JungJoo’s blog provides a thoughtful approach to establishing and maintaining personal learning networks (PLNs) through social media. JungJoo’s strategy of actively participating in real-time feedback from others in the coding community is a great example of how social media can create dynamic and supportive learning environments JungJoo’s emphasis on cybersecurity and ethics is also crucial. The practical steps taken, such as using strong passwords, enabling two factor authentication, and verifying information before sharing, are crucial for protecting our personal privacy and maintaining the integrity of online learning spaces. JungJoo is aware of the potential impact of misinformation, especially in the field of education, and I believe this is something that deserves attention. I also appreciate JungJoo’s focus on inclusivity and diversity. Using UDL principles, such as providing content in various formats and encouraging diverse contributions, can ensure a richer learning environment.
This blog by Harmony provides a profound perspective on how to use social media to build PLN and promote formal and informal learning. I particularly agree with how platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Reddit can provide diverse communities to enhance learning experiences beyond traditional classroom environments. She emphasized the importance of peer learning, which is great because such interactions often lead to deeper insights and collaborative growth, just like what OBESSU mentioned about non formal education (NFE). The concept of inclusivity in PLN has also been well discussed. I like to mention increasing the size of the ‘table’ and allowing different voices to join the conversation. It is crucial that the digital space is not only accessible, but also inclusive, where everyone feels like they belong and can contribute. As Anthony emphasized in his TED talk, accessibility does not necessarily equate to inclusivity, and this viewpoint is particularly important. This reminds us that while we may eliminate barriers, true inclusivity requires creating an environment where people from different backgrounds can comfortably participate and share their perspectives.
I strongly agree with Eliana’s view on how social media can help build PLN. Platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn do provide us with opportunities to interact with professionals and also expose us to learning resources in different fields. TikTok is not just about entertainment, the business building and lifestyle tips shared by many content creators have given me a lot of inspiration, while LinkedIn allows me to establish valuable career connections and keep learning and career development in sync. I also attach great importance to the privacy and security issues she mentioned. Setting strong passwords, adjusting privacy settings, and being more cautious when sharing information online are all things I constantly remind myself of. Especially in this era of extremely rapid information dissemination, the protection of personal information is particularly important. Eliana’s approach to ensuring diversity and inclusivity in PLN is highly valuable for reference. I have also started to consciously pay attention to creators from different backgrounds and industries, which not only helps me gain more diverse perspectives, but also allows me to see innovative thinking in different fields. This sharing has brought me a lot of inspiration, and I will apply these strategies more in my own learning process.
I strongly agree with Ava’s idea of managing personal and professional digital identities. Platforms like LinkedIn are crucial for professional socializing, and I ensure that my profile reflects this by using professional photos and highlighting my academic achievements. On the other hand, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are where I truly express my personality and interact with friends in a more relaxed way. I also really like Ava’s advice on creating eye-catching LinkedIn headlines and investing in high-quality photos, which made me realize how important these first impressions are for potential employers. The suggestion to establish a clear boundary between work and personal life, especially in online life, really impressed me. It is interesting to think about how my relationship with these platforms will develop as I grow older and my career develops. Overall, I believe Ava has grasped the importance of thoughtfully managing digital identities, both personal and professional.
Ahyun triggered my deep thoughts on digital space and privacy protection. I have had a similar experience, and distinguishing between “visitor space” and “residential space” is very meaningful. I mainly leave platforms such as online banking, government websites, and Brightspace after completing specific tasks, using them less frequently and with less interaction. And social media platforms such as Instagram and REDbook are a part of my daily digital life, where I stay active, participate in discussions, share content, or stay in touch with classmates. Regarding personalized learning, I think this method really allows me to participate more actively in learning. Constructivism allows me to connect learning content with practical experience, making it easier for me to understand knowledge. Self directed learning has given me a greater sense of control, helping me set goals and track progress, which is very helpful for my academic and career development. I fully agree with Ahyun’s views on privacy and digital footprint. Every online activity leaves a mark, and maintaining good digital habits is very important. I also regularly check my privacy settings to avoid excessive sharing of personal information and ensure that my digital identity is secure and respected.
I completely agree with Justin’s statement about personalized learning. I have had a similar experience during my upbringing, where the language barrier made it difficult for me to keep up with every word the teacher said in class. Fortunately, I am able to understand knowledge through videos and various learning methods outside of class, which has been very helpful to me. I also believe that digital literacy is very important. With so much false information, it is becoming increasingly critical to know how to evaluate reliable sources and browse the Internet safely. This is not just about being able to use technology, but also about being able to use it wisely, whether it’s for learning, work, or daily life. I think the role of social media in education has both benefits and challenges. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram can quickly spread expert learning tips or career advice, which is great. They also provide us with a place to collaborate, share perspectives, and discuss issues. However, as you mentioned, false information, privacy concerns, and interference from social media are indeed major issues. If we can use social media wisely, I believe it will become a valuable tool in learning.
I fully agree with the positive role of social media in education, especially how it enables us to access global resources and diverse perspectives. Like myself, I often discover new artistic inspirations on Instagram and TikTok, and learn about creativity and ideas from around the world. These platforms not only helped me broaden my horizons, but also made me realize how lively and interesting learning can be. Another major advantage of social media is that it promotes cooperation on a global scale. The instructional videos on YouTube also provide me with almost endless learning content, and the linguistic diversity of these contents allows me to be exposed to knowledge from different cultural backgrounds.
However, as Andy mentioned, social media also has its challenges. It can indeed easily distract us, especially when we are constantly scrolling through updates. More importantly, the authenticity of information is also a matter of concern, as the internet is filled with a large amount of inaccurate or misleading information. This reminds me to be more cautious when using social media and ensure that the information I obtain comes from reliable sources. Therefore, I believe that finding the right balance is very important. As students, we should learn to use social media to serve our learning, rather than just enjoying the entertainment it brings. Teachers should also help us understand how to find suitable learning methods in the world of social media, and remain vigilant to protect our privacy and safety.
After reading Angela’s blog, I was deeply inspired. The personalized learning tools and platforms she mentioned, such as adaptive learning systems and personalized recommendation algorithms, made me realize the tremendous potential of technology in education. As an undergraduate student myself, I can deeply appreciate the importance of personalized learning. Everyone has their own pace and areas of interest, and traditional one-size-fits-all teaching methods often fail to accommodate these differences. Through personalized digital learning, we can choose the content based on our needs and progress, which greatly enhances both efficiency and engagement.
Moreover, I could relate to Angela’s point about maintaining an active online presence, as my family is also far away from me. My mother often mentions how she hopes I share more videos about my daily studies and life. Since our only way of communicating is through an online presence, staying active and engaged truly matters!
Definition of PLN Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a network composed of individuals, resources, and tools designed to support individuals’ learning and growth. It obtains information, knowledge, and feedback through various channels such as social media, online communities, professional organizations, colleagues, and friends, helping individuals to continuously learn and improve.
In my life, my Personal Learning Network (PLN) has played a significant role in my learning and growth. For example, I am very interested in nail art, but when I first started learning, I felt overwhelmed by the vast array of tools and designs. By building and utilizing my PLN, I gradually found a learning path that suited me and made significant progress.
I joined several online communities related to nail art, such as the nail art sections on Bilibili and REDnote. On these platforms, I frequently browse tutorials, design shares, and discussions from others. Through these communities, I not only learned many practical techniques but also gained access to a continuous stream of design references.
Additionally, I follow individual nail artists and training institutions on REDnote and Instagram. They often share their experiences, the latest trends, and tutorials. For instance, one nail artist shared a post about the appropriate speeds for different tasks when using a nail drill, which helped me avoid many pitfalls while learning nail art techniques. I also noticed that when a well-known nail artist posts their work and receives many requests for tutorials, they often release a tutorial shortly after.
Seeking feedback is also crucial. During my learning process, I often share my work on my own account or in the comments of others’ posts to seek feedback. Once, I posted a French manicure I had done in the comments section of a nail art-related post and asked for suggestions on how to improve. Several experienced nail artists provided advice, helping me refine my painting techniques and improve the precision of my work.
By building and utilizing my PLN, I have not only mastered the core skills of nail art but also connected with friends who are also learning and industry experts. My PLN has made my learning journey less lonely, allowing me to grow alongside learners and experts worldwide. It has become an indispensable part of my life.
Building and Maintaining Meaningful Connections
Building a strong PLN is a gradual process that requires dedication and regular engagement.
First, I need to stay active by regularly posting and interacting on social media. I share my learning progress, finished works, or industry insights to attract like-minded individuals. Sharing unique perspectives and ideas helps showcase my professional skills and aesthetic sense. This not only helps build a personal brand but also attracts more potential clients who may reach out to me proactively. Keeping up with trends is also essential. By staying informed about fashion trends and the latest aesthetic developments, I can share relevant information in a timely manner. This ensures that my skills remain up-to-date and I don’t fall behind.
The Role of Social Media in Learning, Academics, and Career
Social media has a significant impact in academic and professional environments. We can leverage social media to enhance learning, support career development, and seize new opportunities.
Through social media, I can easily access the latest academic resources and industry updates, such as how to use new products and industry pricing trends. Social media is a crucial platform for building professional networks. I actively post my work on REDnote, share professional experiences, and establish connections with potential customers or collaborators. Social media also provides opportunities to participate in various nail art-related activities. For example, some nail art professionals host live lectures and demonstrations on social media. By actively engaging in these activities, I can improve my aesthetic sense and technical skills.
By actively engaging in social media, I am able to fully leverage my PLN, expand the dissemination of information, enhance interactions, and establish and maintain meaningful connections. Social media has played a pivotal role in enhancing learning, supporting professional development, and providing new opportunities for engagement, making it an indispensable tool in both my academic and career growth.
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