Blog Post #10

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

I can use the interactions from my PLN in this course to further my digital identity post-term by staying actively engaged in connecting with my PLN, and showing them what I have to offer as an educator. There is a large benefit for us to stay connected as a PLN. We have all learned a lot from each other in the four months we have spent together as a PLN.

We have learned from each other through many different platforms this semester including Mattermost, social media, and currently on zoom for our final project. I believe there are so many different avenues to engage in with your PLN that we could forever be learning. Together we have become more digitally literate which is “to the awarenesses, skills, understandings, and reflective approaches necessary for an individual to operate comfortably in information-rich and IT-enabled environments” (Oliveira).

What does it mean to have a digital identity in your industry of choice and can your current PLN be used to help professional development post-course?

Digital identity in teaching is very important, especially the way education has changed due to Covid-19. Last year teaching online was a steep learning curve for a majority of teachers, myself included. I believe I have become much more digitally aware since the change of course due to Covid-19. Since this course I believe I have created a digital identity as a teacher and my PLN has attributed to helping me develop professionally. I have made connections with other teachers in my PLN as well as other professionals and we have made connections that will only enhance me as a lifelong learner.

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

I believe I will rely on my PLN as I progress through my career. I have made connections with professionals who have similar views as I; however, we are diverse in our life experiences. The diversity that my PLN presents I believe is a great learning tool as it gives me the opportunity to grow from various groups of individuals. My PLN provides me with an excellent chance to open professional opportunities as we all have different professional connections.

Works Cited

Oliveira, N. R., & Morgado, L. (2014). “Digital Identity of Researchers and Their Personal Learning Network.” Learning and Collaboration Technologies. Technology-Rich Environments for Learning and Collaboration, 467–477. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-07485-6_46