Story Time!
​Finding Support and Sharing Knowledge
Dominique’s journey into tech wasn’t a smooth ride. From executive assistant to Software Engineer, Dominique’s career path was anything but conventional. "I’ve always been an introvert," she says with a slight smile. "But when I entered the tech field, I quickly realized I had to ask questions. And the online community was where I found my answers."
Dominique is a firm believer in the power of online communities, especially for those breaking into new fields. “I would search for solutions on Google, join forums like Stack Overflow, and ping people directly if I needed help. But it wasn’t just about asking questions,” she says. “It was also about knowing where to ask and how to learn from others who’ve been there.”
In her mentorship role, Dominique encourages young Black women to tap into the wealth of knowledge available online. “There’s a whole community of people out there willing to help, and sometimes, you don’t even need to ask. You can just go through a thread or documentation and learn on your own,” she explains.
For Dominique, navigating online communities is not just about solving problems. It’s about learning to ask the right questions, engaging with people, and sharing knowledge to help others rise. Through this, she continues to inspire the next generation of Black women in tech.
​Examples of Digital Literacies and Reflection & Writing Prompts: Review the examples of digital literacies. From the list below, select 5 to explore further throughout the lesson. Based on your selections, reflect on the corresponding prompts and write out your responses. You may use those selected or choose new ones later on in the lesson. You are welcome to skip any of the prompts that do not apply and jump to the "guiding questions for online search" to learn more about how others demonstrate the digital literacies.
1. Familiarize

• Reflection: How do you typically get acquainted with new digital tools or platforms? What is your approach when encountering new technology for the first time?
• Admiration: Think of someone you admire who has successfully learned to use new tools or platforms. What about their approach do you find inspiring?
• Development Goal: How would you like to improve your process of becoming familiar with new technologies? Are there strategies that could make this learning process quicker and more effective?
• Exploration Question: When trying a new digital tool, what are the first steps you take? How do you ensure you're learning its features properly?
• Guiding Online Search Questions:
  • Search for articles or blogs about how women in tech familiarize themselves with new digital tools. What strategies or techniques do they use?
  • Look for tutorials or online courses that help people become proficient with new digital platforms. Which of these might work best for you?

2. Navigate the Digital Space

• Reflection: When you're in an online environment (e.g., a website or digital platform), how do you navigate through it? Are there tools or practices you use to make navigation smoother?
• Admiration: How do others demonstrate effective navigation in digital environments? What tips or strategies have you learned from observing their actions?
• Development Goal: How can you become more efficient and effective at navigating new digital spaces? What aspects of navigation do you find challenging, and how can you improve them?
• Exploration Question: What methods do you use to organize and keep track of information in a digital space? Do you use bookmarks, notes, or other organizational tools?
• Guiding Online Search Questions:
  • Search for blogs or online articles that discuss the best practices for navigating websites or apps. What tips do experts share?
  • Look for women leaders in digital spaces (such as website designers or online community managers) and study how they navigate digital environments. How can you apply their techniques?

3. Navigating Online Communities

• Reflection: When navigating online communities (e.g., Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, Slack channels, Discord), how do you learn how to use the features and tools available? How do you get in touch with administrators and other members to ask questions or participate in discussions? How do you stay updated with the latest information in the group, and how do you search for older information for context or insights?
• Admiration: Think about someone you admire who is skilled at navigating online communities. How do they interact with members, find and engage with useful content, and maintain their presence in these spaces? What practices or strategies do they use that you could adopt to become more proficient in navigating online communities?
• Development Goal: How can you improve your ability to navigate online communities and make the most of the features they offer? What strategies can you use to better track updates, post relevant information, and search for older discussions to enhance your knowledge?
• Exploration Question: When joining a new online community, how do you figure out how to use the platform’s features effectively? How do you learn where to find information, how to engage with other members, and how to ask questions or post content?
• Guiding Online Search Questions:
  • Search for tips on how to effectively navigate and use online community platforms like Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, Slack, or Discord. What are some best practices for interacting with community members and administrators?
  • Explore articles or blogs written by women who excel at managing their presence in online communities. What advice do they offer for staying updated, finding information, and building relationships within these spaces?
  • Look for resources that focus on organizing information and keeping track of discussions within online communities. How can you use features like search, notifications, or pinned posts to manage your involvement effectively?

4. Ask Questions

• Reflection: How do you approach asking questions online when you need information? Do you ask specific questions on forums, in social media groups, or through direct messaging?
• Admiration: Think about someone you admire for their questioning abilities. How do they ask insightful questions? What makes their inquiries effective in getting valuable answers?
• Development Goal: How can you improve your questioning skills to get better responses or insights? Are there ways to refine how you phrase your questions or where you ask them?
• Exploration Question: What are the different platforms or communities you can use to ask questions? How do you determine the best place to seek help (e.g., Reddit, LinkedIn, X)?
• Guiding Online Search Questions:
  • Search for experts or mentors who excel at asking the right questions in their careers. How do they formulate and ask questions to get valuable insights?
  • Look for women in the tech industry who are known for asking powerful questions that lead to innovation or new discoveries. How can you replicate their approach?

Lesson: Exploring and Expanding Your Online Community Navigation Skills for Academic and Professional Growth
Objective: By the end of this lesson, you will:

1. Reflect on how you currently navigate online communities for academic or professional purposes.
2. Identify new ways to improve your ability to navigate online communities, participate in discussions, and stay updated with relevant information.
3. Generate prompts for ChatGPT to explore how to use online communities in innovative ways for your school or work.
4. Discover role models, especially women, who excel at navigating online communities and learn from their strategies.

Step 1: Reflecting on Your Current Online Community Navigation PracticesChoose digital literacies from the following list:

• Familiarize
• Navigate digital space
• Navigating online communities
• Ask questions

For each selected literacy, answer the following prompts:

1. How do you currently navigate online communities? Reflect on how you engage in online communities (e.g., LinkedIn groups, Facebook groups, Discord, Slack). What platforms do you use, and how do you participate in discussions, access resources, or engage with other members?
2. What tools or strategies do you use to stay informed? How do you find and filter the most relevant and up-to-date information in these spaces? Do you follow specific pages, people, or forums that align with your professional or academic goals?
3. How do you ask questions or seek help in online communities? Reflect on how you approach asking questions in these communities. Do you feel confident reaching out to members or administrators? How do you decide where to ask your questions to get the best answers?
4. How do others navigate online communities in a way that you admire? Think of someone you admire in your field or a related area who navigates online communities well. What practices do they use to connect with others, stay informed, or build their online reputation? What strategies or habits can you adopt from them?
5. In what ways do you not want to navigate online communities for yourself? Are there specific behaviors or approaches to online communities that you find ineffective, unprofessional, or harmful? How can you avoid these behaviors and ensure your online presence aligns with your goals?
6. What new strategies or tools can you explore to navigate online communities more effectively? Identify areas where you can improve your ability to connect with others and stay engaged in your online communities. What digital tools or methods can help you manage information, track discussions, or engage more meaningfully with other members?

Step 2: Exploring New Ways to Navigate Online CommunitiesUsing your responses from Step 1, generate prompts for ChatGPT to help explore how you can navigate online communities in new and innovative ways for your academic or professional journey.
Example ChatGPT Prompts:

1. "How can I use [LinkedIn groups] to build my network and stay informed about trends in [field/discipline]? What are some effective strategies for engaging with professionals in my industry?"
2. "How can I use [Facebook groups] to share academic research or resources in my [course name/field]? What are some ways to facilitate meaningful discussions and contribute to the group's knowledge base?"
3. "What tools or strategies can I use to effectively navigate [Discord/Slack] channels for collaboration with colleagues in [specific industry or project]? How can I keep track of important messages and notifications without feeling overwhelmed?"
4. "How can I leverage [asking questions] in online communities to enhance my learning and career growth in [specific profession]? What are the best practices for getting the most out of asking questions in these spaces?"
5. "What platforms or tools can I use to manage my participation in multiple online communities and make sure I’m up-to-date on important discussions in my [academic/professional] field?"

Step 3: Finding Role Models in Online Community NavigationUse platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or other professional spaces to find women who excel at navigating online communities within your field of interest. Look for role models who can inspire you in how to enhance your own online community navigation skills.
Guiding Search Questions:

1. "Search for women in [your discipline or profession] who actively participate in online communities like LinkedIn groups or Slack channels. How do they engage with their network and share valuable content?"
2. "Who are the top women in [tech/business/education/creative industries] who use social media or online forums to build their brand and share insights with their followers?"
3. "Find women who are known for their leadership in online communities. How do they use these platforms to engage with others, share knowledge, and foster professional relationships?"
4. "Explore women in academia or industry who use online communities to stay informed and collaborate on projects. What strategies do they use to build networks and contribute meaningfully?"

Step 4: Examples of How to Navigate Online CommunitiesHow to Navigate Online Communities:

• Engage in discussions: Participate in conversations that are relevant to your field. Comment, like, or share posts that align with your academic or professional goals.
• Follow industry leaders: Stay updated by following key people and pages in your field. Track their posts, join relevant discussions, and learn from their shared content.
• Use search tools: Use the search features in these communities to find specific topics, groups, or posts. This helps you find the most relevant information quickly.
• Ask questions strategically: When you have a question, approach the right group or individual for help. Be clear and concise, and engage respectfully with others in the community.
• Stay organized: Use tools to track important posts, discussions, or resources. Set notifications for groups or channels you're interested in to stay updated on new content.

​Step 5: Conclusion & Next Steps

1. Review your insights from the lesson. Reflect on how you can start applying these new digital literacies to enhance your online community navigation skills.
2. Set goals for the next few weeks. Focus on the digital literacies you want to expand. Create a personal development plan to integrate these skills into your academic or work projects.
3. Practice regularly. Engage with people in your field or join online communities. Experiment with new platforms or tools to see how they can enhance your social media navigation.
4. Track your progress. Adjust your approach based on feedback and results. Consistently refine your skills to build your online presence and expand your academic or professional network.

By the end of this lesson, you will have a deeper understanding of how to effectively navigate online communities for academic and professional growth. You will have identified role models who excel in these skills and developed strategies to enhance your online presence and engagement.

Story Time!
​The Art of Engagement
Jazmin always knew there was more to social media than just scrolling through posts. “I remember connecting with someone on social media who had all these great insights about digital marketing,” Jazmin recalls. “It was so easy to follow them, and soon enough, I was learning from their posts. But it wasn’t just passive learning. I wanted to engage, tweet, ask questions, and even share what I was learning with my followers.”
Her journey to becoming a  MarTech Publicist  reflects her deep understanding of social media as a tool for connection and self-expression. “Social media isn’t just about posting selfies. It’s about using the platforms to create meaningful content and engage with others,” she says with conviction.
When it comes to her work with the OER, Jazmin is passionate about representing diverse voices. “I want to make sure marginalized groups are seen in the digital world. It’s about rewriting the narrative and ensuring these voices are not just heard but amplified.” Jazmin’s unique perspective has made her a vital contributor to the OER project, showing the world how to use digital tools to change narratives.
Examples of Digital Literacies and Reflection & Writing Prompts: Review the examples of digital literacies. Reflect on the corresponding prompts and write out your responses. You are welcome to skip any of the prompts that do not apply and jump to the "guiding questions for online search" to learn more about how others demonstrate the digital literacies.
1. Follow

• Who do you follow online and why? How do their digital practices influence your own?
• Reflect on a time when following someone or something led to valuable insights. How did it help you professionally or academically?
• How can you decide whom to follow based on your career goals and academic interests?
• How do you filter the content you follow? Are there any digital practices that you find distracting or unproductive?
• Guiding Questions for Online Search: Look up successful women who are influential in the field you are studying. How do they engage with followers, and what digital practices do they use? Find examples of professional platforms (like LinkedIn or X) and see how women use them to build networks or gain insights.

2. Follow People

• How do you decide who to follow personally on social media versus professionally?
• Reflect on how following people influences your digital habits. Does it inspire you or distract you?
• How can you ensure that you’re following a diverse group of individuals who offer new perspectives or useful information?
• What types of people do you prefer to follow in your digital space, and why?
• Guiding Questions for Online Search: Explore how women in various fields, such as tech, education, and business, use social media to connect and follow people. What do they gain from these connections? Search for ways successful women use their social media presence to interact with people in meaningful ways. How do they leverage their connections to grow professionally?

3. Follow Pages

• What types of pages do you follow (e.g., brands, institutions, communities)? How do these pages enhance your digital experience?
• Reflect on the role pages play in your professional or academic development. How do they keep you informed?
• Are there any pages you follow that you find more beneficial than others? Why?
• What strategies can you use to curate the pages you follow to ensure they support your career or academic aspirations?
• Guiding Questions for Online Search: Search for examples of women-led businesses, universities, or initiatives that use digital pages to share valuable content. How do they engage with their audience? Explore how following specific pages related to your field can provide networking opportunities or insights. What pages do successful women in your industry follow?

4. Resharing (as a Tool for Content Curation)

• How do you use resharing in your social media practice? Do you primarily reshare content that resonates with your interests or professional goals?
• Reflect on a time when resharing content helped you build your network or support a cause. What was the outcome of resharing that content?
• How do others use resharing to curate content in a way that you admire? What do you find effective about their approach?
• Are there types of content or sources that you want to reshare more frequently? How can resharing help you stay relevant in your field?
• What are some ways you can leverage retweeting to strengthen your own personal or professional brand?
• Guiding Questions for Online Search: Look for examples of women in tech or other industries who use resharing to curate meaningful content. What strategies do they use to share knowledge and engage their followers? Search for how to effectively use resharing to establish yourself as a thought leader. What platforms and tools are best for curating content to support your professional growth?

Lesson: Exploring and Expanding Your Social Media Navigation Skills for Academic and Professional Growth
Objective: By the end of this lesson, you will:

1. Reflect on your current practices of navigating social media.
2. Identify ways to enhance and expand your social media navigation skills for academic or professional growth.
3. Generate prompts for ChatGPT to explore how to apply social media navigation in new and innovative ways.
4. Discover role models (particularly women) who excel in using social media for professional success and learn from their strategies.

Step 1: Reflecting on Your Current Social Media Navigation Practices
Choose digital literacies from the following list:

• Follow
• Follow people
• Follow pages
• Tweeting
• Resharing

For each selected literacy, answer the following prompts:

1. How do you currently demonstrate this digital literacy? Reflect on how you engage with social media in your academic or professional life. What platforms do you use (e.g., X, LinkedIn, Instagram)? What types of content do you follow, tweet, or reshare?
2. How do others demonstrate this digital literacy in a way that you admire? Think of someone you admire in your field (or a related field) who uses social media in a way that inspires you. How do they follow, tweet, or reshare? What do they do differently that makes their presence effective?
3. In what ways do you not want to demonstrate this digital literacy for yourself? Reflect on practices or behaviors that you find ineffective, unprofessional, or harmful when it comes to using social media. Are there any situations when it may be inappropriate to engage in certain practices (e.g., oversharing, reshare misleading information)?
4. How would you like to expand or enhance your proficiency in this digital literacy? Identify areas for growth. What steps can you take to improve your social media navigation skills? What resources or strategies can help you better utilize these platforms professionally?
5. What are the possibilities if you are able to demonstrate this digital literacy at a high level? Reflect on how excelling in social media navigation could impact your academic or professional career. Could it create new networking opportunities or increase your visibility in your field?

Step 2: Exploring New Ways to Navigate Social Media
Using your responses from Step 1, generate prompts for ChatGPT to help explore how you can navigate social media in new and innovative ways for your academic or professional journey.
Example ChatGPT Prompts:

1. “How can I use [Tweeting] to engage with experts in [field/discipline]? What are some effective strategies for professional networking on X that can enhance my career in [specific profession]?”
2. “What are some creative ways to use [Resharing] to promote academic research or industry updates in my [field/discipline]? How can I effectively reshare content to increase my professional presence?”
3. “How can I leverage [Follow] to stay updated on trends and network with professionals in [specific industry/field]? What platforms are best for following thought leaders in [your area of interest]?”
4. “How can I use [Follow pages] to expand my knowledge and stay informed about developments in [specific field/profession]? What are some examples of successful pages that I should follow for [career development]?”
5. “What strategies can I use for [Following people] to foster relationships and build a meaningful network within my [academic/professional] community?”

Step 3: Finding Role Models in Social Media Navigation
Use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or other professional spaces to find women who excel in navigating social media in your field of interest. Look for role models who can inspire you in how to enhance your own social media navigation skills.
Guiding Search Questions:

1. “Search for women in [your discipline or profession] who use social media to share insights, interact with others, and promote their work. How do they engage their audience and foster professional relationships online?”
2. “Who are the top women in [tech/business/education/creative fields] who excel in [Tweeting, Resharing, Following, or another skill]? What strategies do they use for building their professional brand?”
3. “Find women who are recognized for their thought leadership and influence through social media. What strategies do they use to communicate their ideas and build a following?”

Step 4: Examples of How to Navigate Social Media
How to Navigate Social Media:

• Follow key individuals and pages: Stay updated with thought leaders, industry experts, and organizations in your field. Follow accounts that share valuable content and insights relevant to your academic or professional goals.
• Engage with content: Like, comment, and share content that resonates with you. Participating in discussions can help build your presence online and strengthen professional relationships.
• Tweet regularly: Share your thoughts, updates, or ideas related to your profession or field. Use hashtags and mentions to reach a broader audience and join conversations.
• Reshare useful content: Share articles, blog posts, or resources that you find valuable to demonstrate your expertise and contribute to ongoing discussions in your field.
• Maintain a professional online presence: Make sure your profiles on platforms like LinkedIn or X reflect your academic or career aspirations. Use these platforms as tools for networking and personal branding.

Step 5: Conclusion & Next Steps

1. Review your insights from the lesson. Reflect on how you can start applying these new digital literacies to enhance your social media skills.
2. Set goals for the next few weeks to focus on the digital literacies you want to expand. Create a personal development plan to integrate these skills into your school or work projects.
3. Practice regularly by engaging with professionals in your field or joining online communities. Experiment with new platforms or tools to see how they can enhance your social media navigation.
4. Track your progress and adjust your approach based on the feedback and results you receive. Consistently refine your social media navigation skills for greater academic and professional success.

By the end of this lesson, you will have a deeper understanding of how to effectively navigate social media for academic and professional growth. You will have identified role models and developed strategies for expanding your digital literacy in social media navigation.