Month: February 2021

If I had the opportunity to create a PLN I would choose the topic to be a relevant social movement that is going on at the time. I would use social media platforms to find others who are also interested in the movement through the use of tags. Since the main goal is to spread awareness the first thing I’d look into is for the topic to reach as many people as possible. The bigger the PLN the better since some could have bigger influence or connections to someone who does. If everyone in the PLN posted a link to a petition and shared it to their social media page the topic would spread rapidly. Now if a famous person were to post it, it would spread even quicker. That is why if I wanted to put my campaign into play, the use of Instagram to share stories would be ideal since it would pick up fast and gain a lot of looks since it is constantly being shared. Twitter would also be a good outlet since the hashtags and trending page would allow the topic to garner a great deal of attention. Having a PLN of those with the same ideologies as you but with different resources is a key factor for the campaign since others can help where you lack and vice versa.

• How diverse is your existing PLN? 

I’d like to think my PLN is diverse as it includes many different skin colours, gendergs, ages and beliefs. My PLN contains people from all over, not just from Victoria. I created a youtube channel and gained a small following of people from the UK, Germany and France as well as the United States. My interactions with many people are different and not everyone’s first language is English. In my PLN we established respect and everyone gets along with one another. 

• In your PLN, are you learning from a variety of voices or are you the loudest in the room?

I am far from the loudest in the room. We definitely have some personalities and characters but everyone contributes the same amount. We preach to not have egos and we see everyone as equal and respect those who are shy and allow everyone’s voice to be heard. I like to observe and gain an understanding of a topic I’m unsure of and tend to not speak on topics I don’t have knowledge on.

• How can you use a diverse PLN to broaden your views of inclusion?

Just listening to other people’s views is already a huge step to broaden your views. People’s experience of inclusion can educate you and allow you to broaden your views of inclusion. Without inclusion, someone that has a good perspective or idea won’t be heard. It opens many new options since everyone thinks uniquely. Although, in a professional setting if you need professionals to carry out a task you wouldn’t include those who aren’t trained. Inclusion is needed but in some circumstances it is not.

• How has your thinking about inclusion and PLN evolved after reviewing the videos and readings?

It sparks an interest in me and definitely changes my perspective. After reviewing the videos and readings it makes me think differently and makes me assess all possibilities. These videos and readings gave me a much clearer description of inclusion than the one I already had in my mind. It opened up new things to me and I will be prepared in situations from now on. 

References: 
Moore, S. (2018). The Evolution of Inclusion: The Past and Future of Education. YouTube. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQgXBhPh5Zo&feature=youtu.be

– What is a digital identity?

Eric Stoller explains it best that “your digital identity is sort of your footprint on the web, it’s this thing that is with you that is searchable, your body of work, your portfolio, your blog, your tweets, everything that you do on the web kind of represents your digital identity.” (Eric Stoller, 0:22, What is digital identity?). It is a reflection of yourself on the internet and is a product of what you have shaped. Google and social media apps gather your information and everything that you like, their algorithm is geared to understand what you like and put more of those pictures, videos, and even ads in front of you. Social media apps do this by the use of like buttons as well as share buttons, anything that engages the user triggers the algorithm to produce content similar to that. Your identity can be shaped by your interaction on these apps, these apps analyze the data and information we put in to understand our likes and dislikes. Your digital identity is a reflection of you because of the data you share with these applications.

– How do personal versus professional approaches to digital identity affect social media use?

Personal approaches to digital identity affects social media in a more comfortable way for the individual. Personal digital identity allows the user to have more freedom on what they post, like or share. The individual’s digital identity is usually a real reflection of the user. The personal approach is a more raw and natural way to use social media, as it is commonly used for personal use without having to act a certain way or post something they wouldn’t normally post. I have a personal Instagram and Twitter that I post my vacation or lifestyle pictures for my followers which are mainly my friends to see, I feel good sharing my life with them. Especially during Covid-19 where I haven’t seen them in a long time, it is a good platform to interact with the people I know. Although there is a freedom aspect to it, there are a set of unwritten rules that whoever seeks a professional career should follow. Individuals should understand that anything that is posted on the internet is there forever and that companies do background checks. Nowadays one mistake can ruin someone’s career or prevent them from getting into a professional career.

Professionality on social media is key if one wants to establish themselves in the professional world. It is a great way to showcase their portfolio and network. A professional approach to a digital identity is usually not the same as your personal identity, it is shaped and takes time to develop a well designed profile. It is more designed for others than yourself as it could potentially boost your career and future endeavours. A freelancer or social media influencer wouldn’t have the same approach to social media since the freelancer and influencer would be pushing their brand and products in the majority of their posts. Their approach is to use hashtags and get their account out there to be engaging and potentially push their brand.

– How do digital identities converge in networked publics – what are the impacts and/or benefits?

Digital identities show what type of person we are, the convergence within a networked public can allow us to make connections with those that like similar things as us creating bonds. But since it is a reflection of us it best to mind what we post and share to not offend anybody. Things such as sharing nudity,  pornography, and insensitive memes or political views will reflect badly on your character. Posting irresponsible things such as your personal information on the internet could end up badly since there are many threats of scammers and hackers online. The impact of a digital identity is since it is a representation of the individual, it allows us to do things we couldn’t before. Online transactions are a big thing that is taking over our lives as it is made so easy. We are now able to pay for items with our phone, and all it requires is a quick scan of your face. This is a big step as technology evolves and this is all due to digital identities. But, on the other hand since all your bank and personal information is stored on the internet, it leaves you susceptible to a leak of your information, websites you sign up for sell your personal information leaving you at risk. Although there are plenty of benefits of digital identities, it comes at a cost of our safety and if we can understand and educate ourselves about the risks that come with it, we can maximize the benefits of it.

References:

Eric Stoller. “What is digital identity?”. YouTube, uploaded by University of Derby, 25 Nov 2016 of publication, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0RryRbJza0&feature=youtu.be & 0:25.

• What digital platforms are students currently using to develop their professional network?

Students are using many platforms to develop their professional network. The main social media networks LinkedIn and Facebook are good for connecting in a professional setting. Twitter and Instagram are also very good ways to interact with others and utilize the opportunity with the PLN. Tiktok and Youtube have provided new and great opportunities to build relationships and interact. LinkedIn is the most popular when it comes to professional settings but the other platforms get overlooked because it can be used for professional and non professional settings. 

• What can you (as a student) consider to expand your professional learning network?

These overlooked platforms can bring many great opportunities and for the younger generation, there’s more peers for us. Using these platforms of social media I can build and expand my professional learning network. If most people only stick to one platform and not the majority of them, we can’t maximise the potential of each platform. We should use all platforms and not stop there, we need to be active on these digital platforms so we can have successful professional learning networks. Also joining clubs and groups could expand your network as you are interacting with new people and sharing ideas. Attending events in general and lectures can grow and expand your professional network. 

• In your network, how can you create a digital identity/reputation?

My digital identity can be tracked by my digital footprint and my activity on these digital applications. My digital identity and reputation comes from how I build my profile to be, sharing my business and showing others what I do. Sharing what you do is a digital residency you leave behind and allows you to build an identity in your network.

• Consider what a local employer would do if you applied for a job with them – can they search the content, is it of benefit to the career path, does it hinder the opportunity of employment?

Employers usually do background checks and within them, they can view your digital identity. If it is my personal social media I usually keep my life private. But for my Professional Learning Network, you can build your identity and portfolio, if your qualifications are similar to the job it can be beneficial for you as it shows you have the abilities to benefit the employer.

• What does it mean to network using social media?

Networking is a skill to connect with others that is beneficial for both parties. Networking using social media means applying these skills that would usually take place in person at networking sessions, but now using social media apps. These social media apps such as Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Zoom, etc., allow users to network at their fingertips sending direct messages and reposting stories to exchange information with other users with the same intentions. With the outbreak of Covid-19, there is no better time to use social media to network. Social media networking is a life skill to learn. Social media is limitless in the range allowing a user in Toronto to connect with another user in Sydney, it is best for us to capitalize on this opportunity to network with relevant peers from around the world to improve our lifestyles.

• How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?

We can be motivated to participate in networked publics for the benefits that it offers. The motivations can stem from what the individual is seeking to gain. There are many factors, an individual who would usually be afraid to voice their opinion in front of many others wouldn’t be so nervous on social media which would make them more comfortable. Strong ties allow for active collaboration on knowledge creation, whereas weak ties are sources for new information, knowledge and ideas (Bell, 2010; Gargiulo and Benassi, 2000; Jones, 2008; Jones, et al., 2008; Ryberg and Larsen, 2008; Wenger, 1998). The more involved an individual is, the ties will naturally become stronger.

• What are the risks & rewards of public communications?

The reward of public communications is how diverse it is to build relationships and come up with creative ideas, there is a lot to learn for everyone. There are many opportunities for all parties and everyone can stay connected. The risk of public communications is everything that happens online stays online, there is little to no privacy. All social media apps collect our data and ideas that are shared with each other. Since so much information can be stolen, it would be best for everyone to understand and be aware of the underlying negatives that come with using social media and the internet.

References:

Rajagopal, Kamakshi, et al. “View of Understanding Personal Learning Networks: Their Structure, Content and the Networking Skills Needed to Optimally Use Them: First Monday.” View of Understanding Personal Learning Networks: Their Structure, Content and the Networking Skills Needed to Optimally Use Them | First Monday, 27 Aug. 2011, firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/3559/3131.