ...