Blog Post #2 (EDCI 338)

At this stage in my life, I feel there are not too many platforms that I use professionally if I am being completely honest. My most used apps are TikTok, intsagram and spotify which I use all for personal reasons. When learning about and then creating my V and R map, I realized that there are quite a few more apps that I used for personal reasons as well.

Apps like Google, Brightspace, and email fit more into my “visitor” category because I mainly use them for academic purposes. On these apps, I am never really socializing or meandering within the app; I am just using it as a source of information.

On the other hand, apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat are a part of the “resident” category for me because I communicate with others, share posts, and use the app regularly. These platforms contribute more to my digital identity because they show my interests and more of my personality.

When looking at the professional side of my map, I realized that I currently use fewer professional networking platforms than personal ones. I know so many people who often use platforms like LinkedIn, discussion boards, or even Instagram to connect with others, share ideas, and build professional relationships. I think one way I could expand my professional learning network would be by becoming more active on professional platforms and following people related to my future career interests.

PLN (Inclusion and Diversity)

In today’s day and age, we have numerous opportunities to spread the word about various things, and as a society, I think it is essential to take advantage of the opportunities that social media provides us to advocate for inclusion and diversity in both personal and professional aspects of social media. A professional learning network should involve people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Having diversity within a PLN can help broaden understanding and expose people to new ideas and ways of thinking. It also helps create a more inclusive online environment where different voices and experiences are valued. I believe that online inclusion is important because it enables people with diverse perspectives and experiences to feel seen and valued. A strong PLN should encourage people to not only share their own ideas but also listen to and support the ideas of others. This helps create a better understanding of different experiences and allows people to learn from viewpoints beyond their own.