What is your primary role in the Digital Tattoo project?
As the UBC Digital Tattoo Student Project coordinator, it is my role to manage our social media accounts and develop online educational resources, including the tutorials and visualizations on our website. I also collaborate with the rest of the team, and other campus groups to design and deliver drop-in sessions and workshops.
When did you start working with the Digital Tattoo Team (semester/year)? How did you get involved in Digital Tattoo?
I heard about Digital Tattoo, and this position, through the UBC Center for Teaching and Learning, where I also facilitate workshops. I am a PhD student, and my research is centered around the intersection of computing, education and community, so this project seemed like a great fit for my interests!
Why do you believe Digital Tattoo is an important initiative?
The internet has played an important role in many of our lives for a long time, but during the past couple years I think we have seen particularly fast changes in digital tools and capabilities, including a shift to online work and instruction and the introduction of new Generative AI tools. These changes come with new challenges and concerns around algorithmic bias, environmental impact, a deepening ‘digital divide’ (to list just a few). I think that the key to navigating this shifting technological landscape in a way that is environmentally and socially sustainable, is reciprocal knowledge exchange and education: making sure that everyone has the skills and resources they need to navigate the digital world, to think critically about the technology they use, and to advocate for their needs and beliefs. Through their students-as-partners model and their interactive educational resources, the Digital Tattoo creates a space for these conversations to happen!
What do you hope that readers will get out of Digital Tattoo?
I hope Digital Tattoo will help readers to more confidently navigate using (or not using) new technologies in their own lives. I hope readers will feel that their concerns and voices are valued, and be more empowered to engage in conversations around digital technology.
What is your favourite way to relax?
In my spare time I like sketching, painting, life drawing, sewing – and really any arts and crafts I get the chance to try. I like having a creative outlet that has nothing to do with my other work or studies.
What’s one thing you can’t recommend enough?
I really recommend volunteering! Volunteer work has played a really important role in my career and in my learning: I’ve heard about opportunities, developed technical skills and teaching skills, and have had the chance to talk with a wide range of people, including about their digital identity and digital literacy. When I was new to Vancouver, volunteering was a great way to meet people with similar interests and to feel like part of a broader community.
