“Choose your level of vulnerability,” said jean to those of us in the open pedagogy seminar who are wrestling with what we do and do not want to say in the “Where I’m From” poem. We want to have agency in deciding what to put out there in the public knowledge commons—just as our students do.
In her paper “Balancing Privacy and Openness, Using a Lens of Contextual Integrity,” Catherine Cronin offers a framework that is useful for thinking through these decisions for ourselves, as well as for thinking how we want to structure assignments that ask students to contribute to the knowledge commons in any way. Cronin writes that when engaging in open educational practices, “negotiating a balance between privacy and openness is an individual decision and an ongoing challenge.” She identifies “four levels of negotiation”: the macro, meso, micro, and nano. These terms seem less important than the associated questions:
- Will I share openly? (macro)
- Whom will I share with? (meso)
- Who will I share as? (micro)
- Will I share this? (nano)
Cronin provides a longer explanation: “At the macro level, individuals make decisions about whether to engage in open networking and sharing. Individuals with a strong attachment to privacy may opt out at this level. All who consider engaging in open practices must consider questions at three further levels. At the meso level, individuals consider whom they would like share with (e.g. family, friends, professional colleagues, students, the wider public) as well as those with whom they do not want to share. At the micro level, individuals make decisions about whom they will share as. Such decisions relate to an individual’s digital identity and their sense of agency in managing that identity. . . . Finally, at the nano level, individuals make decisions about individual open transactions: ‘Will I like, follow, friend, post, tweet, tag, or share this?’”
2 thoughts on “Balancing Privacy and Openness”
According to Catherine Cronin’s article, “Balancing Privacy and Openness,” individuals make choices regarding the extent to which they actively disclose aspects of themselves in an open academic environment. Cronin observes that “For most academic staff participants in this study, open practice was experienced as a process of continual reflection and negotiation.” This statement resonates with my own experience while writing the poem, “Where I’m From.” After reading Cronin’s article, I must confess that I am even more cautious about sharing my personal experiences on a larger scale (macro level)within the public domain. This activity prompts me to consider my students and their willingness to openly share their own experiences. It underscores the importance of striking a balance between vulnerability and anonymity.
In addition to considering the balance between privacy and openness, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential impact on individuals’ well-being and sense of security. The question arises: how can we create an environment that encourages open sharing while respecting individuals’ boundaries and comfort levels? Providing students with the autonomy to decide what and how much they are comfortable sharing can foster a safer and more inclusive academic community. Moreover, promoting a culture of empathy and understanding can help students feel supported and validated in their choices to disclose or withhold personal information.
Furthermore, when discussing the topic of openness in an academic setting, it is essential to address the power dynamics and potential consequences associated with sharing personal experiences. Some individuals may feel pressured to conform to certain expectations or narratives, while others may fear judgment or discrimination. Educators must be mindful of these dynamics and create a space where students feel empowered to express themselves authentically without fear of repercussion.
Ultimately, finding the right balance between vulnerability and anonymity is an ongoing process that requires continuous reflection and dialogue. By fostering an open and respectful learning environment, we can encourage individuals to share their experiences while also respecting their privacy and ensuring their well-being.
This is illuminating. Thank you!