UVic EDCI 338 Social Media & Personalized Learning

Tag: SocialMedia

Designing for Open and Social Learning

August 8, 2023 / / 0 Comments
  • How does a PLN help and hinder the development of thoughts and ideas in education discourse?
  • How do educators create discourse?
  • What is the role of social media in education?
  • What are some problems with social media communications in educational settings?
  • Which social media platforms are beneficial in education?
  • When working with the vulnerable sector, how does social media fit into professionalism and regulations?

Hello, friends!

Today, I will discuss the questions above by referencing Alec Couros and Katia Hildebrandt’s texts about the title above which they explained in detail.

Personal Learning Network (PLN) which is related to Personal Learning Environment (PLE) is the key to how PLN help and hinders the development of thoughts and ideas in education. To begin with, we need to discuss what kind of processes are going on when we are in an environment in which PLN is offered. Social Learning theory is one of the theories that bring an explanation to see if PLN either helps or hinders our social development. According to American social psychologist Bandura, we are all social learners and whatever happens in our surroundings we are prone to mimic and take these as a way of coping mechanisms. For this reason, if one’s PLE is healthy we can say PLN helps the development of thoughts and ideas. On the other hand, to create this environment socio-cultural context need to be taken care of. According to Russian social psychologist Vygotsky, we need a zone of proximal development where students are challenged with a task where their skills can cope with them and also offer space for learning. In this matter when we are constructing our PLN we need to examine the social psychological perspective of it.

Increasing Collectivism

Creating discourse needs to be carefully examined. Educators should invest their time in creating discourse and need to get used to changes in technology. When educators are exploring technology they don’t need to get stick to traditionalā€¦ The open teaching model is another aspect that needs to be addressed when creating discourse. Providing free ad open sources for students, encouraging students to explore the most comfortable, and creative PLE, facilitating critical thinking and cohesion between other students are some of the ways to create positive discourse.

Social media in education

Obviously, social media is part of our life. For this reason, our PLN and PLE have connected with social media likewise for educational purposes such as creating a discourse. Other than using student blogs in their spaces such as WordPress.com like the one I use, Twitter could be used as a way of MicroBlogging by the Networked Teacher. Instagram is another social media for sharing Digital photos in addition to online communication services that enhance online interaction between students. What is more, social media enables students to develop their authentic PLN connections while making their effort permanent by keeping their work on the cloud. To sum up, the benefits of social media over traditional media outweigh.

One issue that needs to be addressed is the feeling of isolation among students when social media is used in discourse. According to the text in chapter 9, participants’ students experienced the feeling of frustration due to perceived barriers such as the time needed to adapt to different methods of PLE that were offered by the inspectors after creating discourse.

It is worth keeping up with good work and staying open to new experiences under the guidance of instructors who try new things other than traditional methods.

Cheers!

Embracing Inclusion: The Power of Social Media in Building a Diverse PLN

July 26, 2023 / / 0 Comments

We are not new to Inclusion, but what exactly is it? It is a core value that should be embraced in every professional setting. My thinking about inclusion and my Personal Learning Network (PLN) has evolved significantly. In this blog post, I will reflect on the role of social media in establishing inclusive and diverse messaging and themes within a professional context.

The Power of Social Media in Communication

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, enabling us to reach a broader and more diverse audience. It facilitates instant interactions, fosters global connections, and encourages dialogue between people from various backgrounds. In a professional setting, leveraging social media for communication can be a powerful tool to spread messages that promote inclusivity and diversity.

Challenges in Social Media Communications

However, along with its advantages, social media poses challenges to communication. The speed and ease of sharing information can sometimes lead to impulsive and poorly thought-out messaging. This can inadvertently perpetuate biases or exclude certain groups. As content creators, we must be mindful of these challenges and strive to ensure that our messages are inclusive, respectful, and sensitive to diverse perspectives.

Fostering Inclusivity Through Social Media

Inclusivity on social media can be achieved by actively seeking diverse voices, experiences, and opinions. Engaging with individuals from different cultural, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds allows for a more comprehensive understanding of issues and challenges faced by various communities.

Amplifying the Views of Others

A diverse PLN is invaluable in amplifying the views of others. By sharing content from a variety of perspectives, we encourage meaningful conversations and broaden our audience’s horizons. As content curators, we have a responsibility to give visibility to marginalized voices and help uplift them within the professional sphere.

Understanding Employer Social Media Communication Expectations

In the context of employment, having a public and engaging PLN demands an understanding of employer policies regarding social media usage. Many companies have guidelines in place to protect their brand image and reputation. While this is essential, it should not stifle employees’ ability to promote diversity and inclusion.

Benefits of a Diverse and Inclusive PLN

A diverse and inclusive PLN on social media holds numerous benefits:

  1. Broader Perspectives: Engaging with a diverse audience exposes us to a wide range of perspectives, enabling us to approach problems with fresh insights.
  2. Creativity and Innovation: Inclusive environments foster creativity and innovation as people from different backgrounds bring unique ideas and solutions to the table.
  3. Improved Decision Making: When decisions are made with input from a diverse group, they tend to be more well-rounded and considerate of various viewpoints.
  4. Community Influence: An inclusive PLN can significantly impact the community by advocating for positive change, inspiring others, and promoting awareness on vital issues.

To sum up, Inclusion in a professional setting is essential for growth, innovation, and the well-being of employees and the broader community. Social media plays a crucial role in establishing messaging and themes that are inclusive and diverse. By actively curating a PLN that encompasses a variety of voices and experiences, we can create a positive impact on the world around us. Let us embrace the power of social media responsibly and use it as a force for good, fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity in every sphere of our lives.

Attributions

Image Attributions

© 2025 UVic EDCI 338 Social Media & Personalized Learning

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑