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Building Personal Learning Networks for Growth

The role of my Personal Learning Network (PLN) in my learning and development journey holds importance. I actively engage on media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter to exchange resources, seek advice, and collaborate with learners. Among these platforms, I find Twitter, LinkedIn and professional forums to be both stimulating and educational.

On Twitter, I can follow industry experts and relevant organizations in my field. Keeping up with real-time posts and trending hashtags helps me stay updated on industry trends and research advancements. Participating in discussions on Twitter allows me to connect with professionals globally and expand my perspectives. In contrast, LinkedIn serves as a networking platform that enables me to build connections with colleagues and industry peers. By joining groups aligned with my interests and following companies on LinkedIn I broaden my network. Furthermore, the courses available on LinkedIn Learning support my learning efforts.

Engagement within the Community:

Active participation within the PLN community is crucial for growth. Here’s how I engage:

Joining Conversations: Sharing insights on posts, asking questions, and initiating discussions.

Providing Support and Feedback: Offering assistance and constructive feedback to peers is a part of my community involvement.As a believer in helping others by answering questions, providing recommendations, and recognizing contributions from learners. Sharing content holds significance, for me; I always aim to distribute articles, research findings and valuable resources that I believe can be beneficial to others. This does not assist those who come across it. Also boosts my online presence and credibility.

When it comes to establishing a learning network (PLN), I follow the steps. Here’s how I go about it;

1. Connecting with Individuals: To begin, I identify individuals and communities that share career interests and goals. This involves exploring profiles joining groups and engaging in activities such as events and webinars.
2. Engaging with Others: I initiate contact by sending messages that highlight our shared interests and convey my eagerness to connect. Interacting with their content through comments and shares helps build relationships.
3. Collaborating on Projects: Involvement in projects and discussions strengthens these connections further. My approach includes offering my expertise while also being open to seeking assistance when necessary. This mutual support nurtures a PLN.
4. Expanding my learning network (PLN) is a focus for me; my objective is to include contacts from regions of the world and experts from various fields.

My strategy involves connecting with professionals from backgrounds and locations through platforms, like ResearchGate well as participating in global conferences and online seminars.

To overcome obstacles such as language and cultural variations, I plan to utilize tools like Google Translate and deepen my knowledge to bridge any gaps.

My aim is to connect with experts in the industry to gain insights from their experiences value their contributions and actively participate in their projects. Taking part in workshops and earning certifications will also open up networking opportunities with these professionals.

Building a Professional Learning Network (PLN) is crucial for growth and ongoing education. By engaging on social media platforms, interacting with the community, nurturing relationships, and expanding networks, individuals can remain at the forefront of their field while promoting development!

Link of viedo relate the PLN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=784H1mULdi4

The advantages of developing a Personal Learning Network (PLN)

Having a network, for learning can significantly boost your growth. It allows you to come across perspectives, experiences and expertise that you might not have otherwise encountered. Interacting with individuals from backgrounds, cultures and fields can expose you to a variety of topics and challenges that can enrich your learning journey and decision making skills.

Personal Experience Example; During my participation in a project related to healthcare information systems I collaborated with professionals from countries. Their unique viewpoints offered me insights into how healthcare systems operate and the influence of culture, on healthcare informatics. This encounter expanded my perspective. Enabled me to come up with solutions.

Building an Inclusive PLN

Ensuring that your PLN incorporates voices and perspectives requires dedication. Here are some strategies for fostering inclusivity;

1. Engage; Make an effort to connect with individuals from backgrounds including those of different races, genders or socioeconomic statuses.
2. Participate actively; Initiate conversations, with individuals by interacting with their posts posing questions and sharing their content to cultivate a network.
3. It’s an idea to mix things up and post about topics and viewpoints. This not widens the range of information being shared but also helps engage an audience.
4. Make sure to use media platforms to interact with your community. Each platform has its set of users who can help you reach an audience.

Social Media Dynamics

Every social media platform has its characteristics and culture that influence how you connect with others in a Personal Learning Network (PLN). Here’s how I make use of each platform;

Twitter :Twitter is great, for its paced updates making it perfect for staying updated on industry trends and interacting with experts. I often follow industry leaders here. Engage in discussions.

LinkedIn: LinkedIn provides a setting for building relationships with peers in the industry. I use it to share content join groups and network with colleagues and mentors.

Facebook: Facebook groups offer a space for community building and informal learning. I’m active in health informatics groups where members share resources and provide support for growth.

Instagram: Known for its appeal Instagram is ideal, for sharing infographics, data visualization and giving glimpses into projects.
Engaging with your audience and sharing content, in a manner is a way to connect with others.

The Obstacles of Embracing Diversity in an Online Setting

There are hurdles to establishing learning networks (PLNs) online.

Filter bubbles: Social media algorithms have a tendency to create filter bubbles, where you are mostly exposed to content that aligns with your existing beliefs thereby limiting your exposure to perspectives.

Unconscious bias: Personal biases can influence the individuals you follow and engage with shaping the composition of your PLN.

Language barriers: Communicating with individuals from backgrounds can be challenging, but it is crucial, for promoting genuine diversity.

Overcoming Challenges;

1. Self awareness: Regularly evaluate your networks and interactions to identify and address any biases.
2. Algorithm management: Actively control social media algorithms by following accounts and engaging with content to avoid filter bubbles.
3. Language support:Utilize translation tools to engage with English language content and reach an audience.
4. Continuous learning: Educate yourself on cultures and perspectives to enhance understanding and engagement online.

Conclusion:

Establishing a Personal Learning Network (PLN) can greatly boost development. Engage with viewpoints and address inclusivity challenges, by utilizing social media channels to foster a vibrant and encouraging community that encourages continuous learning and growth. Delve into the effects of incorporating a PLN into your path and career prospects.

Social Media and Learning Community Study:

This week, I plan to delve into how social media contributes to building learning communities emphasizing knowledge sharing. For this purpose, I have chosen Reddit as my platform because of its extensive user community and varied demographics.

Community for Learning;

In my investigation, I came across communities that fit diverse academic and professional fields. Among these are;

• r/AskAcademia: This community is a Reddit sub-block for student discussion, career advice, and complex academic life. Here is the link: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAcademia/
• r/Education: This community is more focused on broader education topics, teaching strategies and policy discussions, and here is the link: https://www.reddit.com/r/education/
• r/learnprogramming: This community provide personal learning codes, shares resources and seeks advice. Here is the link: https://www.reddit.com/r/learnprogramming/
• r/Science: This community aims to discuss scientific research, provide research updates, and provide news. Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/science/

Building Personal Learning Network (PLN):

To create a Personal Learning Network, I plan to combine all the digital platforms to increase my influence. Here is the digital platform:

• Twitter: This is an excellent platform for following industry experts, engaging in professional conversations and staying updated with the latest information.
• LinkedIn: It is a great platform to engage in professional networking, join industry-oriented groups and access content related to careers.
• Reddit: A diverse community where I can pose inquiries, express insights and take part in profound engagements.
• YouTube: A rich source of educational videos, lessons, and lectures on various topics.
• Pinterest: It helps organize educational resources and plan intuitively.

Setting Career Goals and Getting Involved in the Community

Setting goals is essential for individuals because it helps them understand what they have learned according to the user base, content relevance, and engagement potential. For instance, my career goal in creating a community includes creating a community that relates to the field where I am good, which can gain new information by focusing on industry leaders. Communication with professional people must also be built up to involve meaningful discussion and clarity. Finally, it has improved my skills in matching society.

In addition, to involve the community. I need to share more content, including the resources related to my field. On the other hand, discussing with other professionals is also important for enhancing the learning community.

Privacy Issues and Online Participation

• Impact of Privacy Issues: Privacy issues do affect my willingness to join online communities or share information. To address these issues, I:
• View Privacy Settings: Control who can see my posts and personal information on each platform.
• Use a pseudonym: In communities where anonymity is preferred.
  Be selective about what I share: Avoid sharing sensitive or overly personal information.

Ensuring the safety of your data and promoting conduct
Security Steps;

1. To safeguard my data and promote conduct on my social network, I follow these guidelines;
2.  Utilize robust distinct passwords for every social media profile.
3.  Activate Two Factor Authentication; Provides a level of protection.
4.  Exercise caution with details; Only share information and avoid disclosing sensitive data.
5.  Report Unethical Conduct; Identify content and interactions to uphold a community atmosphere.

Digital Identity:

Digital identity refers to how individuals present themselves. It includes all the identical information, such as social media profiles and online engagements associated with a person across digital platforms. It means maintaining a digital identity can open up personal and professional opportunities, while a poorly managed one could result in privacy issues and damage one’s reputation.

Figure 1 Digital Identity by Authentic ID

Personal Representation on Social Media:

Most people use social media to showcase their interests, values and experiences. For instance, they share travel photos or thoughts about their hobbies and comment on events. It makes the importance of privacy. Therefore, adjusting privacy settings to control who can view posts and refining friend lists to restrict access is crucial. Regularly reviewing privacy settings to align with comfort levels is advisable.

Cultivating a Professional Online Presence:

In modern society, maintaining an image is essential since employers usually screen job seekers using social media platforms such as LinkedIn. Therefore, people should be careful about their image on the internet and constantly update their LinkedIn profiles because some prospective bosses may use this avenue to contact them. Moreover, updating a LinkedIn profile with accomplishments, skill-building activities, and accolades can impress employers. Sharing content is also another way of enhancing individual online images. By sharing posts and ideas in your field on platforms like Twitter and Linkedln you can build a reputation for yourself and make valuable industry connections.

In addition, being responsible for what one posts in the media is essential. Avoiding posting opinions or engaging in activities can decrease the potential impact on how coworkers or future employers perceive you, even when it comes to your own accounts.

Balance

Striking the right balance between professional digital identities matters much. How can represent themselves online has both an individual and professional aspect that aids in effectively using social media towards reputation management as well as career advancement. Through social media, we connect with friends and family, share our hobbies and interests, and depict our personalities. It serves as a platform to manifest our passions, life experiences/events and relationships. Such an interaction is paramount to remaining connected.

On the other hand, using media implies connecting with industry peers, sharing business insights and establishing a strong professional presence. In addition, making connections with colleagues in the field and being updated on trends via LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook can help exhibit expertise. Nonetheless, the challenge lies in ensuring that personal and corporate identities are harmoniously aligned. For example, someone might share his or her achievements, such as finishing a marathon.

As social media evolves adaptability is key in managing identities for future. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of platforms and any new trends that could improve or damage your online standing. It is vital to have consistent personalities and content across all channels. Privacy management entails continuously going through privacy settings regarding data protection and learning for continued professional development.

When considering platforms, one must reflect on their appropriateness to life facets like career or family life, modify privacy settings accordingly, and share content that resonates with established digital identity Adapted from. Being proactive in this regard will enable one to maintain an efficient presence that exhibits one’s personality while at the same time relating to one’s profession.

Conclusion

Managing your identity is an endeavour that requires thoughtful reflection and flexibility. Individuals should balance their professional personas to maximize social media benefits and reduce drawbacks. Maintaining consistency is crucial in today’s social media landscape; therefore, updating profiles to ensure they convey a positive image is essential.

Hello everyone:

 My Name is Cheuk Ming Lai, but you guys can call me Marco. I am currently studying Health Information Science at the University of Victoria. I am in year 4, and I will start my year co-op after this term. I am looking forward to working with you guys this summer.

My Educational Journey:

My path to this program is based on several essential life experiences. While growing up, several of my cousins were working in the Health Industry, which made me interested in it. Although I am more interested in criminology, a health information program can help me find a job. On the other hand, the reason that interested me in this course was a moment that changed everything for me. I decided to volunteer at a local community center, and there, I arranged and administered their digital learning resources. From this experience, I got the feeling of placing technology into the hands of people who need it for learning and accessibility.

Interest in social media and personalized learning:

Social media attracts me because it can bring people from different backgrounds together, Cultivating Learning and Supporting Community. On the other hand, when I think of personalized education, I feel enthusiastic. It helps increase the effectiveness and engagement of education by designing educational experiences to suit individual needs. There is great potential for educational innovation at the junction of these two domains, enabling learners to connect, share, and grow like never before. 

Current Use of Digital Tools

Academics and career life are integrated with digital tools. When it comes to doing my research, I turn to various platforms such as Google Scholar and academic databases; for instance, Notion or Trello assist in keeping my projects organized. Regarding working together, I use communication tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack, which let me communicate with colleagues without any problems.

Understanding Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is about being able to use digital tools whether they are computers or mobile phones, effectively and responsibly to search for information, evaluate the credibility of what one finds online and create new information. It is important in an educational setting because it enables learners to navigate through the internet; hence, discerning which sources are believable and which others are not credible. It also requires knowledge on the morality behind online activities and maintaining a respectable persona while online.

Personal Learning Network (PLN) Experience

To me, I have had some experiences with PLNs mainly through professional social media like LinkedIn and Twitter. Hence, I can connect with experts in my industry, engage in conversations, and remain current with happenings in the field of research. In addition to that, I will continue developing my PLN through this program by sharing ideas with other students, tutors as well as professionals within my area of specialization.. My intention is to take part in virtual conferences where we could discuss various topics such as creating emails that no one else reads but looks at real writings.

All in all I am happy to be part of this course and looking forward to learning from each one of you. We should share our experiences, insights and support each other’s journey through this course.