Category: Showcase: My 2 Best Blogs

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.

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). 

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:

• Inclusive Teaching and Learning Online
• How to build an inclusive online learning environment
• Personal Learning Networks: A Hack to Maintain Competence
• YouTube: What Diversity & Inclusion is REALLY About

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.

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?

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.