Creating Personalized Learning Networks on Social Media
A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a “network of trusted connections with whom an individual interacts and learns from on a regular basis”, people are able to share, communicate, create, and explore factors in order to enhance learning (Shift eLearning, n.d.). Based on my experience, social media platforms such as X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and TikTok are great for creating PLNs. Social media platforms allow users to connect with experts, engage in discussions, and access resources aligned with their interests and personal goals (Shift eLearning, n.d.).
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Over the years, I have both intentionally and unintentionally grown my PLN through social media. Immersing yourself with the right people and resources is essential for personal, educational, and career development, as learning occurs through shared experiences as it does through formal education (Harris, 2024). By engaging with platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn, I have been able to explore topics of interest, build connections, and expand my overall learning.
I found this video to be useful for building a Personal Learning Network
Reddit has become one of my favourite platforms as it encourages participation in discussions based on personal interests while also allowing access to conversations on endless topics across various subreddit communities. For example, I have joined subreddits ranging from Canadian politics to Taylor Swift, which has expanded my understanding in various areas. Although I did not initially realize it, my participation across different subreddit communities has created a diverse personal learning network that combines professional aspects with cultural and personal interests.
LinkedIn, on the other hand, has been valuable for growing my personal and professional learning networking. The platform has provided opportunities to connect with people based on interests, career aspects, and stay informed about trends in topics related to my professional career. These interactions have not only expanded my personal learning network but also made information more accessible, while enabling me to participate in dialogues relevant to my personal goals.
Photo by Souvik Banerjee on Unsplash
Overall, creating and customizing a PLN through social media has been crucial for my learning. It has allowed me to access personalized, accessible learning experiences, connect with like-minded people, and develop skills from beyond traditional academic spaces. The diversity and personalized user experiences of social media platforms like Reddit and LinkedIn highlight experiences.
Privacy & Security in Digital Spaces
It is important to be a mindful and responsible user online, as digital interactions leave a permanent digital footprint. The internet imposes risks to personal safety, and the spread of misinformation has become more significant than ever.
I have witnessed friends and other users fall victim to hacking attempts and the theft of personal information online. To safeguard myself and my information, I practice caution to protect my privacy, such as the steps listed below.
Steps to Protect Yourself Online from the Government of Canada
https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en
| Create Unique Passwords |
| Ensure Social Media Accounts are Private |
| Think Before Posting |
| Always Enable Multi-Factor Authentication |
| Engage in a Respectful Manner |
| Frequently Check Account Activities |
Inclusivity & Universal Design Learning for Personal Learning Networks
Upon developing a personal learning network (PLN), it is easy for users to reinforce their own biases. I have noticed this tendency while building my own network, and it can be difficult to overcome our biases, especially since social media platforms rely on algorithms that reinforce user content preferences. To diversify my personal learning network, I make an effort to ensure that my PLN reflects diversity of voices. For example, as a Canadian politics nerd, I follow a wide range of media outlets, creators, and political parties to gain multiple perspectives. I also diversify the platforms I use as each social media space functions differently and offers unique ways of learning and engaging.
“Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn. UDL provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone—not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs” (CAST, n.d.).
Additionally, applying principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) supports accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity within my PLN. By searching for various sources, perspectives, and formats, I ensure that my network representative but also more adaptable to different ways of knowing and engaging
Image from https://udloncampus.cast.org/page/udl_about
How I Utilize UDL Principles to practice Inclusivity within my Personal Learning Network
| Multiple Means of Engagement | I listen to podcasts recommended through my PLN, allowing me to engage in material while multitasking, rather than sitting and reading. |
| Multiple Means of Representation | For my PLN, I use multiple social media networks for information. For instance, X (twitter) for news, Reddit for topic-based discussion, videos and infographics on Instagram. |
| Multiple Means of Action & Expression | I typically condense my written responses on social media so it is more accessible to users. |
References
Harris, C. (2024, December 14). Building a personal learning network for continuous skill developmen. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVg8hqykAwc
CAST. (n.d.). About UDL. UDL On Campus. https://udloncampus.cast.org/page/udl_about
Shift eLearning. (n.d.).What are Personal Learning Networks? SHIFT’s eLearning Blog. https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/personal-learning-networks
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