Month: March 2023

• Can your PLN be used to help professional development post-course? 

I believe my PLN can be used to help professional development post courses in various ways. PLN allows me to connect with others to learn their ideas while sharing my ideas as well. When engaging with others online I’m more inclined to connect and build a community while developing professional sources that are specific to my interests and needs. By creating a PLN I’m also developing a social identity which will most certainly help my profile post courses. 

• Can your PLN be relied on to open professional opportunities?

I think that your PLN can certainly be relied on to open professional opportunities. PLN helps me connect with like minded professionals, and learn about industry trends and opportunities. A reliable PLN can be built by attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with colleagues, peers and mentors in your field. You can also build PLN by leveraging social media platforms like linkedin and Twitter, where you can connect with professionals in your industry. PLN can be a valuable asset to opening up professional opportunities in many ways.

• What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy? 

Having a personal PLN that values media literacy can have multiple benefits. A PLN that values literacy can lead to better critical thinking skills – By analyzing media messages and recognizing biases in a workplace. Enhanced creativity – Understanding how media messages are created and how they can be used to convey ideas and information. Better engagement- Individuals can become more active and become more equipped to participate in public discourse. Increased collaboration- individuals can work together to share and create high quality content. All which are beneficial to having a PLN that values media literacy. 

•   Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict;   why does this happen?

Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict in various ways. Media literacy can tend to be tied to people’s identity, meaning that when an individual feels as if their identity is being threatened they may act out becoming defensive or hostile, creating conflict. Media may also affect people’s emotions and how they perceive things and can elicit fear, anger or even anxiety which may cause people to become defensive when they are presented with new information that challenges their beliefs. 

• What is media literacy? 

Media literacy is an essential skill for anyone who is part of a Personal Learning Network (PLN). Media literacy can include social media posts, blogs, podcasts and other social media platforms. It endorses the accuracy and reliability of information for individuals that are constantly sharing and learning new information. 

• Why is it important? 

Media literacy is important because it promotes informed decision making, critical thinking, responsible content creation, and collaboration/ communication. All which help enhance your personal PLN.

• Why is it dismissed? 

Media literacy can be dismissed in various ways without us even noticing. Some people may simply be unaware of what media literacy is and how it can benefit them. They might not see the importance of how the media can play a role in their beliefs and behaviors. Others may have a lack of resources or technology, this may make it difficult for some to become media literate or develop new social media skills.  

·       How does social media engage communications?

Social media helps people engage in conversations and communicate in various ways. By posting you are instantly allowing people to comment on your posts which might gauge interest to them as well. From there you may have other people branching off of their comments therefore starting online conversation. 

·       How does social media challenge communications? 

Social media may also challenge communications. Whenever you comment or post something you’re exposing yourself to cyberbullying and online harassment, it’s often that other people might not like what you have to say or post, and may comment something you disagree with. 

·       Is it inclusive? 

I think social media is great because it’s constantly keeping us posted with the news, and other important things we might not be able to view without certain platforms. Social media keeps us up to date, and allows us to keep in contact with our friends and family whilst making new connections. I do believe over the last few years social media has definitely become more inclusive and welcoming. More people are willing to freely express how they feel without the worry of getting slandered. However, there are times when I come across racist posts, or slang, and inappropriate content. Unfortunately I don’t think these aspects about social media will ever go away.

·       How to better use social media to build PLN – Influencers & Commentators 

 I believe there are so many different ways to use social media to build PLN, it just has to be done correctly. If influencers are wanting to build a stronger PLN I would recommend that they first gauge in conversations and communicate with their viewers by creating accessible posts to everyone, allowing discussion forums, live streams etc. This way viewers are able to discuss and learn new topics with their peers.    

·       Does your PLN amplify the views of others? 

I believe that my Personal learning Network amplifies the views of others in various ways. My personal learning network can provide opportunities to share my own ideas and perspectives, and collaborate with others on projects and initiatives. This can help to amplify my views and ideas, as well as those of others in my network. As you engage with others in your personal learning network, you may find yourself advocating for and promoting the views of others that you align with. Similarly, others in your network may advocate for your ideas and perspectives, amplifying your voice and helping to increase your influence in your chosen field.

·       The policies of employer social media communication expectations. 

When using social media in a workplace it’s always good to be aware of boundaries and guidelines employers may expect. Employers may accept professionalism, proper language, proper communication etc. They might prohibit employees from endorsing or advertising products or services on social media that compete with the company’s offerings. As Well as personal use on the various social media platforms outside of work.