EDCI338

Author: alanbuzy

PLN Personal, Professional & Reflection

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.

PLN Contribution to Messaging and Education

Source; Innov8itiv

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

Media Literacy & PLN

Source; Tiaformazione

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

Social Media & Advocacy

Source: Congressional Quarterly

How social media use in public discourse potentially challenge advocacy communications

Despite the various benefits of social media on activism, various concerns have been raised on the right ways and times to bring it in for the benefit of advocacy. A number of arguments point to the fact that social media can excessively influence how activists as well as other participating citizens engage online in terms of the various technical social media policies and features chosen for implementation. Sporadic change of such policies often disrupts the activities of advocacy individuals and organizations. These means that there will be great difference between desired and achieved results from advocate activities.

My PLN’s Level of Diversity

Personally, my public network is quite diverse because it is generally impossible to control the people we interact with online. From my end, I can classify my network in terms of activities, hobbies and socio-geographic characteristics. This means that my network isn’t really diverse enough because often at times, I link up with people with similar interests and partake the activities that I handle. For example, I am a tech enthusiast so the people I interact with online are mainly in the tech world. Looking at sexuality for example, I am straight but not homophobic. So I usually communicate with individuals of the LGBTQ community, but I don’t share their passions. Socially, I am Chinese, but my Public network is global since I am an international student. Despite the racial differences, we are still connected by common activity which is education just as Moore & Leyton opined that unity is often built & sustained by diversity. But still, a huge portion of my virtual circle is Chinese. With that, it’s easier to understand how diverse my PLN is.

Learning From My PLN’s

Yes, Honestly I am getting to learn a lot from listening to number of voices on my social network. And this is good for me because I am gradually becoming tolerant while also getting to learn from individuals whom I wouldn’t possible learn from without online interactions. For example, with time I came to understand Canadian politics because of online interactions with individuals who had interest in a particularly common topic. Furthermore, I have greatly become tolerant and passionate of members from the LGBTQ community since I noted that they are also people who deserve the love and tolerance that everyone deserves.

How Social Media Engage in Advocacy Communications

Basically, social media act as innovative tools important for informing communities into a mobilized form of advocacy. Under proper utility, social media ensures builds up with community psychology principles by enabling individuals to contribute towards social issues dialogues and through effort collaborations individuals are able to build a sense of community. These opportunities ensure that players in a particular course are able to sustain their advocacy efforts in the occurrence of unavoidable challenges. In order to effectively engage supporters, it is important to first understand their interests then gradually build awareness which accelerates their interests to eventually ensure that they maintain active contribution. Case example is by joining facebook pages and groups in addition to following certain twitter feed gives individuals knowledge about a particular issue eventually increasing their interest towards supporting the particular cause.

References

One Without the Other: Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion – Shelley Moore and Leyton Schnellert
Introduction (Page 6-10) & Part 1 (Page 11-12). https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/lib/uvic/reader.action?docID=4832579&ppg=6

V&R Mapping & Digital Networks

Digital Platforms that Develop Student Professional Network

Largely, digital platforms offer a lucrative chance to network considering that a large number of professionals spend their time online. First on the List is Linked-in. Linked-in is a professional network that offers a platform for professionals to socialise online and even take their professional networks offline if possible. This platform thus offers a chance for students to expand their professional networks since they can easily connect and communicate with individuals within their professional fields. Twitter is also quite important in networking. For example if there is hashtag about a certain conference, students can follow up to check individuals engaging in them and connect professionally. Facebook also offers a chance to professionally network ranging from infographics, discussion groups and trending topics which can be selectively chosen by students based on personal professional needs.

Digital Networking Considerations

What I would consider when creating digital networks as a student include the ability to connect with corporate decision makers as well as the ability to keep up with news and events that revolve around my field of industry. This is because besides connecting, communication is important and when having conversations with professionals, it is important to have sufficient knowledge at hand.

Creating My Digital Identity

The best formula that I would use to create my digital identity would be to have a clear plan on what I would be posting on my platforms. A content ratio would therefore come in handy such that half of my content should be a discussion on industry trending topics. The other half would revolve around the projects that I am currently undertaking as well a few personal experiences. With this, I can manage my digital ID besides the fact that in some instances, I would forget a few details about myself just as mentioned by Reagan & Jesse (2019).

Employment and Digital Identity

I honestly feel like it is inappropriate for employers to use digital content when considering prospective employees for opportunities. This is because our digital identities and content go beyond our current fields. For example, a number of people joined Facebook and Twitter back in junior high school before they could specialise on their current fields. This means that their digital content is barely related to their careers.

References

Privacy, Ethics & Security in Digital Spaces Developing Awareness of Privacy https://digitaltattoo.ubc.ca/quizzes/privacy-and-surveillance/ Regan, P., & Jesse, J. (2019).

PLN, Public Communications & Digital Identity

Networking Using Social Media

Photo Credits, Malcolm Owen

Social media networking entails the process with which individuals build and sustain social and economic relations using technology. For this to occur, social media platforms such as Twitter, Telegram and Facebook since they enable individuals and corporations to interact with each other easily. This way, efficient relationships are built enabling smooth sharing of ideas, messages and information (Psychology Today, 2021).

Participating in Networked Publics

The greatest motivations towards social media networks are normally social and financial. For example, family members that are far apart use social media to keep in touch. Furthermore, people often connect with others who are often strangers but share similar interests through the use of lists, groups, channels and even hashtags. Economically, marketers use social media as a means of building brand awareness as well as sustaining customer loyalty to their brands. This is mainly because social media makes brands more visible to current customers besides attracting new customers to the company.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media Networking

Advantages of social media networking include the fact that family members and friends who have no physical access to each other can always communicate. Moreover, it connects individuals with strangers who share similar interests hence creating new partnerships. For corporations, new customers are easily attained. However, social networking comes with a number of loopholes including the fact that misinformation is rapidly spread across platforms. Such cases normally cause personal and brand image distortion. Additionally, creation and sustenance of a company’s image online can take time and also be costly.

Digital Identity

Photo Credits; International Banker

Digital Identity is a combination of information about an individual which are in digital forms. Such information is mainly attained through a person’s digital activities such as facebook likes and retweets in addition to personal attributes such as bank details and email address. Such information is normally used by computer systems to identify foreign agents since identify can be defined as a number of attributes that can be used to define a certain entity (Rannenberg, 2011).

Personal Vs Professional Digital Identity

Being an active user of social media services, there emerges a need for a balance between an individual’s personal and professional expectations. This is mainly because despite most employers being much interested employees’ skillset, they are gradually considering individual social skills and activities before offering job opportunities. This means that, even at the personal level, prospective employees need to stay vigilant and considerate of the comments and responses they post online in order to safeguard their professional image. Furthermore, individuals employed for online marketing programs have been noted to run multiple accounts catering for both personal and professional reasons. This means that such individuals need to be careful whenever posting in order to avoid the possibility of posting personal issues on professional platforms. Generally, personal versus professional approaches to digital ID has encouraged cautious use of social media by various individuals.

Impact of Digital ID’s in Networked Publics

Personally, I really feel like digital Identities on public online spaces are a silent encroachment to privacy. This is mainly because in most cases, the persistence displayed by some sites means that whatever one says today can be sought for and be available even after several decades later. Furthermore, searchability noted in various sites means that anyone can be located at any particular time and most probably be found. Replicability is also quite common in social media whereby posts and media can be copied and pasted across various platforms leading to high chances of misinterpretation. Eventually, the original owner takes all the blame. With such cases being common, repercussions include employees losing jobs for insulting others online or after posting date pictures online after calling in sick.

References

Psychology Today. Social Networking. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/social-networking

Rannenberg, K. (2011). “ISO/IEC 24760-1: A framework for identity management – Part 1: Terminology and concepts”. ISO. Retrieved 2015-12-05.

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