Blog post #10

-Consider how you can use the PLN interactions of this course to further your digital identity post-term?

This course is mainly focus on the application of social media and the relationship between education and social media. And this course uses WordPress as a blog platform. In the learning process, WordPress acts as a PLN platform for students to learn. Mattermost acts as a communication platform where students can browse each other and express their opinions after posting blogs. In this process of mutual learning, it helped us better understand the advantages of PLN and further understand knowledge through practice.

-What does it mean to have a digital identity in your industry of choice?

For a university student who is graduating, running his own PLN is very important. My major is computer science, and the knowledge and technology about computers are updated every day. If we do not want to be eliminated by the workplace, a useful PLN is necessary. A perfect PLN can help us keep abreast of the knowledge acquired in the university every day, but also keep abreast of the latest developments in the world. The IT industry is not a traditional industry, but a high-tech industry, so we understand new knowledge and new technology is helpful to our career.

-Additionally, as you progress through the steps of your career, can your PLN be relied on to open professional opportunities?

I think my PLN can be relied on. I plan to become a programmer in an IT company in the future. However, IT companies usually pay the most attention to a candidate’s technology and program development capabilities. Their main testing methods are usually online exam and the display of past works. Therefore, I am uploading the works and projects that I have participated in the development to my PLN. Through PLN, the company can see my experience and practical ability, which helps to achieve my career goals.

Blog post#8

-Community Communications go Beyond Blogs and Social Media Shares, How Does a PLN Help and Hinder the Development of Thoughts and Ideas in Education Discourse?

PLN helps to establish stable and efficient connections. In the last two years, the global COVID-19 pandemic has made the significance of PLN even more important. Teachers have to convert face-to-face teaching to online teaching in order to teach normally. In addition, a large amount of learning content is integrated into PLN, and some use Microsoft Team to facilitate students to participate in the discussion. This form of large-scale multi-person discussion is difficult to achieve in previous face-to-face teaching. This is the superiority of PLN.

-How Does the use of PLN Raise Awareness Opportunities in Education?

The use of PLN strengthens the connection between individuals. Due to the convenience, efficiency and professional characteristics of PLN, anyone except students and teachers can easily access PLN, so that an online community can be established. At the same time, the online community can organize some online activities to allow the public to participate and thus get more attention.

-What is the Role of Social Media in Education?

Social media plays a very important role in education. It can help students consolidate and apply the knowledge they have learned in school. In addition to learning and using their knowledge in assignment, the knowledge can also be applied and expanded in the communication with others in PLN, which enhances the student’s learning experience and makes learning more interesting.

-What Are Some Problems With Social Media Communications in Education Settings?

Because of the convenience of social media, everyone can use it to post comments. In addition to common false information, sometimes some media will only report what they want the public to know, rather than truthfully and comprehensively. Sometimes some media publish inflammatory remarks in order to achieve the company’s interests, which has a great impact on students who have not really contacted the society.

Blog post #7

After watching the interview between Jessie and Jody, this video has benefited me a lot. Jody is a very good and successful sports anchor, so her words are of the great reference value. First of all, she mentioned that social media has helped her a lot in her career. It is social media that has given her new job opportunities and the stories are very inspiring.
As a public figure, when you use social media, you will naturally get more attention that ordinary people can’t get. Because of these high levels of attention, the words and deeds of public figures on social media can have a huge impact. The biggest risk is that some famous people’s inflammatory remarks may lead to serious consequences. For example, Donald Trump’s tweets have caused serious riots in the U.S. Congress last year, which is unprecedented and serious. This is a serious risk caused by a public figure’s misuse of social media. But while risks exist, benefits also exist. For example, Vance mentioned that she has established a good reputation through social media, and her real speech made her get a job offer. Therefore, the more influential people, the more cautious use of social media. If they publish wrong information, the consequences may be irreversible, and the untrue information will cause social instability.
Similarly, PLN being in the public eye can make your voice get more attention. The benefit of this is to let more people know about your professionalism, which is of great help to your career. At the same time, you can also convey your thoughts through PLN, and your thoughts may also help others.

The use of online tools provided by the company is limited because users speak on behalf of the company. For example, reporters speak on social media. They represent not just themselves, but the news agency they work for, so their speech You need to be more cautious. Their remarks will affect the company’s reputation and professionalism.

To establish a reliable PLN, the information published should be true, and in order to ensure the authenticity of the information,
In addition to the fact that the publisher needs to be honest, the source of the information should also be verified again and again to ensure that it is correct before publishing, so as to establish PLN’s credibility.

In addition to the requirements of the publisher, users should also have the ability to distinguish the authenticity of the information. When the correctness of the information cannot be judged, one should actively try to verify its authenticity. Once the information is found to be inaccurate, the publisher should be contacted. This can effectively limit the spread of misinformation.

Vance, J. (February 28, 2021). EDCI 338 – JODY VANCE. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/dgZOJgJkdyI

Blog post #6

Community Engagement in Public Communications

The biggest advantage of social media is that it changes the way people communicate. In addition to its convenience, social media can also build a larger network, and everyone has the opportunity to participate in this network and express their opinions. Moreover, social media can categorize different fields, so that people in the same field can better gather together, which is unimaginable in the past. But while social media provides great convenience, it also creates the possibility of illegal use, especially the spread of fake news. It is also very common for some lawbreakers to spread fake news to achieve personal goals. Due to its low crime risk, low cost, and high efficiency, we often see a lot of fake information. In addition to the ability of people to distinguish the authenticity, they also need the help of some policies or laws to help build a good Web environment.
I think PLN allows us to expand and understand the views of others. Whenever some important international events happen, I will go to Weibo Or Twitter, to search for related comments on this hashtag. This helps me understand the mainstream views of the public and compare them with my own. In addition to learning some of the more opinions, although these views are not mainstream, sometimes these ideas can inspire our thinking and understand one thing in many ways. Similarly, when we want to build a PLN that can develop healthily and in the long run, commentators are essential. The content of PLN itself is important, but it is more important to establish a platform for exchanging opinions, so as to attract more people to browse and leave messages.

Blog Post #5

“A PLN is simply an informal group of people who you learn things from on a regular basis. And if you’re doing it right, they learn things from you too” (Woods, 2013).
if I am going to create a campaign on social media, I think the topic will relate to computer science. more specifically, the topic may relate to algorithms. Programmers often find a suitable algorithm to solve the problem according to the needs of the actual situation. There are many types of algorithms, but not everyone can meet the actual needs. Therefore, discussing with others through social media and obtaining suggestions or help from others is not only conducive to solving problems, but also learning from others through this process, and others can also make progress. This process of mutual exchange and learning is enough to encourage people to participate. For most students, it can also indirectly apply the knowledge they have learned. Ask and listen more, and learn that you can gain knowledge from the experiences shared by others. “Social media, helps you discover people you would have never met otherwise, and to stay in touch with people with whom you would have otherwise fallen out of touch. Take advantage of technology to broaden and strengthen your PLN” (Woods, 2013). When we participate in the PLN campaign, we will definitely recognize all kinds of people, and keep in touch with these people, our PLN can be broadened.

Woods, Bianca. “Building your own PLN: seeking new insights and ideas? Expand your personal learning network.” T+D, vol. 67, no. 11, Nov. 2013, p. 70+. Gale OneFile: Business, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A348998538/ITBC?u=uvictoria&sid=ITBC&xid=1010abdf. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

Blog Post #4

* How diverse is your existing PLN?
* In your PLN, are you learning from a variety of voices or are you the loudest in the room?

If you ask me if my existing PLN is diverse, to be honest, I would say yes. The IT industry is developing very rapidly. If an IT practitioner stops learning, it is easy to be eliminated in the workplace. The development of technology is changing with each passing day. Therefore, as a computer science student, it is necessary to use social media to communicate with others frequently. Therefore, in addition to learning new knowledge in class, I often browse many different social platforms and track some technical bloggers, they have different backgrounds, ages, jobs, identities, experiences, etc. Some of them may be working as developers in a world-renowned advanced company. They have the most cutting-edge technology and the latest knowledge. Communicating with them allows me Now I am just a junior in UVic, obviously I lack a lot of experience, I still need to learn a lot of knowledge and practice my knowledge. Obviously, I am not the loudest in the room.

* Do you participate in a silo of information sharing (similar themes or a wide range of interests)?

* How can you use a diverse PLN to broaden your views of inclusion?

As mentioned in my previous blog post, programmers will definitely be exposed to platforms such as GitHub. This platform allows users to share their own developed programs or communication technology. On this platform, there are a variety of source codes, most of which are free to use, and these codes are usually uploaded and shared voluntarily by users, and I will also share some of my assignments as resource sharing, although these resources For most of the programmers who are already employed, it is simple, uploading these assignments sometimes will get some more professional suggestions or advice, which helps me to continuously improve myself. In addition to using GitHub, I think some forums can also be used to run my own PLN. Stackoverflow, Chinese Software Developer Network are some of the more famous forums. Here you can ask questions you encounter in daily code writing, and some professional people will be enthusiastic to answer your questions. In addition, there are many professional technical blogs here, which often discuss some technical issues, which benefit readers a lot. But I am only a student at the moment, and my skills need to be improved, so I can’t write some valuable articles. But I often read these articles, which can help me understand the latest consulting and stay abreast of the latest technology. This can broaden my views of inclusion.

* In your professional setting of choice, do you think inclusion is actively embraced?

Yes, my professional setting of choice is actively embraced. I would be a programmer in an IT company. As I mentioned earlier, the technology of it is improving every day, and new technologies are born every day. Because of inclusion, we can learn new technologies and learn from others’ problem-solving ideas, which is very important for a programmer who needs to solve problems from time to time.

* What is the learning outcome of your PLN and how are you ensuring your exposure to diversity and inclusion?

Always learn from other people’s experiences and learn other people’s technology for your own use. This can ensure my exposure to diversity and inclusion.

* How has your thinking about inclusion and PLN evolved after reviewing the videos and readings?

After reviewing the videos and readings about inclusion and PLN, I understand that diversity is very important to PLN. Different views can stimulate more thinking, and more thinking can generate more ideas to make progress.

Blog post #3

What digital platforms are students currently using to develop their professional network?

There are many digital platforms that students can use to develop their personal professional network. For example, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. Especially LinkedIn is a very good platform where students can list their personal experiences and professional fields, which is very helpful to their careers. In addition, Quora is a platform I often browse. On this platform, you can ask any professional questions. People in related professional fields will be enthusiastic to answer your questions. At the same time, you can browse some familiar questions and answer to help others. This process helps students improve themselves. Professional skills and academic exchanges.

What can you (as a student) consider to expand your professional learning network?

As a computer science student, Github is a platform we often come into contact with. On this platform, in addition to saving your own personal programming, you can also share your own code, or access the code-shared by others, and even communicate technology with others. In addition, I want to start managing my LinkedIn account because I am graduating in this year. I need to improve my account information and share more of my professional related experience, which will benefit my employment in the near future.

In your network, how can you create a digital identity/reputation?

In Github, I’ve uploaded all the programming assignments during my university life. I upload these assignments to show others my professional knowledge as works, and at the same time, I can browse my works anytime and anywhere to review knowledge. Others can browse my work at any time, use my work, or find loopholes in my work, make suggestions, and improve the quality of the works.

Consider what a local employer would do if you applied for a job with them – can they search the content, is it of benefit to the career path, does it hinder the opportunity of employment?

As a computer student, running your own GitHub is necessary. On GitHub, you can not only show your own works but also exchange knowledge and improve technology with others. When IT companies recruit programmers, in addition to screening candidates through exam interviews, one of the most commonly used methods is work display. Employers will ask candidates to show the projects they have planned and the works they have done in order to evaluate the candidates’ professional ability and cooperation ability, etc.

Blog post #2

– What is a digital identity?

Digital identity is kind of like the footprint of the user, which is searchable. This footprint could be users’ work, portfolio, blog, tweets. “what you post/share online, what you engage in, how you engage, how you treat others, and how you use digital tools for your benefit, as well as for the benefit of the people you work with or teach” (Stoller, 2016). So digital identity can be regarded as a network form of you, this form includes your information and interaction online.

– How do personal versus professional approaches to digital identity

Professional identity is the professional self‑concept of an individual grounded in attributes, beliefs, motives, values, and experiences (Mahboob, Usman, et al.). The professional digital identity develops through internet-based social interactions by utilizing online platforms and communication tools. People could focus on the field which they are working on. For example, medical students can interact with others and form communities labeled as virtual communities frequently. On the other hand, spending too much time on social networking sites may negatively affect academic performance and reduce students’ interpersonal communication skills.

– How do digital identities converge in networked publics?

The development of technology can enable users to expand their professional digital identities. Social media such as linkin can provide a platform where users can browse their professional fields and interact with people who study in the same field.
In 2019, more than 75 million people have access to the Internet, and digital identity certainly provides convenience. However, while providing convenience, some online privacy and security risks also exist.

– what are the impacts and/or benefits? – Can a digital wallet provide trust in networked publics?

Electronic wallets actually have many advantages; first, electronic currency provides several inherent benefits: Compared with cash, using electronic wallets is safer and more convenient, and can speed up transactions.

In addition, electronic transactions are more reliable than traditional transaction methods because they can be tracked, thereby reducing potential fraud. Also, all e-wallets require some form of personal verification before payment; this means that even if someone steals your phone, they will not be able to withdraw the money from your e-wallet app.

 

Davos.“Press Conference The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society.” uploaded by World Economic Forum, 5 Feb. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-V7yxrOmw

Stoller, Eric.“What is Digital Identity.”Youtube, uploaded by University of Derby, 25 November 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0RryRbJza0

Jawed, Saira, Usman Mahboob, and Rahila Yasmeen. “Digital Professional Identity: Dear Internet! Who Am I?” Education for Health (Abingdon, England), vol. 32, no. 1, 2019, pp. 33-35.

Blog Post #1

  • What does it mean to the network using social media?

Social media is a tool and platform for people to share opinions, insights, experiences, and opinions with each other. At this stage, they mainly include social networking sites, Weibo, WeChat, blogs, forums, podcasts, and so on. Today more people acquire knowledge and master skills from the network (Gutierrez). Social media has changed the way people connect with each other. It removed the physical barriers and provided the possibility people had a platform to communicate with long-distance (Gutierrez). The development has exploded with shocking purpose energy. The information it disseminates has become an important content of people browsing the Internet.

  • How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?

“Learning professionals can actively undertake measures to make the best use of the learning opportunities in their layered personal learning networks (Rajagopal, Kamakshi, et al. 2011).” Learners can find corresponding content on the personal learning network according to their needs. “A clear value for professionals emerged: they design and navigate their network to bring them the most professional and educational benefit at each stage of their career (Dulworth, 2006; Cross, et al., 2003; Steiny and Oinas–Kukkonen, 2007).” The huge advantages brought by online learning are conducive to the careers of learners. Through the Internet, they can acquire professional knowledge and improve themselves, which encourages them to participate in online learning.

  • What are the risks & rewards of public communications?

As we all know, online privacy is a very important part and one that is often overlooked by people. Our data, privacy is gradually networked(Boyd, Danah. 2012).

 

The network does offer many benefits, but at the same time, there are risks. As we all know, online privacy is a very important part and one that is often overlooked by people. Our data and privacy is gradually networked (Boyd, Danah. 2012). Therefore, people may share their true information during network communication, which makes it possible to leak personal information.

 

References:

Gutierrez, Karla. “What are Personal Learning Networks?” SHIFT, 21 June 2016. https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/learning-network-age/0/steps/24644. Accessed 20 January 2021.

 

Rajagopal, Kamakshi, et al. “Understanding personal learning networks: Their structure, content and the networking skills needed to optimally use them.” First Monday (2012).

 

Boyd, Danah. “Networked Privacy.” Surveillance & Society, 22 December 2012. https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/surveillance-and-society/article/view/networked/networked. Accessed 20 January 2021.

 

image showing person walking in pre-painted footprints

Welcome and Introduction

Before proceeding with this first blog post, we expect you to consider your privacy preferences carefully and that you have considered the following options:

  1. Do you want to be online vs. offline?
  2. Do you want to use your name (or part thereof) vs. a pseudonym (e.g., West Coast Teacher)?
  3. Do you want to have your blog public vs. private? (Note, you can set individual blog posts private or password protected or have an entire blog set to private)
  4. Have you considered whether you are posting within or outside of Canada? This blog on opened.ca is hosted within Canada. That said, any public blog posts can have its content aggregated/curated onto social networks outside of Canada.

First tasks you might explore with your new blog:

  • Go into its admin panel found by adding /wp-admin at the end of your blog’s URL
  • Add new category or tags to organize your blog posts – found under “Posts” (but do not remove the pre-existing “edci338” category).
  • See if your blog posts are appearing on the course website (you must have the the edci338 category assigned to a post first and have provided your instructor with your blog URL)
  • Add pages, if you like.
  • Include hyperlinks in your posts (select text and click on the link icon in the post toolbar)
  • Embed images or set featured images and embed video in blog posts and pages (can be your own media or that found on the internet, but consider free or creative commons licensed works). To embed a YouTube video, simply paste the URL on its own line.
  • Under Dashboard/Appearance,
    • Select your preferred website theme and customize to your preferences (New title, new header image, etc.)
    • Customize menus & navigation
    • Use widgets to customize blog content and features
  • Delete this starter post (or switch it to draft status if you want to keep it for reference)

Do consider creating categories for each course that you take should you wish to document your learning (or from professional learning activities outside of formal courses). Keep note, however, that you may wish to rename the label of the course category in menus (e.g., as we did where it shows “Social Media & PL” as the label for the “edci338” category menu.  This will enable readers not familiar with university course numbers to understand what to expect in the contents.

Lastly, as always, be aware of the FIPPA as it relates to privacy and share only those names/images that you have consent to use or are otherwise public figures. When in doubt, ask us.

Please also review the resources from our course website for getting started with blogging:

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