Category: Uncategorised

Blog Post #9

A personal PLN (Personal Learning Network) can be a huge help in career development and building global relationships. Here are some suggestions on how to engage with business, career opportunities and relationships in a personal PLN and how to take it from the local community to the global community:

In my personal experience, I had three part-time jobs during study time, and I was involved in social networks on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in groups and communities related to my career, interests and areas of expertise, Network and network with other industry insiders. Through these social networks, individuals can access the latest developments, skills and knowledge in the industry, as well as ask questions and seek advice from peers and experts.
I had attend online and offline events, such as attend online and offline events related to your field, such as webinars, forums, workshops, conferences, and community events. These events not only provide an opportunity to meet new people, but also to learn about the latest trends and knowledge within the industry.
Also , continue publish valuable content and share my expertise, experience and insights through blogs, social networks and other online platforms. This not only increases one’s influence, but also provides valuable information and advice to others.
I also establish my personal style, for example through personal websites, resumes, portfolios, social media and other platforms, demonstrate my professional skills and achievements, and establish my own personal image style. This can help me to better demonstrate my value and abilities in my careers, thereby opening up career opportunities.
In this process, an individual’s PLN can play a key role. Through networking and networking, individuals can connect with people from all over the world and expand their horizons and knowledge. At the same time, by focusing on local influences, individuals can also better understand local social, cultural and industry dynamics and benefit in their professional life.

At the same time, my own PLN can also be used to help with professional development after the course. By networking and networking with peers and experts, individuals can learn about the latest industry trends and skill requirements, and receive valuable advice and guidance from them.

In the end, PLN is something that can help open up career opportunities. By connecting with peers and experts, individuals can learn about the latest opportunities and developments in the industry, and showcase their professional skills and achievements to them, so as to obtain opportunities. In addition, an individual’s PLN can also recommend potential job opportunities to them, bringing more choices for an individual’s career.

However, according to the summary of my personal experience, in order to maximize the use of personal PLN, you need to pay attention to the following points:

Maintaining Good Relationships: Building solid contacts and relationships in one’s PLN requires building good relationships of trust and cooperation. Keeping in touch, offering assistance, and responding to each other’s requests are key to maintaining a good relationship.
Focus on quality over quantity: Although it is important to expand your PLN, it is more important to focus on quality than quantity. Connecting and communicating with valuable people can bring greater value and influence to an individual’s career.
Continuous learning and growth: A personal PLN can provide individuals with various learning and growth opportunities, but to maximize these opportunities, individuals need continuous learning and growth to remain competitive and adapt to industry changes.
In conclusion, a personal PLN can be of great help in career development and building global relationships, but to get the most out of it, individuals need to invest time and energy, actively participate in social networking, attend online and offline events, publish valuable content, and connect and network with peers and experts. In these ways, individuals can expand their horizons and knowledge, build reliable contacts and relationships, and bring more opportunities and options to their careers.

Blog Post #8

Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media content. It is an essential skill in today’s digital age where information is abundant, and we are constantly bombarded with different types of media. Media literacy is crucial in helping individuals navigate this vast amount of information and to make informed decisions.

The importance of media literacy lies in its ability to enable individuals to critically evaluate the information they receive. In today’s society, where fake news and propaganda are rampant, it is vital that people can differentiate between factual information and misinformation. Media literacy provides people with the tools to do this, helping them to recognize bias, identify reliable sources, and fact-check information.

Despite its importance, media literacy is often dismissed as a skill that is not necessary. This is partly due to the misconception that media literacy only applies to younger people who are heavily involved in social media. However, media literacy is essential for all ages and is relevant to all types of media, including traditional media such as newspapers, TV, and radio.

In a PLN, individuals can benefit greatly from media literacy skills. Having a variety of views is important, but it is equally important to ensure that the information being shared is accurate and factual. Aiming for a factual consensus means that individuals can have productive and informed discussions, allowing for better decision-making and a deeper understanding of issues.

Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can sometimes create conflict because people hold different views and opinions. However, these dialogues can also be beneficial in creating a better understanding of the issues at hand. Conflicting views can help to identify biases, question assumptions, and promote critical thinking.

The benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy is that individuals can rely on accurate information and are less likely to be misled by false information or propaganda. This is especially important in today’s digital age, where misinformation can spread rapidly, and people are often targeted with information that reinforces their existing beliefs. A PLN that prioritizes media literacy ensures that individuals have the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the media landscape and make informed decisions. It also provides a platform for individuals to share information, discuss issues, and engage in meaningful dialogues, leading to a better understanding of the world around them.

Week 7- Community Engagement & Your PLN

Social media has become a key tool for professional networking and building a Personal Learning Network (PLN). However, it is important to understand the risks associated with having a public and engaging PLN in the context of employment. Here are some considerations:

Social media engages communications by providing a platform for individuals to share their thoughts and ideas with a global audience. It enables users to connect with others in their industry and engage in conversations, share resources, and collaborate on projects.


Social media also challenges communications by creating a fast-paced and often volatile environment where misinformation can spread quickly. It can be difficult to navigate complex topics and conversations without inadvertently offending or alienating others.


Inclusivity is a crucial aspect of social media engagement. A PLN that is diverse and inclusive can help individuals to broaden their perspectives, learn from others, and build stronger relationships with people from different backgrounds and cultures.


A good PLN should also amplify the views of others, not just the individual. This means sharing content and ideas from other members of the network, providing support and encouragement, and building a sense of community around shared interests and goals.


Employers often have policies in place around social media communications, particularly when it comes to representing the organization online. It is important to understand these policies and adhere to them in order to maintain a professional image and avoid any potential legal or reputational issues.


Finally, to build a strong PLN on social media, it is important to engage with influencers and commentators in the industry. This can involve following thought leaders, participating in Twitter chats, and sharing content from respected sources. By building a network of trusted connections, individuals can stay up-to-date with industry trends and opportunities, and build their professional reputation.

Blog Post #4 WEEK 5 – PLN in Education

Explore the videos provided and reflect on the themes of a PLN in professional capacity.

The subject matter of a PLN, or Personal Learning Network, can have a significant impact on an individual’s professional competence. I think some of the key themes that come up when discussing PLN include collaboration, community, continuous learning, and personalization.

First, collaboration is a key theme at PLN as it involves connecting with other professionals to share resources, ideas and strategies. By working with others in my field, individuals gain access to a wider range of expertise and perspectives, which helps me develop new skills and improve my practice.

Second, community is another important theme of PLN. By participating in online communities or professional learning networks, I can connect with like-minded people who share my interests and goals. This can create a sense of belonging and support, which is especially valuable for those in remote or isolated settings.

Third, continuous learning is another key theme of PLN. As the field of education continues to evolve, it is imperative that professionals stay abreast of the latest research, trends, and practices. PLN can provide continuous learning and growth opportunities, helping individuals stay current and adapt to changing circumstances.

Finally, personalization is an important theme in PLN. Everyone’s learning needs and goals are unique, and I can tailor PLN to meet those needs. By choosing the right resources, connections, and communities, individuals can more effectively achieve their career goals by tailoring their PLN to their specific interests and areas of focus.

Overall, PLNs can be powerful tools for enhancing an individual’s professional capabilities by providing opportunities for collaboration, community building, continuous learning, and personalization. By actively participating in others’ PLNs, individuals can expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and stay in touch with the latest developments in their field.

Which social media platforms are good for education?

In my opinion, the following are some of the most used and educationally beneficial social media platforms:

Twitter is a microblogging platform popular with educators for its ability to facilitate real-time conversations and connect educators from around the world. Teachers and educators use Twitter to share resources, collaborate on projects, and access professional development opportunities.

Facebook: While primarily for personal use, Facebook also has many education-related groups and pages that are useful for educators. These groups can provide a platform for discussion on education-related topics and can be a valuable source of information and resources.

YouTube: YouTube is a video-sharing platform that educators use to create and share educational videos, tutorials, and other resources. Many educators use YouTube to share their expertise and provide engaging and interactive content to their students. As a cs student, I often watch youtube to learn more computer languages skills, and it works well.

Instagram: Instagram is a visual platform that educators can use to share photos and videos related to their work. This can be a useful tool for sharing classroom activities and projects, as well as showcasing student work. It is worth noting that while these social media platforms are beneficial for education, they also pose some risks and challenges. Educators should be mindful of their digital footprint and take steps to protect their privacy and that of their students.

Additionally, they should be aware of the potential for cyberbullying and harassment on social media and take steps to prevent it. Overall, social media can be a valuable tool for educators, but it should be used with care and awareness.

When working with the vulnerable sector, how does social media fit into professionalism and regulations?

When working with vulnerable groups, social media can present several risks if not managed properly. Therefore, it is important for professionals to consider how social media fits into their profession and regulations.

The first thing to note is privacy. Social media platforms can easily share personal information or inadvertently reveal information about vulnerable groups. Therefore, professionals should be careful about the information they share online and make sure they are not violating any privacy laws or policies.

Another issue is maintaining professional boundaries. Professionals should be cautious about connecting with vulnerable groups on social media platforms, as it can blur the lines between their professional and personal lives. Professionals should also avoid inappropriate conversations or sharing of personal information with clients or their family members. Additionally, there may be specific regulations or guidelines related to the use of social media in the context of working with vulnerable groups. Professionals should familiarize themselves with these regulations and ensure compliance with them.

Overall, social media can be a useful tool for professionals working with vulnerable groups, but it should be used with caution and within the bounds of professional ethics and regulations. Professionals should always prioritize the safety and privacy of the individuals they work with and ensure that their use of social media does not compromise their professionalism or put vulnerable groups at risk.

WEEK 2 – PLN & Public Communications

What does it mean to network using social media?
I think the main meaning of doing this is to communicate with distant friends, share pictures and videos with each other, and so on. You can also join different groups to find people who share your hobbies. It’s also a fast, cheap and effective way to reach nearly half of the world’s population. If you have a need, you can connect with your target audience, engage with customers, and grow your business. The significance of using social media to establish a network is to exchange knowledge and information with other people more widely and more conveniently. To give a simple example, I love travel and photography. Before each trip, I will search for some travel bloggers’ experiences and stories on social media to prepare for my trip. I can also post my questions in the forum Go and discuss with many netizens. When I finish my travels, I also share my travel experiences on social media and share the places I visited during my travels. Therefore, people can more conveniently interact with people who are thousands of miles away or do not know people in reality, which makes people’s learning more convenient and information flow faster.


How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?
From a business point of view, it can increase the traffic of the product website, increase the visibility, and attract the attention of new friends. Publish some articles to win the attention of consumers, so that readers are interested in the product and enter the website. From the student’s point of view, publishing what they have learned on the Internet can further consolidate the knowledge, while students who do not have this knowledge can learn this knowledge by searching for explanations posted by others. In additional, people can generate new problem-solving methods or knowledge through communication and discussion in networked publics because you can communicate with more different people online and you may get new inspiration.


What are the risks & rewards of public communications?
The risk of public communication is that the web is mixed, and everyone has a different point of view. Some people agree with you, and some people disagree. Although some people do not agree, they can also debate with you rationally, but some people not only disagree, but also do not reason, thereby further verbally insulting you, and may even rise to sexism or race and so on. The return of public communication is also significant, and even the largest platform can better carry out message transmission. You can let more people see what you want to say, so that you can promote your product through the methods mentioned above.

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:

Test Social Media Post

This post  will appear in a few places:

  1. in the blog feed on the front of your website
  2. in the Learning Design menu on your website. This is because we have applied the “edci338” category to this post and the menu item “Social Media & Personalized Learning” has been created from the category “edci338.” For every post you make for this course, please assign the “edci338” category to it. You are welcome to use this blog for your personal hobbies or for other courses, in which case, you could create additional menu items and categories for them.
  3. if you give permission, your posts categorized “edci338” will be aggregated onto the Blog Feed on the EDCI 338 Course Website.

Feel free to delete this post once you understand this. If you have any questions, please reach out to your instructor.