Assessment 2 – Blog post

For assessment 2, we were asked to complete a skill check quiz, to assess our knowledge of connecting in the virtual world and how confident we felt using new technology. The outcome of my test showed that I have begun to develop my online presence but there are still areas that I could improve in. The test showed that I was at an Intrepid Intermediate level, which I felt was accurate as I have already discovered virtual connections in a synchronous way like Facebook messenger. However, I lacked the ability to use asynchronous platforms such as LinkedIn. I have only ever used my digital identity in a predominantly synchronous way, like Messenger, where responses are more immediate. I think this is because I perceive synchronous technologies as being more private and would argue that asynchronous methods of connection are generally more public. I’ve never liked to use Instagram, Facebook statuses or online discussion forums for this exact reason. I simply lack the confidence to speak publicly online. With exceptions like Gmail and listening to recorded online discussions, all of which I can use confidently, I feel that my aversion to asynchronous workspaces comes about because it’s so much more public. Because of this, my experience of using a virtual network to interact with colleagues and employers is non-existent. I have always evidenced my attributes with employers either over the phone or in person, not through, for example, posting photos of my work online. I would rather show them in person.

With current advancements in technology, keeping up to date with different forms of online communication is incredibly important. Just look at the current climate with COVID-19 – people who were not able to adapt to virtual learning and working from home have been seriously disadvantaged by this crisis. Being able to broadcast my employment profile online has really helped connect me not only to other likeminded people but also to potential employers within my field, for example through my LinkedIn profile. In the past, I would go to the winery personally, introduce myself and try to connect with a potential employer through my ability to connect with people on a face-to-face basis. And while I still believe this is incredibly important, particularly because winemaking is such a personal industry, I am now able to use other methods to cast my net wide and connect with potential employers from all over the globe. By being more open to online networking, I have been able to become connected to more like-minded people, such as joining The Wine Group. This has enabled me to have conversations with winemakers from across the globe that I would never have been able to interact with outside of the digital realm.

Previously, I would have much preferred to communicate face-to-face and I had limited experience with online interaction, especially in a professional sense. Even with my friends and family, I would much rather call someone on the phone and say happy birthday instead than posting on their Facebook wall. Hell, even the last Facebook status I made was 18 months ago. I guess my “ah-ha moment” was the realisation of the world that I was missing. Moving forward, I would like to use technology more in a professional sense and be able to use online platforms to network with colleagues and potential employers. I was previously wary of using technology in this way but now I feel much more confident initiating interactions online with people in the industry. I’m hoping that this course will continually provide me with more ways to improve my digital presence.