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.
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.
Hey Allison,
I like how you brought up the point about how something can never really be deleted. I think this is an important aspect of social networking and people should be reminded of the potential permanence of networking. Furthermore, you brought up great points about how Facebook is multi purposeful. I did not even think about all of the groups for UVic students, and how it can be a great platform for collaboration. Many people find housing and purchase clothing through Facebook as well! I resonate with your V&R map and using specific platforms for entertainment purposes, versus cultivating an identity using other platforms.
Hi Allison,
I really like the idea of your post and the layout of your answer; it makes people look comfortable and willing to read on. Especially the way you show your V+R map, it’s very clear to get to know who you are. If I’m an employer, I think I would like to hire you. So I hope you can achieve the results you want.:D
Hi Alison,
I agree with you that Facebook is a great platform to expand professional network. I also connected and collaborated with many of my classmates through it and benefitted from the wisdom and help of the groups. As a practicing teacher now, I still use Facebook to collaborate with teacher from all over the world and it has been a major part of my professional development and support system. Many excellent resources are shared daily for free and the support you get from these groups for any situation, it’s incredible and makes you feel as a part of a learning community.
I like the examples you give out that show why you think Facebook is a great platform for expanding your PLN. I have exactly the same experiences and feeling with Facebook. There are groups you could find used textbooks, and there are groups posting job openings in the relative field. And you also have the chance to be connected to others that may in a similar situation.
Hi Alison,
I really love your V+R Map and the explanations you’ve listed below the map, after looking at yours it made me question where I placed a few on my own! The point you bring up about UVic and Facebook is so true, they have quite a few well established groups on Facebook that have helped me so much throughout my degree. I also like the idea of using a finsta account to help with privacy on Instagram, I currently make good use of the “close friends” function, although thats only really helpful for posts to your Story! I have a friend who had a similar scenario but used a different approach, creating a name for her account that isn’t easily traced back to her actual name. Like you mentioned, the internet is forever, and although my friend took that precaution there are still ways the account could be linked to them. I think at this time it is now more important than ever to be careful about what we post, as you never know who could end up with your information and what the ramifications could be!
Something I am wondering after reading your post is that the so-called “finsta” account actually plays a role in protecting our personal privacy. When we talk about social media, we may think of it as a totally open and free world. But actually, we are surrounded by different groups of people, including our classmates, teachers, families, or colleagues, and we may want to emphasize a specific aspect of ourselves when facing them. from this perspective, I think the account enables us to sort out our audience and make targeted posts.
Hi Alison,
I agree with your point of view about Facebook is a great source for expanding professional networks. As a student of Uvic, I often use Facebook to get in touch with students who have taken the same class this semester and share their learning experiences. I think Facebook is a great educational social media platform