Blog 1
What does it mean to network using social media?
Over the past decade, social media has changed the way how people network. Sites like Instagram, Twitter and Matter Most are being used by many people as a convenient tool to keep in touch with friends and family. They also play an important role in connecting people, for example, it can be used as a great tool to connect students with their classmates and teachers, it also can be an extraordinary tool for businesses owners to promote their products and expand their markets. Networking through social media also means you can connect with people you’re unlikely to meet in real life.
How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?
1. Community. Many people would feel a sense of belonging when they join a group with similar values and interests, and network is the place for them. 2: Fun, most people enjoying social interaction, and exploration through networking, and networking can bring a lot of fun and exciting things to them. 3: Learning, online networking is a place where you can meet people with different knowledge and backgrounds, so it is also a good place to learn. (Ross Dawson, 2007)
What are the risks & rewards of public communications?
The main reward of public communication is that it could help connect people and share information. In terms of risks, privacy can be a disadvantage for public communications. As Boyed mentioned in his journal, with the increasing data sharing through public networks, especially online public networks, our privacy is also increasingly networked. Users may face the risk of data and information leakage if we don’t pay attention to it.
References:
Boyd, D. (2012). Networked privacy. Surveillance & Society, 10(3/4), 348–350. https://doi.org/10.24908/ss.v10i3/4.4529
Ross Dawson. (2007, August 3). The 9 motivations to participate in networks. Ross Dawson. https://rossdawson.com/the_9_motivatio/
Blog 2
What is a digital identity?
Digital identity can be defined as a person’s presence online, as explained by Eric Stoller (2016), one’s digital identity footprint on the internet includes everything that a person posts, shares, comments on and interacts with, as well as how a person uses digital tools for their own benefit, and the benefit of the people that they work with. A person’s digital identity can always be with them and is very important to them.
How do personal versus professional approaches to digital identity affect social media use?
Both personal and professional identities are formed through online social interaction via online platforms and communication tools. (2016) However, the difference is that most people behave differently in their personal and professional lives. Most people are more rigorous and serious about their work, so their professional identity will show a more professional person, while their personal identity will show a more casual version of themselves.
How do digital identities converge in networked publics – what are the impacts and benefits?
The impacts digital identities on the networked publics are significant, and it is impacting and benefiting our society in many different ways. For citizens, having a digital identity means they can do a lot of things online that they otherwise must do face to face, such as transferring money, purchasing insurance, and even consulting doctors. The benefits of networked publics can also be seen in companies and government administrations. For example, according to a report by a global management consulting firm, countries that implement digital identities could create economic value equivalent to 3 to 6 percent of GDP by 2030. Some developed European countries, such as Estonia, have come to rely on the digital information society to ensure economic growth and competitive development, and their “digital society” have made extensive use of digital identities in all aspects of society. (Digital Dividends: The Positive Effects of Digital Identity)
Can a digital wallet provide trust in networked publics?
I do think digital wallets would provide trust among networked publics. Money is important to everyone, and I think if you link a person’s wallet to their online identity, it will control their online behavior to some extent, and thus create a sense of trust.
References:
Digital dividends: The positive effects of digital identity. Thales Group. (n.d.). https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/government/inspired/digital-dividends
Eric Stoller “what is digital identity?”, YouTube. (2016, November 25). https://youtu.be/u0RryRbJza0; (00:06-01:15)
Jawed, Saira; Mahboob, Usman; Yasmeen, Rahila Education for health (Abingdon, England), 2019, Vol.32 (1), p.33-35
Blog 3
What digital platforms are students currently using to develop their professional network?
Most students are currently using LinkedIn to develop their professional network. LinkedIn is a social media platform that helps students build digital profiles in a professional way. It is easier to use for job applications than going through traditional job recruitment process, and because LinkedIn is popular with employers around the world, it also has advantages such as provide more job opportunities for students/job seekers. In addition to LinkedIn, I think BrightSpace is another digital platform for UVic students to develop their professional network because that’s where most of our school-related work is done.
What could the student consider in expanding their professional learning network?
Students could expand their professional learning network by joining online communities. Online communities such as Classroom 2.0 and The Educator’s PLN provide students with good circles of experts who offer professional development resources, such as online events, and are a great place to start networking. Students could also consider join a meetup group. Meeting people who share similar interests or disciplines will not only help students’ academically but also expand their social network. These meetups are not just limited to in-person gatherings, but can also take place online, with sites like Google Skype, Zoom being the perfect way to expand their professional learning network. (Staff, 2022)
How do data privacy and security limit and promote a PLN? In your network, how can you create a digital identity/ reputation?
Data privacy and security can limit a PLN by leaking your professional data and information, but these problems can also be avoided if users are careful to protect their data and security. In my network, I could create a digital identity by regularly posting on my LinkedIn and be aware of what I post and share on my personal social media platforms.
Visitor & Resident Map
Reference
Staff, T. T. (2022, January 22). Ready to grow? 20 ways to improve your professional learning network. TeachThought. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://www.teachthought.com/education/professional-learning-network/
Blog 4
PLN in Education
Using social media in the workplace can be beneficial but also detrimental to one’s career. Therefore, when using social media, we should pay extra attention to what we do and avoid commenting, sharing or making inappropriate remarks on the topic.
Which social media platforms are beneficial in education?
With the increasing popularity of social media, most teenage students are starting to spend more of their time on those platforms. Therefore, if teachers can find ways to integrate social media platforms into their teaching methods, they will likely increase students’ interest in learning content that would otherwise be boring, thus achieve better teaching outcomes.
According to education experts (2022), there are a few social media platforms that are likely to be beneficial in education. 1) TikTok is extremely popular and easy to use, and most students are familiar with it, so teachers can easily create a class group to share educational video projects and assignments. 2) Instagram’s enduring popularity has made it a natural choice for many teachers. Teachers can create class accounts on it, use it to present lesson ideas and student work, and even communicate with students and their families. 3) As another of well-known social media platforms, Facebook provides an easy and free way for teachers to keep up with the latest education news, and to share ideas about lessons and programs with students and their families. 4) TED-Ed is also great a social media platform for sharing educational videos, the platform offers free pre-made lesson plans, and it also has the ability for teachers to create, customize and share their own video lesson plans.
When working with the vulnerable sector, how does social media fit into professionalism and regulations?
I think we should be extremely careful about how they use social media when working with the vulnerable sector. From a professional standpoint, we should first get to know the vulnerable groups and avoid accidentally making offensive remarks and comments about them. We should also stay up to date on the latest regulations, avoid actions that violate requirements or even laws.
Aspects of education outside of the traditional classroom, include dialogue about how education in the workplace in any capacity can consist of social media & what boundaries should be considered before encouraging discourse in a professional environment.
Teaching outside the traditional classroom has become popular in recent years, the most common of which are online teaching and face to face tutoring, and I think they both have their advantages. Teaching through online platform is usually more convenient and flexible for both teachers and students, it also reduces their time and transportation costs. Students can also learn knowledge through the Internet since there are various tutorial videos and articles can be found on the internet. In person tutoring usually refers to a tutor tutoring one or a very small numbers of students, so tutors can adjust lessons for different students more easily and students can also conveniently ask questions.
Even though the internet can be a great platform for education outside of the traditional classroom, we should also pay attention on what to comment and share on there. Because commenting and sharing or even liking controversial issues can negatively affect your online profile and reputation.
References:
Restifo, D. (2022, April 19). Best Free Social Networks/media sites for Education. TechLearningMagazine. https://www.techlearning.com/news/best-free-social-networksmedia-sites-for-education
Blog 5
How would you create a PLN prior to engaging in a social media campaign on a topic of your choice? Consider how you would introduce yourself to others, consider how you would engage in initial conversation to generate interest in your campaign professionally.
I would take the following steps to create a personalized learning network in a social media campaign on a topic of my choice.
- I will need to decide who I want to connect with, am I lookinh for an educational experience from professionals in the field or am I looking for a group of people like me to casually discuss issues and subjects together.
- I will decide on what social media platform to use based on the first step. If I choose to communicate with professionals, I will choose to use LinkedIn. And if it is a group of people similar to me, I will then choose social media platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp.
- I will try to post as much contents as I can, reach out to professionals and other people, liking and commenting on others’ posts, especially professionals, because this is an important way to get noticed online and strengthen my personal learning network.
- I will also pay attention to what I post, comment, and even like on those social media platforms, because inappropriate remarks are likely to have a negative impact on my digital identity.
- I will also pay attention to my data privacy and security to avoid leaking my professional data and information.
Blog 6
How does social media engage communications?
Social media has emerged as a powerful communication medium for people It provides us with a convenient communication method and platform, and because of its extensive influence on a global scale, it plays an important role in promoting communication for us, helping us to reach more people. Not only can it help us quickly get in touch with friends, but also communicate with people anywhere in the world. In recent years, with the rapid development of social media, companies have also begun to use social media to communicate with customers and get in touch with job seekers. This not only makes job hunting more convenient, but also increases the range of options for talent recruitment.
How does social media challenge communications? · Is it inclusive?
Social media can affect people by not wanting to meet and interact with people face to face in real life. According to a survey, 11 percent of adults said on Facebook that they would rather stay at home on weekends than go out. Communication is also influenced by social media in ways individuals express themselves and our expectations of others. When people communicate with others on social platforms without face-to-face verbal, emotional, or social contact, they would have less experience of the cues they get from face-to-face interactions and awareness of others’ needs. Fortunately, this problem is currently mostly on the younger generation, because most middle-aged and elderly people are not familiar with using social media, they still choose to communicate with people face-to-face instead of communicating with people virtually.
Does your PLN amplify the views of others?
I do think my PLN amplify the views of others. Right now, my PLN is my classmates who are taking the same courses as me, and everyone communicate with each other, share, and listen to each other’s views.
The policies of employer social media communication expectations.
Employer policies that may be set in social media communications may include: 1) Protecting the company’s reputation by not commenting, sharing, and posting on controversial topics. 2) Protect the security and privacy of the company, prevent the company from cyber-attacks on social media, and leak confidential documents online.
How to better use social media to build PLN – Influencers & Commentators
I think influencers and commentators can make better use of social media to build their PLN by:
1) Choose a suitable social media platform, different personal learning networks have different suitable social platforms. 2) Know the audience and stay up-to-date. 3) Interact with the followers and pay attention to their comments, suggestions, and criticisms.
Reference:
Nair, M. (2023, February 16). Social Media Effects on communication. University of the People. https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/how-social-media-affected-communication/
Blog 7/8
Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict; why does this happen?
Nowadays, there are countless media companies and formats. The advantage of this is that people have more sources to obtain information, but one of the disadvantages is that the competition in the media industry is intensified, so many media companies choose to create fake news to get more clicks and views. The news published by media companies can often achieve the effect of manipulating people’s perception of reality and influencing people’s political positions and so on. Therefore, fake news leads many people choose to believe false information, which is a major reason for provoking and fueling conflicts when it comes to open dialogues about media literacy and factual information.
What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy?
Media literacy is the backbone of understanding the media and their role in our society. Media literacy also provides some basic skills necessary for critical thinking and analysis. Therefore, it’s also important to have people in your personal learning network who value media literacy, who can help us distinguish between real and fake information as well as help us with critical thinking and analysis skills.
Reference:
The danger of fake news in inflaming or suppressing social conflict. Center for Information Technology and Society – UC Santa Barbara. (n.d.). https://www.cits.ucsb.edu/fake-news/danger-social
Media and Information Literacy – Digital Citizenship Education (DCE) – publi.coe.int. Digital Citizenship Education (DCE). (n.d.). https://www.coe.int/en/web/digital-citizenship-education/media-and-information-literacy
Blog 9
Can your PLN be used to help professional development post-course?
I do think my PLN could be used to help with my professional development post-course. My current PLN mainly includes students taking the same major as mine. They not only have a good understanding of my major, but also face similar post-course professional development as me. Therefore, I think using my PLN to exchange information such as professional knowledge and job opportunities will be helpful for everyone in my PLN, including myself.
Can your PLN be relied on to open professional opportunities?
I think I can rely on my PLN to open professional opportunities. The major I am taking have a wide range of job opportunities, so I have a lot of options in choosing a career in the future, and as I mentioned before, I think that my PLN can be used as a channel for sharing and finding careers. Having said that, I also think that I need to expand my PLN, because currently my PLN mainly includes students taking the same major as mine, and in order to better open up my career opportunities, I need to use what I have learned in this course about building a personal learning network and expand my PLN, as well as make more connections with people working in my profession.
Feedback 1
Link to the post: https://ignite338.opened.ca/blog-1/
Hi Jacky, I enjoyed reading your blog. I agree with you that one of the rewards of public communications is having more opportunities and it is easier to find an appropriate job, I’ve personally also experienced the benefits of finding jobs quickly through public communications. I also agree with you that personal privacy has been a very common issue in public communications. I think we all face the risk of data and information leakage if we don’t pay attention to it.
Feedback 2
Link to the post: https://richie1109.opened.ca/what-does-my-digital-identity-look-like/
Hi Richie, I enjoyed reading your post! I totally agree with you that while digital wallets give us a seamless purchasing experience, enhanced security and optional card usage, they also have a lot of security issues and are the best way to protecting our digital wallets is to protect our own digital identity.
Feedback 3
Link to the post: https://thomasnguyen.opened.ca/blog-3-personal-digital-identity-vs-professional-digital-identity/
Hi Thomas, I enjoyed reading your post. I’m glad you mentioned that liking and commenting on LinkedIn posts is a great way to develop our digital identity, I have also found this very helpful when using LinkedIn. I think liking and commenting on posts is a great way to get noticed and acknowledged, especially if you don’t have a lot of connections.
Feedback 4
Link to the post: https://ellao.opened.ca/2023/02/09/week-5-pln-in-education/
Hi Ella, I enjoyed reading your post. I agree with you on using two separate profiles on the internet, one public and one private. I think a lot of people want to keep their online profiles professional, but they also like to share their personal lives online, as well as comment and share controversial topics, so using two separate profiles can allow you to do both.
Feedback 5
Link to the post: https://ignite338.opened.ca/blog-5/#comment-18
Hi Jacky, I enjoyed reading your post. I totally agree with the steps you listed to creating a PLN, and I’m glad that you mentioned security, I think protecting data and information online is very important, we need to pay attention to our data privacy and security when creating a personalized learning network in a social media campaign and leaking professional data and information.
Feedback 6
Link to the post: https://richie1109.opened.ca/week-7-community-engagement-your-pln/#comment-3
Hi Richie, I enjoyed reading your post! And I agree with the policies you mentioned about employer social media communication expectations. I think it is very important for employers protect their company’s reputation by not commenting, sharing, and posting on things that are controversial. As well as separate work and personal social media.
Feedback 7/8
Link to the post: https://rongmuuuu.opened.ca/why-media-literacy-matters-in-pln/?unapproved=11&moderation-hash=132a89563109b80a03df385fb63b6e13#comment-11
Hi Rongmu, I liked reading your post. I agree that there are countless media companies nowadays, so people have many ways to obtain news, but this causes the competition in the media industry to intensify, and some media companies choose to create fake news to get more clicks, which then provoke conflicts when it comes to open dialogues about media literacy and factual information.
Feedback 9
Link to the post: https://hannahh.opened.ca/blog-post-9-engaging-your-pln-using-your-pln-to-engage-business-career-opportunities-and-relationships/?unapproved=9&moderation-hash=10192bcdba890bbd341b2a578462ca83#comment-9
Hi Hannah, I really like the PLN diagram you included in your blog, and I’m glad you mentioned that PLN can be built by attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with people in the field. I think PLN can be used as a great way to share expertise and find job opportunities, but most people don’t realize its importance and know ways to expand it.