Author: faiz

In this last blog post, I would like to reflect upon the concept of PLN. It is true that in all the previous posts, I did mention PLN several times, however, now that we are wrapping up the course, it is essential to reflect on the learning and experience throughout the course. 

Honestly, I could have never imagined that social media can also be used in such a productive manner. For instance, the use of Mattermost throughout the course, enable a collaborative working experience where individuals exchanged their opinions and knowledge and created a dynamic learning environment that was highly beneficial for everyone. 

It is true that our PLN that was developed throughout this course can definitely be used as a professional development tool post this course. By encouraging networking opportunities and ongoing learning, a PLN (Personal Learning Network) developed during this course can significantly accelerate professional development. It gives us access to a wide range of peers, professors, and professionals who can offer advice, feedback, and insights. In addition, it makes it possible to share resources like case studies, research articles, and market trends, which makes it easier to learn the most recent information. Participating in PLN discussions and team projects can foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Alongside that, interactions with experts in various fields can broaden perspectives and introduce people to fresh concepts and cutting-edge techniques. The relationships made within the PLN may result in job leads, recommendations, and joint ventures. Last but not least, individuals can stay adaptable and relevant in a professional environment that is rapidly changing. 

I can definitely say that post this course my perspective on social media has changed. I now recognize a completely different aspect of social media—one that promotes professional and personal growth rather than serving merely as a platform for amusement or social interactions. 

I would also like to thank all my classmates and professor for this amazing learning journey that we all were a part of. 

Social media plays a multifaceted role in education. It acts as a platform for students, instructors, and parents to communicate and collaborate in real-time, allowing for real-time engagement and resource sharing. However, what platforms should one consider for that? There are several social media platforms that can be beneficial for education given they facilitate communication, collaboration, networking, and resource sharing. Some of the most popular and widely used platforms that prove to be beneficial for education are as follows- 

1. While primarily a video-sharing platform, YouTube hosts a vast collection of educational content, including tutorials, lectures, and educational channels that can supplement classroom learning.
2. Educators use Twitter to share resources, participate in education-related chats, and connect with colleagues, experts, and organizations in the field.
3. Facebook offers groups where educators can join communities of like-minded individuals to share ideas, and resources, and engage in discussions. 

It is worth mentioning that there are several other platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, Reddit, and Slack that could be useful for educational purposes. 

Since social media platforms are not essentially built for education, it is highly important to consider the regulations of the platform before considering it a part of one’s learning network. Especially when dealing with vulnerable sectors such as children, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or other marginalized groups, maintaining professionalism and adhering to regulations is of utmost importance. I would like to add how many platforms have not really performed well in this and have been accused of problems such as privacy breaches due to unintentional sharing of sensitive information, fostering digital distractions that detract from focused learning, amplifying cyberbullying or online harassment, and potentially blurring the lines between personal and professional interactions, leading to unprofessional behavior. There are several considerations by social media platforms to fit into professionalism and regulations such as Privacy and Confidentiality, Content Sensitivity, Code of Conduct, Ethical Guidelines, Monitoring, and Moderation. 

As we are discussing PLN, it is also true that a PLN has the ability to both help and hinder the development of thoughts and ideas. On one hand, a PLN may be a strong driver for creativity and growth by exposing educators to different points of view, allowing resource sharing, and encouraging joint activities. Within a PLN, the exchange of feedback and participation in continuing professional development opportunities can lead to the advancement of educational practices. However, if the interactions inside the PLN are limited to like-minded peers, educators must be aware of potential risks such as echo chambers and confirmation bias. Striking a balance between actively seeking out diverse perspectives, critically evaluating information, and effectively managing time within the PLN can ensure that it serves as a constructive platform for thought-provoking discussions and the continuous evolution of ideas in the changing educational landscape.

If created properly, discourses can be pretty useful. Educators foster discourse by carefully picking thought-provoking subjects and designing open-ended questions that promote critical thinking. Strategies for active involvement, such as group discussions and debates, engage students and allow them to express themselves. Educators ensure that all participants contribute meaningfully by guiding dialogues and modeling good communication.

Given the importance of social media in today’s digital society, it is critical to understand media literacy. The capacity to critically analyze and comprehend numerous media types, such as news articles, social media postings, videos, and ads, is called media literacy. It involves assessing the trustworthiness and dependability of material offered in the media, recognizing biases and possible disinformation, and comprehending how the media may impact ideas and attitudes. In today’s digital world, media literacy skills are vital when information is copious and quickly available. 

From students to professionals and celebrities, everyone uses social media these days. It could be intimidating how notable individuals might be using social media considering the amount of people who follow them. Journalists, celebrities, and public figures utilize social media to communicate with their audiences, exchange information, and voice their opinions. They may use social media sites such as Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to promote their work, participate in debates, and develop their personal brand. They may reach a larger audience, give behind-the-scenes insights, and communicate directly with their fans through social media, generating a sense of connection and engagement. For many of us, it might seem that they lack personal space by being in the public eye most of the time. However, for regular folks such as university-going students being in the public eye and having a Personal Learning Network (PLN) can provide various advantages. For starters, it allows one to demonstrate knowledge and effort, which may lead to higher exposure and job chances. Having a strong PLN allows one to have access to a wide range of viewpoints and knowledge, promoting ongoing learning and progress. Furthermore, it allows for networking and cooperation with like-minded individuals, expanding one’s knowledge base and bringing up new opportunities.  Being in the public eye and in a PLN may involve some repercussions as well. The most common being negative replies and comments. The podcast conversation with Sophie Lui provides some insights into how to handle negative feedback on social media. Here are some important takeaways from the podcast that I found pretty useful. To address negative replies and reviews that reflect your personal values, it is crucial to respond with professionalism and empathy. Avoid reacting emotionally and instead, take a step back before engaging. Consider the credibility and intentions of the individual providing the feedback. If the criticism is constructive, use it as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. Respond respectfully and seek feedback from trusted sources like colleagues and mentors. Focus on the positive interactions and support you receive from your audience and peers, and don’t let negativity overshadow your work. By handling negative feedback with grace and maturity, you can maintain a positive online presence that aligns with your personal values. 

Reflecting on the topics presented this week, I’d want to emphasize how vital it is to understand the pros and cons of having a PLN so that we may utilize it effectively. Open dialogues about media literacy and information can create conflict due to various factors. Firstly, people may have different perspectives and beliefs, which can lead to disagreements and clashes when discussing what constitutes reliable information or media literacy practices. Additionally, social media platforms often amplify echo chambers, where like-minded individuals reinforce each other’s beliefs and dismiss opposing viewpoints. As seen in the podcast, social media can also be a space where offensive and disrespectful comments are made, fostering a hostile environment for constructive conversations. Misinformation and disinformation further contribute to conflicts, as individuals may cling to false narratives, leading to heated debates and distrust. In such instances, emotions can override rationality, causing misunderstandings and animosity. To address this, it is essential to cultivate empathy, active listening, and critical thinking skills to engage in respectful and meaningful discussions about media literacy and information. Encouraging an open and inclusive environment can help mitigate conflicts and foster a more informed society.

My perspective on inclusiveness and Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) has developed dramatically throughout the course of my professional career and education. Inclusion is about actively promoting and appreciating diversity, not merely recognizing it. A diverse and inclusive PLN is essential for personal development and actively contributing to the professional community. As a strong communication tool, social media plays a critical role in generating messaging and themes that promote tolerance and diversity. It enables me to have open dialogues with a global network of professionals, establishing a culture of knowledge sharing and mutual respect. However, social media poses communication issues in terms of disinformation and polarization, necessitating monitoring in order to create healthy interactions. To ensure fair representation, ensuring an inclusive PLN entails elevating the views of others, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Understanding an employer’s social media communication regulations is critical for keeping a public profile and engaging PLN without risking professional standards. A varied and inclusive PLN provides advantages such as access to diverse perspectives, challenging biases, and supporting positive change, making it a powerful force in influencing the community and creating a more inclusive digital landscape.

With the advent of technology in the current era, it has been convenient and efficient to connect with people and build a professional network. Several different platforms are available such as Linkedin, Twitter, meetup, and even Facebook. Linked is a great platform that is used by students and professionals to build networks, join industry-specific groups and simply to connect. 

There are various factors that could be considered for expanding professional learning network. The easiest and most used is to join relevant online communities. Students can stay updated about industry trends and new jobs in their areas of interest and is a great way to connect and learn from people who are already in that field. Other ways could be attending workshops, webinars, and connecting with alumni. Data privacy and security limit can play a crucial role in limiting the effectiveness of PLN. People might be reluctant to share their personal details on online platforms fearing the misuse of their data. However, if data privacy and security measures are put into place, a safer environment can be built on these platforms and people could easily participate and benefit from these. 

To create a digital identity/ reputation in my network, one could take several steps such as-

 1) Curating content 

Sharing valuable content such as articles, posts, blogs, and insights can help in demonstrating knowledge and also benefit others in my network. 

2) Interacting and engaging with members 

3) Being consistent and thoughtful in participation 

I believe it is really essential to build and maintain a professional demeanor across all social media platforms. To no surprise, many employers these days review the candidate’s social media presence to gain insight into their personality and values. Speaking of myself, even I try to stay decent and professional across my social media platforms because I am aware that they could be scrutinized by the employer I would apply for a job with. We need to understand that it could be hard to maintain our personal and professional digital identity but just like a personal and social self, these are the identities that we need to present carefully to the people around us. 

Finally, I would say we should appreciate the convenience we are all born with and try to utilize it in the best ways possible. With this, I would like to end the blog. 

Social media networking is the process of establishing connections with industry experts, exchanging knowledge, participating in conversations, promoting one’s professional brand, joining organisations, and forming relationships. It entails growing your network, keeping up with market developments, and utilising internet interactions for professional development. People can interact with like-minded professionals, discover new possibilities, and improve their professional reputation by strategically using social media.

People are motivated to join in networked publics, such as social media, for reasons such as social connection, self-expression, information sharing, professional networking, and the chance to participate in topics and issues that are relevant to their interests. Participation is also driven by visibility, recognition, and influence inside these online groups.

Public communications via networked publics provide benefits such as broad reach, idea exchange, relationship development, exposure, professional progress, and advocacy. However, concerns include online abuse, privacy violations, reputational loss, content misinterpretation, and possibly negative impacts on mental health. Caution, privacy settings, digital etiquette, and critical content evaluation are all necessary in properly managing these threats.

The depiction of an individual’s online presence, as well as the collection of information and traits linked with them in the digital environment, is referred to as digital identity. It includes how people display themselves online, as well as their activities, interests, and interactions, as well as the information available about them on numerous digital platforms.

Individuals’ use of social media is influenced by their personal and professional approaches to digital identification. Personal techniques may place a premium on social relationships and casual encounters, whereas professional approaches place a premium on networking, knowledge sharing, and creating a professional reputation.

Individuals’ digital identities merge in networked publics when they interact online, resulting in different relationships, partnerships, and increasing exposure. This convergence provides advantages such as improved professional networking, access to varied perspectives and knowledge, increased visibility, and the capacity to raise voices on social concerns. It promotes collaboration, learning, and group action. However, there are worries about privacy, online abuse, and the blurring of personal/professional boundaries. Managing digital identities becomes critical for maintaining a favorable online presence and effectively navigating networked publics.