Key terms:

  • Personal Learning Network (PLN) = “a network of people and resources that supports your learning and growth”

Blog Post #4: In this module, we have explored the concepts of PLNs, Social Media Dynamics, Long-Term PLN Development, and the Impact of Social Media on Personalized Learning. For your fourth blog post, consider the following aspects and topics:

What Are Personal Learning Networks (PLNs), and Why Are They Important?: A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a network of people and resources that supports your learning and growth. Reflect on the importance of a PLN in your life—how do the connections and resources in your network help you learn, develop, or stay updated on topics that interest you? Consider how PLNs contribute to your personal and academic goals.

Upon learning what a Personal Learning Network (PLN) is in EDCI 338, I have realized just how important my PLNs are in the pursuit of my personal and academic goals. Many of my personal goals pertain to improving my health and wellness, and my PLNs, particularly on social media, have assisted greatly in my obtaining more health and wellness knowledge. Specifically, by using my digital literacy skills to view content from well-informed, educated and reputable creators, I have been able to access a plethora of free, reliable information to aid in my increasing knowledge. One of the biggest benefits of using social media to contribute to my PLNs has been gaining access to information I otherwise may not or would not be able to access. For example, I am able to follow and interact with healthcare professionals I normally would not be able to connect with (or at least, certainly not for free, as discussed in my Blog Post 3). Additionally, my PLNs have opened my eyes to different information and experiences, and have even altered my desired career path. Up until two years ago, I thought that upon graduation I would pursue a Master’s degree in public health or psychology. However, when I watched a video created by an Occupational Therapist which detailed her daily routine and provided a glimpse into what that job entails, I realized that I wanted to pursue Occupational Therapy instead. As someone who is open-minded, loves learning, and is always looking to grow and develop from seeing different perspectives, my PLNs are allowing me to appreciate others and learn from those interactions.   

For example, I often watch Crash Course videos on YouTube about subjects I am interested in, but am not able to learn about in immense depth.

Social Media Dynamics for PLNs: Social media dynamics refer to the ways people interact and share information on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. How do you engage on social media to get the most from your PLN? Think about how likes, shares, and comments can amplify posts and spread information. How does understanding these dynamics help you connect more effectively and build a stronger PLN?

To glean the most from my PLN, I aim to meaningfully engage with content which aligns with topics of interest for me. For example, since I know that social media algorithms are highly sensitive to users’ interests, I intentionally try to make it exceedingly clear what topics I want to learn more about.  I recognize that my “clicks” are purposeful and therefore offer me more relatable and relevant material. For example, I will interact with (i.e., like, comment on, or share) posts from creators I believe are reputable and the algorithm is informed by my engagements.  Those intentional clicks lead to similar articles and posts.  Since I am virtually endorsing (or not) specific material to the algorithms, I am also confirming that the material presented continues to be good.  This subsequently impacts other people’s PLNs. In addition, if information provided is not aligned with my preferences or not what I desire from my PLN, I click the “not interested” button when possible.  I also prioritize unfollowing creators who post content that does not align with what I want in or from my PLN. It is also important to note here that I use different social media platforms for different purposes and to suit different digital identity needs. Although many of my personal and professional interests intersect, some areas in particular require a distinction. For example, on LinkedIn, I ensure that I am only connecting and interacting with content and professionals who contribute to my professional growth, not just my personal growth. For example, although I am interested in certain areas of philosophy (e.g., feminism), that is not an area I would like to pursue academically, so I try to keep my research in that topic to my personal social media PLNs (vs. a professional one like LinkedIn).

Long-Term Network Development: Building a strong PLN is a gradual process that takes commitment and regular participation. What are some ways you can develop and sustain meaningful connections in your PLN over time? Reflect on strategies like staying active, sharing insights, and keeping up with trends to keep your PLN relevant and supportive for your personal and professional growth.

Some ways I can develop and sustain meaningful connections in my PLN over time are by continually and frequently engaging with others in my PLN, as opposed to sporadically or rarely. Additionally, I can ensure that I am continually refining my digital footprint and working to ensure that I am the most responsible, ethical digital media user I can be so that people want me in their PLNs as well. I also think it is crucial to stay up to date on trends and various new platforms to ensure I am participating as wholly as possible.

Impact of Social Media on Learning, Academics, and Professional Environments: Social media can significantly impact both academic and professional learning by broadening access to information and creating networking opportunities. How has social media helped you in academic or professional contexts? Consider its role in enhancing learning, supporting career development, and providing new opportunities for engagement in your field

Social media has helped me in many academic contexts. One of the most notable is that before beginning university in 2021, I found an Instagram page which was dedicated to posting information from other students entering their first year at Uvic. We were able to connect with each other, make group chats based on where we were living (e.g., residence vs. off-campus), areas of study, or hometowns and interpersonal connections. It was very helpful and comforting to recognize that I was not alone in my fears about taking that next step to post-secondary education.  It also allowed me the opportunity to establish many meaningful connections which definitely assisted me in transitioning to university academics.  I am a shy person, but because I had that familiarity with some other first year students, when I moved onto campus I was able to easily and efficiently make connections, form study groups, share notes and learn study tips.

Professionally, social media has allowed me to explore and refine potentially suitable career opportunities (as mentioned), and connect with others wishing to pursue similar paths. For example, I follow many occupational therapists and other health care professionals on social media and I also follow various reddit threads.  All of these groups and posts allow me to learn from and interact with people who may ultimately have some degree of influence on my future choices.  Going forward, I know that social media is going to play a huge role in my post-university career.  KNowing that everything is in the public realm. I am acutely aware that potential employers may see that.I must be mindful