Month: February 2021

If I were to create a PLN on a topic of my choice, it would be on teen mental health. Prior to engaging in a social media campaign, I would study the age group I am targeting. I would also research what is the most effective way to reach them through social media. I believe I am targeting two groups when I look at teen mental health, teens and parents or people working with teens. Others on social media could view me as a leader in teen mental health because I work with teens on a daily basis. Teaching grade nine provides me with a lot of insight on how teens mental health effects their schooling, social and personal life. I believe that Instagram and Facebook are the two largest widely used social media sites for both teens and adults; therefore, I would start with those two sites to get my social media campaign started.

Blog Post #4

* How diverse is your existing PLN?

I would like to believe that my PLN is very diverse; however, the more I think about it, I do not think that I am very diverse in the grand scheme of things. Diversity would include all ages, different social and ethnical backgrounds, different genders, sexual orientation, career paths, etc. In some ways I do engage in a diverse population when it comes to social, genders, and career paths; however, I live in a very small region of Canada and struggle with having an ethnical, or different sexual orientation PLN. Due to the area I reside in, we are a very large white population with a very small diverse ethnical community. Similarly, individuals with a different sexual orientation tends to move away from this area to larger city centers, which offer more acceptance and resources.

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

In my PLN I am defiantly learning from different sources and voices. I am the type of person who will sit back and take everything in at first. I have been this way for a very long time, as I do not like confrontation. In most situations, I tend to sit back and feel the crowd out first, and then I will include my voice where I feel it is acceptable to do so. I avoid confrontation this way because I listen to others opinions and make sure I do not offend them when it is my turn to speak. However, if I am very passionate about a topic I will voice my opinion no matter what, but for the most part I can be passive and allow others opinions form my decisions.

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

Participating in a silo of information sharing happens for me a majority of the time at my job. Although all the teachers I work with have a similar theme, which is teaching; however, within that we have a wide range of interests. Our interest in our silo range from subject and grade. Within this course, I have a silo of information sharing, but for the majority of our sharing it is directed towards a similar theme, which is usually set out by our teacher.

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

I can use a diverse PLN to broaden my views of inclusion by listening to others points of view, and what they have experienced with inclusion. When I think of diversity its people of all ages, sexual orientation, cultures, race, and bring forward a different life experience then myself. When I look at myself, I believe I have a very broad view on inclusion, as I was previously an Education Assistant before becoming a teacher. My experience as an Education Assistant was a positive one because the teacher whose classroom I was in had a very inclusive mindset in her room. I felt accepted, valued, and appreciated in her space.

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

In my short three year (so far) teaching career, I believe inclusion is actively embraced as we take a course based strictly on inclusion. Although teachers get taught tips and trick on inclusion in their classrooms, I do believe for some teachers it is a large stretch to encompass inclusion within their classroom. Unfortuantely, those teachers who have been teaching for a long time and are close to retirement right now taught at a time in their career where inclusion was not a “thing”; therefore, making it more difficult for them to adjust.

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

My learning outcome from my PLN is to always be a lifelong learner and encompass others knowledge and opinions. I am ensuring my exposure by trying to allow others to learn from me, and my experiences so far as an educator with diversity and inclusion. As I mentioned before I feel as though I do not offer diversity justice though due to the location I live and work.

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

I am not sure my thinking about inclusion and PLN has really evolved or changed since the videos and readings. I wish I had more opportunity to submerge myself in more situations that are inclusive. I constantly remind myself that everyone has their own story, and I just try to listen and be as accepting as I possibly can.

Works Cited:

Moore, S. & Schnellert, L. (2017). One Without the Other : Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion, Portage & Main Press. ProQuest Ebook Central. https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/lib/uvic/detail.action?docID=4832579.

Moore S. (2018). The Evolution of Inclusion: The past and future of education. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQgXBhPh5Zo&feature=youtu.be

Blog 3

1. I forgot to log in for my first map and lost it; therefore, I created one on paper so it would not happen again.

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

I believe there are many digital platforms out there that students could have access to in order to develop their professional network. The most commonly used platforms for students are Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. There are others I have not mentioned; however, I believe those are the four most popular. Each platform offers different ways in which one can develop their professional network including direct messaging, # that bring up related professional information, and digital resumes.

I do not personally have any experience with LinkedIn; however, viewing it quickly I think professionally that is the best networking option online. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are used for viewing often personally rather than professionally. LinkedIn seems to be more of an online resume where you connect with people of similar job/career desires.

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

As a student, I could definitely expand my professional learning network. I currently do not have any professional learning networks that I continuously engage in. I participate in Twitter and a blog forum due to my online courses I am in right now; however, I would not have engaged in either learning networks if I were not made to do so. I would like to expand my professional learning as I know we can all learn from each other, and this is a great way do so. I am going to challenge myself to check out LinkedIn, and expand my networking.

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

I create a digital identity/reputation through everything I do online. The pictures I post, personal information, comments, conversations, and shares etc. Every single thing you do online creates an identity. If I chose to engage in a controversial conversation online, I have instantly given those people who are for it, or those who are against the topic an identity of who I am and what my values and beliefs are. Similar to when you share a post on Facebook it gives other viewers an idea of what I value personally. When you engage in conversations in your professional learning networks and you are respectful of others opinions and views; although, they may not be the same as yours, but you can be humble, you will find success and create a positive digital identity.

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?

          If a local employer were to search me up the only thing they would be able to find is my Facebook account. My Facebook account has the highest amount of privacy they offer, all you can view on my Facebook account is my profile picture (which is just my face). I am very aware of what is posted on my Facebook as everything has to be approved by me first before it is posted on my wall. I believe that my personal online content does not benefit nor hinder my opportunity of employment. I try to limit how much social media and personal information is online about myself.

Works Cited

Wikipedia contributors. “Digital Visitor and Resident.” Wikipedia, 31 Dec. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visitor_and_Resident

Blog Post 2

– What is a digital identity?

Digital identity is the way in which individuals present themselves online. Individuals who use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, blog posts, portfolios all create a certain identity in the internet and social media world, whether it be professionally or just for personal purposes. There can be little, to a lot that a person shares digitally that creates their identity. Simply your name or username can be shared, or you can share as much as pictures, where you live, your interests and hobbies, your family etc. Digital identity is up to each individual, and how much they are willing to share with the World Wide Web and social media. As Siara Jawed et.al states “Identity is what it means to be who one is including the qualities and beliefs, distinguishing a person or a group from others.” (Siara Jawed et.al)

– How do personal versus professional approaches to digital identity affect social media use?

Personal approaches to digital identity differs from professional approaches in such that professionals have to be cautious of what they view, post, and how their identity can be tarnished, possibly. The article Digital professional identity: Dear Internet! Who am I? expresses that “Professional identity is professional self-concept of an individual grounded in attributes, beliefs, motives, values, and experiences.” (Siara Jawed et. al) When focusing on personal approaches to digital identity, I believe individuals will react, or view things differently because they do not have an image to withhold in society. We learn professional ways of communication and digital networking on social media as professionals (Siara Jawed et. al). Although this article refers to doctors, I feel as though teachers, lawyers, police officers and many other professions are held to this accountability of professionalism.

– How do digital identities converge in networked publics?

In Davos’s video it is mentioned that we need to be able to distribute the opportunity to create a digital identity on a wider scale as we only have approximately 50% of the world accessing the internet (Davos). Unfortunately, if we do not try harder to reach all people in the world we will continue to be divided and not well rounded in diversity (Davos). Digital identities and networking is used on a daily basis for things such emails, social media, and communication. I use email every day while working; therefore, I believe it saves my employer money because it would take much more time to communicate if email was not available. However, I caution myself sometimes on what I send, as I just never know how secure the internet is.

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

I think that a digital wallet could be a very controversial topic. I am a very cautious person when it comes to placing things online or digitally because I never know who can access to that information. I would like to say that I could eventually trust a digital wallet; however, I am skeptical with all the hacking and data breaches that have happened in the last 5 years. The benefits would be that its easier accessible for some, but on the flip side of that it can also be harder to access for some of the less developed countries. I have a very hard time believing the world will function that way eventually, as our world is a very diverse place.

Works Cited:

Davos 2019 – Press Conference The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society. “Davos 2019 – Press Conference the Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society.” YouTube, 5 Feb. 2019, youtu.be/1-V7lyxrOmw. Accessed 1 Feb. 2021.

Jawed, Saira, Usman Mahboob, and Rahila Yasmeen. “Digital professional identity: Dear Internet! Who am I?.” Education for Health 32.1 (2019): 33

Stoller, Eric. “What is digital Identity.” Youtube, uploaded by University of Derby, 25 11 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0RryRbJza0