Alison's Blog

PLN in Practice (minor blog post)

November 22, 2021 / / 0 Comments
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

I remember attending a sociology class that focused on classical theorization (not my cup of tea). Because I wasn’t interested in 1960’s theory, it was challenging to motivate myself to complete readings, study and even go to class. However, I quickly realized that I would have to do something to change my sour attitude towards the class.

The strategies I used:

  1. Made a schedule and wrote down tasks I would complete each day whether it was completing a section of a reading or assignment. 
  • According to Seifert & Sutton (2018), goal setting is important in academic achievement. Therefore, I made it my goal to not only attend each class, but try and take something away from each class. If I found something in the content that I was interested in, I would be more motivated to complete each daily task.
  • Another strong instructional strategy is to know your target learners (Seifert & Sutton, 2018). Since I know my academic self quite well, I made sure to balance my schedule and not to make my daily tasks too heavy and overwhelming. In my brain, it is better to complete little tasks each day then nothing for a week and then trying to finish it all in one day. By catering to my own study habits, I increased my motivation and made myself feel more engaged with manageable goals and a perceived sense of competence.

2. I rewarded myself whenever I completed my daily tasks by watching a movie, taking myself out for ice cream, or whatever I felt like doing.

  • At the end of the day, Learning is hard! It takes focused work and effort. When you are learning, you are challenging and opening up your mind to something new. This is why rewards work so well for me because when I feel drained from completing a task, I keep myself engaged and feeling accomplished by doing something that I like.
  • Additionally, learning is hard because fear leads to procrastination. The unknown makes you not want to start a scary new task and it turns into stalling. Spreading my tasks out into small chunks and telling myself that the reward is worth it helps with this phenomenon.
    Ultimately, the payoff is truly worth the headaches and hard work because not only did I receive a good grade, I learned so much and have a good understanding of the content of which I still use in my current sociology classes.

References

Seifert, K. & Sutton, R. (2018). Motivation Theories on Learning. In R. E. West, Foundations of Learning and Instructional Design Technology: The Past, Present, and Future of Learning and Instructional Design Technology. EdTech Books. Retrieved from https://edtechbooks.org/lidtfoundations/motivation_theories_on_learning.

Engaging Your PLN

November 22, 2021 / / 1 Comment
PDF] FROM PERSONAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT BUILDING TO PROFESSIONAL LEARNING NETWORK FORMING | Semantic Scholar
Photo from Semantic Scholar

An effective and educational PLN and learning environment consists of techniques that promote interaction, engagement and the attention of your audience. We do not want to bore and overload the brains of our peers. 

For example, after watching and examining this 4 minute YouTube video on the social, economic and environmental impacts on health inequities, I think that it will be a great resource to use for my sociology class on health inequalities. Relating back to PLNs, I found that there were many take-aways for improving not only in-person learning environments but an online PLN. Online interaction can be more difficult to navigate than face-to-face communication but it is not impossible to execute.

Youtube Video on Health Inequities

The techniques that made this YouTube video successful include:

  • The speaker talked in a casual and informal voice, like she was having a friendly conversation with the audience. It didn’t sound like the speaker was going on and on which made learning more engaging and manageable.
  • There was one topic per slide which made the powerpoint easy to follow along and read.
  • The entire video was narrated and had captions available. 
  • The speaker paused shortly after every idea.
  • The speaker only included simple visual text and images on each slide that directly related to the main topic being presented. Slides weren’t too detailed or crammed with too many images.
  • When the slide is a picture, spoken words are used to enhance learning.
  • From experience with interactivity in previous classes, I’ve noticed many good and bad approaches to how the class was presented. 

A bad learning experience:

  • Death by powerpoint: the professor provided a powerpoint lecture that just included visual text and would proceed to read word for word off the slides. This professor didn’t interact with the students or deliver us fresh information. 
  • Because of this lack of interaction, my interest in this course decreased and I dropped out of the class. 
  • I didn’t learn anything, I was bored each class I went to, and felt like it was a waste of time.

A good learning experience:

  • The professor engages and interacts with students by having a discussion with the class and uses their powerpoint lecture as a visual aid and not the sole resource of the class. 
  • The professor would give the class a break in the middle of class to refresh our brains, and talk with the people around us. 
  • Receiving feedback! Getting just a letter grade back doesn’t reassure or let the learner know where they may have gone wrong and what they could work on or think about in the future. 
  • Interaction with learning materials: a mix of readings, powerpoint slides, videos, and games like Kahoot. 
  • Student-teacher interaction: one on one and in groups such as online discussion forums, blog posts, discord groups, etc. 
  • Student-student interaction: class discussions, group projects such as our interactive learning resource project and community contributions in our blog posts.

References

Bates, T. (2019, October 10). Chapter 9: Choosing and using media in education: the SECTIONS model. Teaching in a Digital Age Second Edition. Retrieved October 27, 2021, from https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev2/chapter/pedagogical-roles-for-text-audio-and-video/.

Media Literacy in PLNs

November 22, 2021 / / 0 Comments
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash

What is Media Literacy?

  • Julie Smith defines media literacy as the critical questioning of what media is today.
  • In the reading about digital literacy skills from, Learning for Life In Our Times, the authors explain that media literacy is a “framework to access, analyze, evaluate, and create messages in a variety of media forms” (Trilling & Fadel, 2009, p. 69). 
  • To me, media literacy enables online users to make assumptions and judgments of online information and other users because we all interpret information differently. This makes all users vulnerable and no guarantee that what is posted will be seen how the author intends.

Why is Media Literacy important in PLNs?

  • It is hard to 100% decipher how people intend to sound in what they post online which can spread miscommunication (Hirst, 2018). For example, if someone were to send a message with a period at the end, some people could see this as normal communication but some could see this as the person being angry. 
  • Media literacy can spread “fake news” because of misunderstanding what is being said and shared. 
  • Online communication tends to promote non-personal, short and non-detailed ways of communication so this could leave readers confused, misinformed, and with short-term connections.
  • It is important to make sure that the information you are giving and receiving is credible, reliable and factual. To make sure of this, you can generate information from peer viewed and scholarly journals and articles, news articles and documentaries. 
  • It is also worth your time to double check facts using a variety of sources so you are not just relying on one and can get a mixture of views. This can increase your reliability even more!

I found this video on Media Literacy pretty interesting and informative:

The Importance of Media Literacy (2 minutes)

References

Media Literacy – Facts Matter – Course YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/57r3-aEnci0

Trilling, B., Fadel, C., Partnership for 21st Century Skills, & Books24x7, I. (2009). 21st century skills: Learning for life in our times (1st ed.). Jossey-Bass. https://go.exlibris.link/B5rkkLw7.

PLN & Education: MOOCs

November 1, 2021 / / 0 Comments
Photo by Samantha Borges on Unsplash

What Are Massive Open Online Courses? (MOOCs)

MOOCs are a new type of online education that allows anyone, anywhere, to learn specific courses/skills via video lectures, computer graded tests, and discussion forums. MOOCs help the development of thoughts and ideas in education discourse. Additionally, this online learning site is very inclusive and acknowledges the learning style of all learners by using videos, articles, powerpoints, discussion boards, recorded lectures, etc as learning tools.

“A MOOC integrates the connectivity of social networking, the facilitation of an acknowledged expert in a field of study, and a collection of freely accessible online resources.”

Matthew B. Hoy

There are many advantages to the MOOC model for online education. The inherent openness and user-friendliness of the format means that incredible educational resources are available to anyone with the time to devote to learning. MOOCs offer real opportunity to people without access to traditional education. 

The courses are usually developed by existing educators of the field and from large research institutions. In other words, they were deemed qualified by various trusted site administrators and have a high level of knowledge and experience in their field.

The students pay no enrollment fees and there are no restrictions on who may register, although there may be suggested prerequisite knowledge. MOOCs have the potential to bring education to millions who otherwise would not have access. The combination of short video lectures, frequent comprehension testing, and active participation in an online community can be an effective learning tool for some students, but the registration-to-completion ratio is likely to remain low. Everyone should be aware of this technology and consider participating in a MOOC to better understand how they work. You never know, it could help you too!

For example, Khan Academy is a MOOC-like site aimed at middle and high-school students. It covers basic topics in math, science, art, and computer programming. Users earn virtual badges for completing tasks and the courses are all free. I use Khan Academy for my Sociology classes today and I find the tutoring very helpful and easily accessible. In addition, you can communicate and create a PLN with other students taking the same class which helps if you have questions, generates opportunities and connections, and motivation because you have other people following along the course at the same time as you. An effective and educational learning environment and PLN consists of techniques that promote interaction, engagement and the attention of your audience. This is what MOOCs and Khan Academy is all about!

References

Matthew B. Hoy (2014) MOOCs 101: An Introduction to Massive Open Online Courses, Medical Reference Services Quarterly, 33:1, 85-91, doi: 10.1080/02763869.2014.866490.

Community Engagement and Public Communications

October 28, 2021 / / 5 Comments
Photo by tribesh kayastha on Unsplash

An effective and educational learning environment and PLN consists of techniques that promote interaction, engagement and the attention of your audience. We do not want to bore and overload the brains of our audience. 

The benefits of a diverse and inclusive PLN: 

  • The ability to share free speech with others with common personal and professional interests. 
  • You can build a sense of self. 
  • It is a place to be creative, be your full self and spread endless imagination and passion. 
  • You have various opportunities to connect with other users with different opinions and beliefs that could inspire and introduce you to new ideas. 
  • When an environment is welcoming, kind and inclusive, people are more content on participating and sharing their thoughts. 
  • Common respect is shown in a diverse and inclusive PLN, which includes acknowledging the contributions, different backgrounds and views of each member.
  • Users are reciprocal, resourceful and open minded. 
  • By sharing useful information, your PLN grows naturally. Collaboration also creates a common ground and allows others to see your interests. Additionally, genuine interest builds a solid, authentic and inclusive network.
  • Social responsibility is the best kind of motivation for establishing a PLN.

The restrictions of a diverse and inclusive PLN:

  • It is hard to 100% decipher how people intend to sound in what they post which can spread miscommunication. For example, if someone were to send a message with a period at the end, some people could see this as normal communication but some could see this as the person being angry. Therefore, we should be aware of this and adapt our messaging accordingly. 
  • Fake news is out there and a PLN could spread false information and dangerous measures. 
  • Online communication tends to promote non-personal, short and non-detailed ways of communication so this could leave readers confused, misinformed, and with short-term connections.

“You are the expert of your own lived experience”

Markiel Simpson

Looking at Markiel Simpson’s PLN: 

  • Markiel Simpson is an amazing individual who is involved in a majority of alliances, organizations and political leanings. 
  • With these alliances, he is able to build connections not only for himself but for other people within his PLN who are searching for support and personal or professional opportunities. 
  • Being involved with an organization called BC community alliance which is a non-profit dedicated to dismantling systemic racism, and being the lower mainland rep for the BC NDP’s Indigenous black and people of color committee, Markeil is able to connect with many individuals in these groups and refer others with similar interests and backgrounds to this PLN. 
  • An important point that Markeil makes is that no matter who you are, you can make a difference and your voice is the first step. 
  • With these diverse PLNs spread all over Twitter, Instagram, Facebook , etc, people are talking and the message they are trying to project gets seen and shared with many users. For example, with Canadian black history, conversations are happening where people are talking about it or have talked about it. Individuals are branching out and expanding their PLNs which helps bring attention to important conversations and events. (Even using hashtags creates traffic and conversations!)

References 

Miller & Simpson. (2021, June 1). Jesse Miller: EDCI – 338 MARKIEL SIMPSON [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsoDHGaXNNs&feature=youtu.be.

PLNs in the Public Eye

October 21, 2021 / / 2 Comments
Photo by Eric Smart on Unsplash

How do notable individuals use social media?

  • Notable individuals on social media often have a sizable audience and level of influence on those who follow them. These influencers mainly use their social media accounts to present awareness on relevant information about their own lives, brands, or current events.
  • For example, Shailene Woodley is an actress and shares some parts of her acting career online but mainly uses her social media platform to bring recognition to current foundations and movements.
  • On the other hand, the Kardashians use social media to promote their dynasty, personal endeavors and family (Soleil’s blog).
  • Neither of these platforms are better than the other since they attract and prioritize different niches. Ultimately, it is up to the notable individual to decide what they post, share and have influence towards.
  • Remember, everything posted on social media is intentional.
  • Looking at Jody Vance’s influence as a broadcaster in Canada, she is able to reach a vast majority of individuals around the country with different interests and opinions and can share with them whatever she wants.

What are the benefits of being in the public eye and having a PLN?

  • Being in the public eye and having a PLN is extremely beneficial and valuable because you have the ability to accumulate a high amount of followers and people who want to interact with you and what you share. More followers leads to more connections and opportunities. 
  • For example, if you are in the public eye and are looking for a job, you can share this on social media and you will have a greater chance at being recognized by an employer than someone who isn’t in the public eye and can’t get on popular pages and likes to boost social media algorithms. 
  • Additionally, the “blue checkmark” verified accounts receive on social media proves their credibility, reliability and significance online and in society.

Building a community with online tools provided by the employer can be limiting, what are the perceived restrictions and benefits?

Restrictions:

  • It is hard to 100% decipher how people intend to sound in what they post which can spread miscommunication (Hirst, 2018). For example, if someone were to send a message with a period at the end, some people could see this as normal communication but some could see this as the person being angry. 
  • Fake news is out there and can spread false information and dangerous measures (Hirst, 2018). 
  • Online communication tends to promote non-personal, short and non-detailed ways of communication so this could leave readers confused, misinformed, and with short-term connections.

Benefits:

  • The ability to share free speech with others with common personal and professional interests.
  • You can build a sense of self.
  • It is a place to be creative, be your full self and spread endless imagination and passion.

Delivering information in a connected society requires verifiable resources, how do you build a PLN that you can rely on?

  • It is important to make sure that the information you are giving and receiving is credible, reliable and factual. To make sure of this, you can generate information from peer viewed and scholarly journals and articles, news articles and documentaries. 
  • It is also worth your time to double check facts using a variety of sources so you are not just relying on one and can get a mixture of views. This can increase your reliability even more!

How do those, who are veteran storytellers, minimize risk in sharing misinformation?

  • You can minimize risk in sharing misinformation by using a reference list that shows readers exactly where you got your information. This also allows you to share credit where it is due. 
  • Additionally, Instagram allows you to tag other users and link sources in post captions so web etiquette is fulfilled and the rightful owner always gets credit. 
  • Question what you read and don’t assume the information to be true.
  • Veteran storytellers can also monitor their PLN and the information being shared so they can ensure it is all factual.

References 

Vance & Miller. (2021, March 3). Jody Vance: Media Voices [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-NnpQJdl0A.


Hirst, M. (2018). Social Journalism and the Gig Economy. Navigating Social Journalism: A Handbook for Media Literacy and Citizen Journalism. Ch. 4. (p. 78-96). NY: Routledge. doi:https://doi-org.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/10.4324/9781315401263.

Inclusion in PLNs

October 7, 2021 / / 6 Comments

Previously, we have been talking about how beneficial a PLN can be and how our digital identity is built; however, we haven’t talked about the importance of the quality of these networks. When thinking about the quality of networks, I think of a network including a variety of points of view, voices, and each member having a different expertise they bring to the group. Having these factors in a network improves inclusion and encourages every user that their say is significant and necessary for a successful network.

Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

Looking at my professional PLN on Facebook that is used for students in my sociology class to talk about course content and questions, I would say it is pretty diverse. My PLN is made up of Uvic students with varied age, majors and professional interests. Though it is a 3rd year sociology class, there are many people not in 3rd year, including myself being in 4th year. This is an advantage to the network because we are able to gain insight from classmates in different points of their school life and life in general. It is also interesting to talk to people who are taking this class as an elective as opposed to sociology students taking it as a required class. Many of the group members are majoring in philosophy, business, computer science, psychology, and more. It is cool having people from different faculties come together in one sociology class. I actually learned that you can go into many business careers with a sociology degree. I wouldn’t have known this outside my PLN. 

Since we are in a sociology class group chat, sociology is the main topic being talked about besides career and everyday small talk. However, I have become friends with some of the members and have connected on other social media platforms of which we talk less about our sociology class and more about our personal lives.

I think that it is extremely beneficial to have a network full of diverse thinkers because you can share an endless amount of information you might not have known before. My network embraced inclusion and actively acknowledges everyone in the group. In the reading, One Without the Other: Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion by Shelley Moore and Leyton Schnellert, the authors explained how we all need to get better at something and with the existence of PLNs, we are able to each bring something different to the table to create an environment full of different perspectives that can help each individual in their own way (p. 9). 

Photo by QuotesGram

Moore and Schnellert (2017) also pointed out that “teaching to diversity and inclusion is where we value the characteristics that are diverse, and not try and homogenize them” (p. 9). We can value these diverse thinkers by being polite and acknowledging the contributions of each group member. It is key to show common respect for the people in your network. This may seem like common sense, but it can be a pitfall. It took me some time to learn “web etiquette” over the years, but it has helped me tremendously. Send thank you notes, acknowledgements, and use your true voice. Not only does it make the other person’s day, but it will help you gain more meaningful connections. Additionally, people are more content on participating and sharing their thoughts when the environment is welcoming, kind and inclusive.

Individuals in a PLN should also keep the spirit of collaboration as your driving force. PLNs aren’t a 1 person show and are all about working together. Be reciprocal and resourceful. Don’t think about what you have to gain, first think about what you have to give. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. By buying into the process and sharing useful information, your PLN grows naturally. Collaboration creates a common ground and allows others to see your interests. Genuine interest builds a solid, authentic and inclusive network.

“Diversity is having a seat at the table. Inclusion is having a voice. And belonging is having that voice be heard”

Liz Fosslien

To learn more about inclusion and diversity in PLNs, please visit these links:

References 

Moore, S., & Schnellert, L. (2017). Introduction. In One without the other: Stories of unity through diversity and inclusion (Vol. 1, Ser. Reimagining Inclusion: The ONE Series, pp. 6–10). essay, Portage & Main Press.

V&R Map

September 30, 2021 / / 10 Comments
My Personal V&R Map

According to my map, you can see that:

  • I have a high personal and social footprint using social media apps such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
  • I am still using Reddit and Netflix for my personal use however, I am not creating interactive networks.
  • Since my gmail is used professionally for school and work, it belongs in the institutional and non-social side.
  • I use my personal hotmail account to socially connect with others but not as much as the social media apps so it belongs in the middle of personal and institutional.
  • I use Facebook socially to expand my professional network.
Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash

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

  • Personally, I think that Facebook is a great source for expanding professional networks. For Uvic, there are tons of networks already established, easily searchable, and open for anyone to join. You have the ability to join groups with other students in the same program and others with similar professional interests. There is also a group for Uvic textbook exchange and for students only in 1st year, 2nd year, etc. 
  • With these networks, you have the opportunity to reach out to other students at uvic in similar positions and can get some professional inspiration at the same time. 
  • Facebook has really helped me connect with other sociology students who are also trying to figure out what to do with their degree. This particular group also shares open job positions in Victoria which is extremely helpful.

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

  • Students could consider filling out their Facebook profiles accordingly so future employers can easily see who you are, what you like, how you present yourself and how you could be an asset to them. 
  • Students could also consider making a “finsta” account on social media which creates a balance for users to decide what information they want public and kept at limited access. A finsta account is all about privacy and is mainly used to communicate and interact with a selective group of people. This could limit a PLN because what you are sharing is not public and can’t be assessed by most users; however, it can also promote a PLN because when focusing on a specific group of people, you can build strong and personal relationships which is extremely valuable to have! Read this interesting article about finsta accounts being misunderstood.
  • Additionally, while Facebook is an excellent tool to use to expand your professional network, it is important to realize that everything you post, share and comment on can never be deleted. It will always be circulating somewhere and one should post with the realization that employers, family members and friends may see what you are sharing.

My Digital Identity

September 23, 2021 / / 0 Comments
Photo from Nextgov

First off, digital identity is how you choose to present yourself as on the internet. 

  • This includes everything you post, share, engage with, and comment on (Es, Vanhaecht & Wyatt, 2021). With that being said, this footprint can’t be erased and will always be somewhat searchable and traced. 
  • Therefore, looking at personal and professional approaches to digital identity, it is important to be aware that family, friends, and current and/or future employers will be able to see everything you post, share and comment on. 
  • So whether what you are posting is inspiring, professional or controversial, it is essential to be aware that your social media use is not just seen by you. 
  • Your digital identity doesn’t have to seem scary though, it can bring you major opportunities and online connections with people and different accounts that have the same goals, passions and interests as you (Es et al., 2021). You can also show employers you are someone they want to hire based on your identity you choose to portray online. 
  • Having an online presence is getting more common and an advantage since most consumers and the average person is active online. 

So what does my digital identity look like? 

  • At the moment, I have made several different accounts on Instagram, each focusing on a different topic such as music, sports, and tv shows.
  • My intention is to generate feed and ad revenue specific to the topic of each account. 
  • Therefore, each account will assemble networks and personalized information for me and I will be able to easily learn more about my specific interests and interact with other users who have similar hobbies. 
  • Not only do these online spaces provide entertainment, digital leisure is key to constructing a sense of belonging and identity (Spracklen, 2015). 

Advantages to digital identity: 

  • You can build a sense of self
  • It is a place to be creative, be your full self and spread endless imagination and passion
  • You can easily connect with others who have similar interests and posts

Disadvantages to digital identity: 

  • The digital world can be addicting and I sometimes get sucked into an artificial reality
  • Spending long periods of time on social media makes me unproductive and tired
  • You can never fully delete anything that you post on the internet as it will always be circulating somewhere, exchanged, surveilled, taken out of context, and taken advantage of. 

To learn more about how to keep your digital identity safe, check out these websites!

8 Questions to Ask Before You Push POST - Godly Parent
Photo from GODLYPARENT

References 

Es, G. V., Vanhaecht, J., & Wyatt, M. (2021, February 15). The Future of Digital Identity. What does it mean to you? Retrieved September 16, 2021, from https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/risk/articles/the-future-of-digital-identity.html.

Spracklen K. (2015) Identity-Making and Social Media. In: Digital Leisure, the Internet and Popular Culture. Leisure Studies in a Global Era. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137405876_6.

Exploring PLNs and Digital Identity

September 16, 2021 / / 4 Comments
Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash

What does it mean to network using social media? 

  • Social media has revolutionized networking. We no longer have to rely on encyclopedias, our parents, and what we learn in school for up-to-date knowledge and skills. Instead, we have the ability to form networks using social media on our devices to share a wealth of information from everywhere around the world in ways we choose to control and learn from (Richardson & Mancabelli, 2011).
  • Networks are often formed by individuals who share common goals and interests which establishes mutually benefitting relationships (Gutierrez, 2016). An advantage to these networks is that you are able to see information from a new perspective and can share different points of views. We can have as many different networks as we want both online and offline. For example, we can form work, school and home networks and use them where, when, and how we choose. Ultimately, we learn what we want to learn using these resources and the people in our networks that can help us learn it.

How are we motivated to participate in networked publics? 

  • Personally, I am motivated to make use of my networks because it is so fast and easy. Additionally, there are so many different kinds of portals other than mainstream social media to gather information from like blogs. If I ever have a question I can easily ask through my PLNs and get the most relevant and insightful answers. 
  • These networks not only grow my knowledge base but help me not be afraid to ask questions. I am a very introverted person so having people in my network who continue to motivate and assist me in reaching my goals with one simple click is a nice feeling to have. 

The rewards of public communications

  • Networking is a key skill to have not only in your personal life but in your professional career. Our data grows with every keyboard click and everything that we post and share on social media tells a lot about who we are as individuals. It also has the opportunity to be portrayed by other people in a positive light. 
  • For example, I work at a restaurant and we recently started using social media to advertise our food. I was able to showcase my ability to create, share, and make use of specific networks to help the restaurant grow in business and reach other restaurants to form connections. We now have the ability to communicate with anyone who interacts with our social media pages and talk to other businesses for advice. Forming these public networks was the best decision the restaurant made and they are continuing to flourish and grow their online fan base. 

The risks of public communications

  • Though there are many positives to public communications, we are living and learning in a growing networked society so risks including privacy and security measures have to be considered (Gutierrez, 2016). Firstly, every social media user should be aware that you can never fully delete anything that you post on the internet. It will always be circulating somewhere and personal data is being exchanged, surveilled, taken out of context, and taken advantage of all the time on social media. To prevent this from happening, we need to be careful what we post and post with the realization that employers, family members, friends, and future employers may see what you are sharing. 
  • The digital world can be addicting and sometimes users can get sucked into an artificial reality.
  • Spending long periods of time on social media can make people unproductive and prone to distractions.

What is a digital identity?

  • Digital identity is how you choose to present yourself as on the internet. This includes everything you post, share, engage with, and comment on (Es, Vanhaecht & Wyatt, 2021). With that being said, this footprint can’t be erased and will always be somewhat searchable and traced. Therefore, looking at personal and professional approaches to digital identity, it is important to be aware that family, friends, and current and/or future employers will be able to see everything you post, share and comment on. So whether what you are posting is inspiring, professional or controversial, it is essential to be aware that your social media use is not just seen by you. 
  • Your digital identity doesn’t have to seem scary though, it can bring you major opportunities and online connections with people and different accounts that have the same goals, passions and interests as you (Es et al., 2021). You can also show employers you are someone they want to hire based on your identity you choose to portray online. 

““Digital Identity is important because over 60% of the global GDP is expected to be digitized by 2022.”

mANJU george

What are the benefits of digital identities in networked publics?

  • Social media shows who is learning, growing, and who is able to adapt. With the presence of “fake news,” those who showcase digital critical thinking can differentiate what is real and what news is not. This is an advantage because if someone in your network believes fake news, you would be able to correct this misunderstanding and help your network stay 100% accurate. 
  • You can build a sense of self and spread endless imagination and passion.
  • You can easily connect with others who have similar interests and posts.
  • Additionally, businesses and companies are starting to become more present online since you can easily interact with and reach consumers more efficiently online. 
  • For example, I have been seeing a tremendous amount of political campaigning for the Canadian Federal Election on social media. I believe this is because these politicians benefit from going online because they are able to get the attention from a specific niche i.e., young voters. This is a very smart tactic and by spreading their presence off-line and on-line to their different networks, they are reaching more and more people and potentially more and more votes! If you have Tik Tok, have you perhaps seen any politicians?
Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

References

Es, G. V., Vanhaecht, J., & Wyatt, M. (2021, February 15). The Future of Digital Identity. What does it mean to you? Retrieved September 16, 2021, from https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/risk/articles/the-future-of-digital-identity.html.

Gutierrez, K. (2016, June 21). What are personal Learning networks? What are Personal Learning Networks? Retrieved September 16, 2021, from https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/personal-learning-networks.

Richardson, W., & Mancabelli, R. (2011). Personal learning networks: Using the power of connections to transform education. Solution Tree Press. 

World Economic Forum. (2019, February 5). Davos 2019- Press Conference The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/1-V7lyxrOmw.

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