Blog Post #4
My current PLN’s
Currently, my PLN consists mainly of platforms like Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and websites used through UVic (like Brightspace). I use Pinterest as a source of inspiration! Pinterest is useful for finding ideas that I can use for school and work. This past semester, I took an art class, and when I was stumped on ideas, I would use Pinterest to provide me with some ideas! I have always used YouTube as a tool when learning new things. YouTube offers a vast array of diverse and educational videos, ensuring that I can always find something to help promote my learning. Throughout this course, I have also become more aware of platforms such as LinkedIn and professional educator communities. Although I have not used these platforms yet, I can see how they could become valuable parts of my PLN in my future professional career.
My learning goal
As someone who hopes to become a teacher in the future, my learning goals vary depending on the platform I am using. When I use applications such as Instagram and TikTok, my goal is often to build a sense of community and stay connected with others. These platforms allow me to engage with people who have similar interests, learn about different experiences, and discover new ideas in a more informal way. They also expose me to educational content and teaching-related accounts that can inspire me as a future educator.
On the other hand, when I use platforms such as YouTube and LinkedIn, my focus shifts more toward professional learning and expanding my knowledge. YouTube provides access to educational videos, teaching strategies, and discussions about current topics in education, while LinkedIn allows professionals to share experiences, resources, and insights from the field. These platforms help me learn from educators and professionals with different backgrounds and perspectives, which broadens my understanding of education.
PLNs in the Canadian educational context
One Canadian resource that stood out to me was the EdCan Network. After learning more about it, I can see why professional networks can be so useful for educators. Teaching is a career where you are constantly learning, and having access to resources, research, and other educators can make a big difference. What I like about organizations like EdCan is that they bring educators together to share ideas and learn from one another. As someone who hopes to become a teacher, it is cool to know that there are supportive networks out there just like this one!
AI and PLNs
Another topic that has made me think differently about my PLN is the growing role of artificial intelligence in education. In the article by Estaiteyeh and Mindzak, teacher candidates shared that learning about AI helped them become more comfortable exploring the technology while also thinking critically about its use in education. One finding that stood out to me was that many future teachers were interested in using AI as a tool for themselves, but were more hesitant about students using it. I can get behind this because AI can be a useful tool for coming up with ideas and finding sources, but it can also disrupt the learning process for students
As someone who hopes to become a teacher, I think AI literacy will become a very important thing for students to learn about. Just as students need media literacy skills to evaluate information that they see online, they will also need AI literacy skills to understand how AI works and how they should use it. This idea connects with Qualman’s discussion in Digital Leader. One of the key messages from the book is that success in the digital world depends on people and how they use technology intentionally. Throughout this course, I have realized that building a strong PLN is about connecting with others, sharing ideas, and learning together to make sure that people are learning as much as they can.
I think one of the strengths of PLNsa is that it provides me with easy access to resources, inspiration, and opportunities to learn. However, one weakness is that I often rely on the same platforms and perspectives. Moving forward, I would like to continue expanding my PLN by connecting with more sources.
Resources:
https://jtl.uwindsor.ca/index.php/jtl/article/view/10041