Online Learning; an Introduction
4. Digital Literacy
4.1. Privacy Online
Who sees what you share online?
When you participate online, in social spaces like Facebook or Twitter, some information about you is shared with the public (e.g., how you use Facebook or associated services like Instagram or Messenger). However, other things you share (photographs, videos, words, etc.) are visible only to the members whom you identify. Check your Facebook setting to see the status of the permissions you grant Facebook (e.g., whether people can share your posts with anyone if you mention them).
When you participate in online courses, like the learning events in the Learning Space, your privacy is protected and not shared with the public. Only your trainer and the people registered in a course will see what you share in discussion forums.
Why is privacy important in online courses?
We believe (and have evidence) that people learn best when they learn together, exploring and explaining new ideas with each other and with the guidance of an instructor or trainer. Maintaining the privacy of what is shared in discussion forums means that people are more willing to be honest, share openly, and make mistakes they can learn from.
We ask that each learner and trainer respects each others privacy by NOT sharing another person's posting outside of the course without their permission.
On occasion, we may ask permission to share one of your posts or activities. There is a form where you can give (or deny) your permission in writing.