Alan’s Blog

Public social networks are quite important for personal and professional interactions. But every PLN must first undergo development, then management and eventual upgrades. A PLN entails use of several social media networks because it is a connection but normally occurs online meaning it is virtual. Despite being virtual, the connections have a great impact on the users life because as we have seen in the course, and professionally speaking; several employers currently look at prospective employees’ social media histories whenever making decisions. This course has therefore, changed my perspective on the importance of social media and the impact it can have on personal and professional environments.

My PLN’s Reliability in Professional Development

Yes, my PLN is quite reliable for professional development. Looking at the interactions built from this course, I have been able to link up with a number of professionals which include sociologists and a number of other professionals. Such connections mean that I can easily connect or refer myself or other people to my contacts. With this, myself and other people are able to professionally develop through my network.

My PLN Development

Basically, I developed my network by first building up on my WordPress blog. This has been my connection with my fellow coursemates and through it, I have been able to learn and understand a number of matters. This has been the basic form of communication and I have been able to contribute on various joint topics which despite being different, opinions differ.

My Use of Social Media Platforms and Networked Publics

Currently, I am using my social networks to link up with my fellow professionals. But still, Just as mentioned in my group assignment, I have been able to entertain other social media users since a network should maintain a lively and human nature. So, despite being professional, my networks come attached with various forms of humor.

Perspective Changes in Use of Social Media

Previously, I would use social media as a form of personal entertainment such that I would only connect with people who made my social expectations met. These included comedians and other celebrities who suited my expectations. But with this course, I have noted that public networks can also be used for professional and economic benefits. This has greatly changed my view of public networks because while still using online social platforms for fun, I am currently able to connect with individuals who suite my professional needs.

Course Reflection

This has been quite an amazing course for me. Just as already stated above, it has been a pleasure learning that public networks not only have positive social impacts but also boost professional connections. What I can state in this part is mainly mentioned already. I am not even sure of what to mention here but I am so grateful for being a member of this class. Thank you so much Jesse.

Looking at the current times of online social spaces, it is quite easy to note that social media and PLN’s play a critical role in sending messages out to the entire population which eventually enhance education through diverse forms of knowledge acquisition. A message sent online basically plays a role of information delivery, and with every form of communication, knowledge is passed across leaving the recipient in possession of new or refined pieces of data. In this blog, I will delve into the impact online spaces and public networks have on human messaging techniques and on overall education.

Themes of a PLN on a Professional Setting and General Impact on Messaging

PLN themes that are important for social networking include authenticity, and the need to build strong and positive relationships online without causing discourse among the people one connects with. What I mean is that as mentioned, social media has led to the improvement of messaging such that individuals are currently in possession of first hand information that are directly from the source and not through second degree information handlers which in this case are recognised media outlets such as television and radio. With this, a consumer of information is able to find actual information without any form of modification and standardisation based on an outlet’s standards of reporting. So unlike before, individuals have access to first hand and all information and not just a filtered form of messages considering that mainstream media only “report what they want to report” while leaving out information that does not meet or favour their expectations. In terms of first hand nature of info, Mr. Baker opines that when a message goes through a number of channels, it loses relevance a some point. This is very true because even if you look at different outlets reporting about one story, you can easily note the inconsistency such that each outlet gives a different version of the story despite a number of parts being similar. When sending our information on a PLN however, it is crucial to ensure that whatever one puts out there is factual and avoids leaning on one side out of personal favourism. This way, the owner and publisher of a PLN’s content is able to build a conducive relationship with the consumer of the content posted. This demands that when posting content even if true, the publisher reasons on the impact the content can have on all the social expectations of each and every reader. With such a strategy, one is able to avoid negative feedback which can be detrimental to his or her online public network.

Impact of Social on Education

Currently, education occurs way beyond the classroom setting such that even the environment where one resides in is often a source of a knowledge. For this instance though, we are looking at how social media currently plays a role in the education of its users. Firstly, online social networks have a large number of users which greatly vary in terms of age, gender, sexuality, nationality, income, professional backgrounds and so on. And as Couros pointed out, “learning rests and knowledge rests on diversity” (P. 114). Looking at how diverse social media platforms are, one is in a position to learn a lot from individuals coming out of various backgrounds. This is because of the basic knowledge that whoever you come into contact with knows something that you don’t know. Moreover, in order to effectively learn in a dynamic manner, it is important to connect with a diverse group of people using various programs and appliances that enhance education. Looking at social media, there are various programs and social groups that can efficiently boost knowledge acquisition just as mentioned above. Social media further widens the capacity to learn more in addition to the knowledge already in possession and this is quite important just as mentioned by Couros (P. 114). From the diverse networks facilitated by social media platforms, a user is also able to generate knowledge and this occurs through the various connections built. By learning from a diverse source of knowledge, gradually, a person is a able to change in terms of perception as his or her reality about a particular issue shifts. This according to Couros (P. 115) indicate a person’s willing to learn and eventual impact on individual forms of decision making.

References

Brad Baker, Education in a Connected Culture https://youtu.be/C5z8iHxW2n4

Alec Couros, Developing Personal Learning Networks for Open and Social Learning – Chapter 6 – Page.114-115  https://www.aupress.ca/app/uploads/120177_99Z_Veletsianos_2010-Emerging_Technologies_in_Distance_Education.pdf

Curating Social Media

The best way to curate social media is by ensuring that not all content that comes to mind gets published. This entails posting only what is relevant for the time and context. In this manner, one is able to be of benefit to the audience since all content posted are useful both for the consumers as well as the profession or organisation at hand. The best curation techniques include perusing through email newsletters, following hashtags and being up to date on current affairs such that accounts owner stays in line with trending topics. When posting articles about particular people or organisations also, it is important to ensure that the content matches social and professional expectations so that personal image on public space remains intact. This is just as Jody put it that it is important to stay careful whenever publishing because in some near future, prospective employers could be in possession of the information posted today which will greatly affect the possibility of being employed.

Risks and Benefits of Engaging with a Public Audience in a Media Space

For personal branding and whenever one is in a position of influence, social media participation comes with a number of advantages as well as the opposite. Just as Jody Vance opined, “social media complicates things while also bringing out your strengths.” Among the benefits is that social media makes communication easy across all members of your audience all over the world. Secondly, one is able to virtually meet and connect with other people with shared interests from across the globe. With all these chances, one is able to build connections and relationships with compatible individuals easily. The down sides of social media on public image include the possibility of conflicts occuring especially when the audience of particular content targets a certain social group. Moreover, public humiliation normally occurs whenever such posts hurts a particular group hence giving room judgemental opinions and condemning reactions. At the end of it all such conflicts affect personal image in public along with a number of professional achievements.

Addressing Negative Replies

Addressing negative responses and reviews online begins by first giving a quick and respectful response towards them. This begins by thanking the individual who replied for their feedback. Gradually, you make the respondent feel heard by showing him or her that you are taking the respond seriously. During all this, it is important to avoid diverting blame but rather accept the mistake and this involves avoiding being defensive. Always let the disappointment member of the audience win in argument.

How Open Dialogues about Media literacy and Factual Information Create Conflict

Open dialogues on differentiating between real and fake news generally cause conflict since often at times, a number of members in the discussion already believe in false information because it suites their expectations. This according to Julie Smith is largely due to the fact that people are more interested in what they believe than what is true. Trying to tell them otherwise therefore leads to their disapproval of your arguments. Basically, it is quite difficult to alter someone’s perception of particular matters.

Benefits of Having a PLN that Values Media Literacy

Advantages of media literate public network include such a network suiting the current society needs which demand possession of knowledge and skills critical for informed and active citizens. A network with sufficient literacy thus gives the audience the ability to understand the world environment he resides in hence he or she is able to actively participate in its development.

References

Julie Smith, Media Literacy. Facts Matter  https://youtu.be/57r3-aEnci0  

Jody Vance, Media Voices https://youtu.be/E-NnpQJdl0A