Open Badge Factory

The information that you provide here will form your evidence for this badge. If you have also built up a collection of examples, you can submit those through the URL submission box.

Please detail how you have managed your online identity (taking control of your online presence) *

As part of my role as a Student Representative, I took steps to review and manage my online presence to ensure it was appropriate, professional, and accessible. I reviewed the platforms I used to communicate with students, including the course group chat, blog, and social media channels such as Instagram. I ensured that my profile images and display names were appropriate and reflected my role as a representative, helping to maintain trust and approachability among my peers. I also reviewed my privacy settings across these platforms to make sure that personal information was not unnecessarily public, while still allowing students to contact me easily. For example, I ensured students could message me directly if they preferred to share concerns privately rather than in group settings. In addition, when creating and sharing content, such as blog posts and Instagram videos related to sustainability and student engagement. I made sure that all content was respectful, inclusive, and suitable for a wider academic audience. One example was when I was making a video for the Instagram page for the Book Mending Workshop. One person explicitly asked me if they could not be in the video, so after hours of editing the video, I managed to have them appear in the video. Overall, I was mindful of balancing professionalism with approachability, ensuring my online presence supported my role in communicating effectively while maintaining appropriate boundaries and privacy.

Find attached evidence of my WhatsApp Profile

Describe the steps you have taken to review your online such as ensuring your profile image is appropriate and your privacy settings have been reviewed and allow you to decide what is visible and what is not.

If you would like to add any evidence to support your response, you can include it here (optional)

WhatsApp_Profile.jpeg

You could include any relevant screenshots, documents, etc.

How have you used a range of communication media? *

In my role as a Student Representative, I used a range of online communication tools to engage with students, share information, and gather feedback. One of the main tools I used was a course-wide group chat, which I set up to create a central space for communication. This allowed me to quickly share important updates, such as UCL workshops, sustainability initiatives like the Christmas Switch Off pledge, and module-related information. It also made it easy for students to ask questions or raise concerns either publicly or privately. I also used digital platforms such as a blog to document and promote student activities, including weekly meet-ups, social events, and community initiatives like Formal Fridays. In addition, I contributed to Instagram content through the Institute of Archaeology Library page, creating videos to raise awareness about sustainability practices and resources, such as showcasing plant benefits in study spaces and promoting a “book of the week” display. These tools worked particularly well in building a sense of community and keeping students informed. The group chat, for example, was effective because it was immediate and accessible, encouraging regular interaction and making communication feel informal and inclusive. However, there were some challenges. Not all students engaged equally with online platforms, meaning some voices could be harder to reach. To address this, I complemented online communication with in-person interactions, such as weekly meet-ups, and reminded students that they could contact me privately if they preferred.
Overall, using a combination of online tools allowed me to communicate effectively, increase engagement, and ensure that students felt supported and informed throughout the year.

Find attached evidence of my Blog Posts

Please explain how you have been using online communication tools in your role as a student representative. Give examples if you have any, of what worked well and any challenges you faced.

If you would like to add any evidence to support your response, you can include it here (optional)

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You could include any relevant screenshots, documents, etc.

How have you contributed to online communities? *

Aside from the blog, which I have discussed, the WhatsApp group chat was the primary tool I used to connect with my cohort due to its accessibility and ease of use. To ensure effective communication, I structured the group into separate spaces for announcements and general discussion. This allowed for a clear distinction between important information and informal peer interaction, helping students easily access key updates without them being lost in conversation. The group chat became a central hub for engagement, where I shared important announcements, opportunities, and updates, while also encouraging open and supportive communication among peers. Its immediacy and familiarity made it particularly effective in reaching a wide range of students. This platform also acted as a foundation for further engagement initiatives. It served as a springboard for promoting other digital spaces I developed, such as the blog and Instagram content related to my Sustainability Ambassador work. By linking these platforms through the group chat, I was able to extend engagement beyond a single space and create a more connected and informed student community.

Find attached evidence of my Cohort Group Chat

Participating online in various community spaces is a useful skill, as communicating online can be different to any face to face interactions. Please provide examples of how you have contributed to online communities. This could be through LinkedIn, or through WhatsApp groups for Societies, etc.

If you would like to add any evidence to support your response, you can include it here (optional)

Cohort_Group_Chat.png

You could include any relevant screenshots, documents, etc.

if you would like to add any additional comments, please use this space.

URL of evidence (optional)

If you have collated your evidence for the Digital Literacy Badge into a page on the Student Representatives community blog or any other web based collection, you can add that link here.

I confirm that this is my own work and I take responsibility for any work submitted under my name *

Yes

Please check you have the right URL for your evidence. This is what the public will see as your evidence of your contribution .