Month: February 2023

• How would you create a PLN prior to engaging in a social media campaign on a topic of your choice?

I think there are various ways to create PLN to engage in a social media campaign. By campaigning for something you’re genuinely interested in, you are more likely to gauge more interest and passion, towards the topic… which social media viewers like to see. Personally I love the outdoors –  surfing and hiking,  so by campaigning for a brand or company that promotes similar interests and ambitions as I do, I am more likely to be more engaged  in the subject and therefore campaign it.

• Consider how you would introduce yourself to others consider how you would engage in initial conversation to generate interest in your campaign professionally.

Being the first person to engage in an initial conversation can be scary especially when you don’t do it often. On social media platforms it’s important for your viewers to feel like they can trust you and get to know you. Sure you may be selling a product or promoting something, but people want to know how it affects you personally. I think it’s important to gain that sense of trust. I would consider introducing myself in a video, so my viewers know my personality and realism. You can do this in a professional way via Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. To engage in an initial conversation I would consider doing a livestream chat where people can feel free to come in and out and ask questions of their choice. By promoting eye – catching, interesting content of what you have to offer people are going to be more inclined to want to read and listen to what you have to say and that creates a Public Learning Network.

• Which social media platforms are beneficial in education?

I believe facebook and instagram are some of the top social media networks that are beneficial to education. With Facebook being one of the most prominent social media sites in the world, the platform is a simple way that allows educators to reach out and network with their peers. Both instagram and Facebook are continuously keeping up with the latest trends, news education and global issues. These platforms allow you to share what’s happening in the world with your peers to help educate and make aware of the situation. There are always cons when dealing with social media however the educational benefits that instagram and facebook hold are like no other. For example – I’m not a frequent news watcher, in fact I never actually watch the news at all.. unless I’m at my parents house. I find that having instagram im constantly getting updated on global news issues, protesting issues, everything. Even if I don’t look for it, somehow it gets sent to me, posted, or talked about by a social influencer. I would say this is beneficial to me because I’m constantly in the loop about current world issues. 

• When working with the vulnerable sector, how does social media fit into professionalism and regulations? 

When working with the vulnerable sector social media fits into professionalism and regulations in a variety of ways. For some people it may be hard to juggle social media into a more professional outlook, it may be difficult to know when is an appropriate time to post something and when it’s not. You may find yourself wanting to comment something about your co-worker that you think is funny, however it is breaking your work rule of conduct and regulations. You may also think it’s okay to post pictures of your colleagues or customers, however you shouldn’t do so without permission and this could come across as offending someone, or cyber bullying. It’s important to know your boundaries in what is acceptable in YOUR workplace and what is not – and remember you are representing your employer and company so practicing self policing is a must. 

• Community communications go beyond blogs and social media shares; how does a PLN help and hinder development of thoughts and ideas in education discourse?

PLN helps development by allowing collaboration and creativity to flow within groups. Having the ability to learn and connect with different people is huge,  especially in this day and age. By having the ability to collaborate with different people, new ideas are continuously being sparked and talked about – introducing new educational concepts and learning activities. PLN hinders movement in the education discourse by engaging learners in interactive, collaborative activities to make them more proficient in the subject. Professional learning networks may also hinder development in education discourse as well. While others may thrive in collaborative learning other students may be independent and not like collaborative learning or new networking activities. 

• How do educators create discourse?

Academic discourse involves how we alter our communication when involved with an educational discussion. I believe educators create discourse by sharing and inviting friendly participation from everyone. To create discourse you want a welcoming sharing environment, for example, if my teacher wants me to speak on behalf of something but makes me feel rushed, unwelcomed, etc,  I’m not going to want to speak on it. If she makes me feel welcomed and my speaking valued then I may want to participate in the discussion. By allowing students to freely discuss their thoughts and encourage them to speak on behalf of what they are interested in, educators are creating a more safe and friendly learning environment for students and learners. 

• What is the role of social media in education 

Social media is a big part of today’s education plan. Even though it may not seem like it, we are continuously learning from each other in different ways. As a result of social media, students can be more self-directed in their learning, preparing them to find answers on their own and make independent decisions, while also enhancing collaborative learning skills. Classroom reinforcement of these social media skills can lead to better learning outcomes and critical thinking abilities. Social media can provide students with data and information to assist them with their assignments, homework, etc leaning to more learning opportunities.

Discuss in the Mattermost group 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.

Education outside of a traditional classroom can be done on platforms via Facebook and Instagram. Online education may be seen as a personal use however, when you emerge yourself into education on social media you can see a more professional outlook on it. Boundaries to consider is how you present yourself on social media. It’s good to remember that what you share, post and, stays on the web for longer than you think. Keep your personal account personal and your professional account professional.

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

I believe a main digital platform that students are currently using to develop their professional network is Linkedin. Linkedin allows students and graduates to connect and build an online network and personal brand. While professionals use linkedin to gauge an idea for potential employees, students may use it to start the process of making professional connections. Though Linkedin may be great for a professional outlook on a student’s portfolio, I do think there are other platforms that express areas of expertise. I think instagram has been a great way to build a personal brand and to connect and reach out to people in the business/ entrepreneurial industry. I think my instagram allows people or employers to get a better perspective about my life, and also allows me to gauge with people with similar interests to myself. I believe linkedin has a stigma around being such a professional platform that sometimes I think people forget to show their real interests and passions, and I believe instagram and facebook do a good job of demonstrating that. 

•  What could the student consider in expanding their professional learning network?

What students could consider when expanding their professional learning network is that typical everyday social media accounts can be used for professional intent. These social Networks are what we make out of them. If you want to have 5 different instagram accounts representing different areas of interest, nothing is stopping you. Instagram, facebook and snapchat have all been portrayed as personal use, but we can use these platforms in a professional manner to further brand ourselves by connecting with like minded people with similar interests. I also think by using these platforms you are able to further express your creative side possibly in a way that perhaps linkedin wouldn’t allow you to do. 

• Thread Discussion: How do data privacy and security limit and promote a PLN? In your network, how can you create a digital identity/ reputation?

I believe data privacy and security contribute to professional networking more than we are aware of. Main networks like facebook, instagram, and snapchat do an excellent job of keeping our privacy and information safe. We are trusting these mainstream networks with valuable information about ourselves to protect us and keep our information safe.. And that is exactly what these big companies have done. They have proven to their customers that they are capable of doing so. When signing up for a network, you’re not going to put in vulnerable information about yourself if you don’t think the network is secure. If the network has bad reviews, looks unreliable,  and untrustworthy you’re not going to sign up. However if a network is reassuring that your information is safe,  they have a good reputation and are reliable you may be more lenient to sign up. In my network I create my digital identity by posting what I’m passionate about. I’m always down for a good adventure and I feel like my socials show that about me. By posting about what I love to do, for example, surfing, and hiking, I’m able to gauge with people with similar interests and gain a following of people that are also down for an adventure and like to surf.

COMMENT

Hey Felix! I agree with you that It’s important for students wanting to expand their professional learning network to get involved with online communities. I think one way to do so is be active and express what you’re interested in on social media. By using Facebook and instagram you are able to connect with like minded people like yourself that share similar interests to you!