Month: July 2023

Reflecting on my university courses and their inclusiveness, I concluded that they are primarily inclusive. There are many alternative options for individuals with diverse learning needs, such as hired note-takers, video recordings of lectures, audio and visual aids, etc. However, specific compulsory course components may be complex for specific students to satisfy, such as mandatory attendance. I would suggest schools provide alternative remote options that could ensure even more inclusiveness and accessibility in the classroom.

Furthermore, reflecting on whether I am hearing from diverse voices and expanding my view of others in my learning, I generally communicate with a diverse network of individuals with different backgrounds and experiences, thus promoting diversity. What I find helpful in expanding my view of others in my learning is hearing about their unique experiences, successes, and failures. This all broadens my understanding of others and what they have experienced, allowing me to connect with what they have said or expand my perspective on diverse life experiences.

To ensure I am engaging with a diverse and inclusive personal learning network (PLN) I make sure to attend a wide range of educational events, such as talks, seminars, and movie screenings, with no bias and an open mind, as well I always ensure the events have inclusive options for those who may require it.
During a group discussion with Maddy, Shalan, and Maika, we explored topics such as how social media engages in communications. We agreed that social media is a great place to keep up to date with current news and events, for connecting employees and employers, and for individual connections for any other reason. It is a place where individuals are allowed to communicate and have freedom of speech, however, this may have implications for racism and bias occurring.

Communicating via social media is not always equitable because not everyone globally has equal access and opportunity to utilize social media communications. In our group discussion, we realized the further challenge of communicating information through social media is that the sheer amount of information out there can be overwhelming or potentially misinterpreted.

Our group generally finds social media to be an inclusive space for individuals to express what they would like and for connecting with others, as currently, there are many forms of social media out there that cater to individual preferences and carry specific features. As discussed earlier, however, a limitation to inclusiveness within social media is the lack of access around the world. Further, it provides a place for discrimination, cyberbullying, and other forms of prejudice to occur.
Within our group, we each believe that our PLNs amplify the views of others by giving different viewpoints, and perspectives, sharing information, and perhaps influencing others. Online learning networks allow us to connect with communities globally, thus diversifying our PLNs and expanding our view of others.

Regarding employer social media communication expectations, we all agree that it is important for employers to set expectations and guidelines early on so the employee does not unknowingly go against company policy or cause unintentional workplace issues. Additionally discussed was how it is important to keep your social media professional, because as an employee you are representing your work. The final point made on this topic was to avoid emotional posting that may harm companies and employers. This would include avoiding posting any confidential work information.

Our group concluded that although social media can positively influence others and enhance learning, it is important to stay mindful and be careful with what media you consume because there is a lot of misinformation and harmful content.

There are many digital platforms students are currently using to develop their professional networks. Particularly helpful are websites that are designed solely for professional networking and thus are very helpful for developing connections.

These sites include LinkedIn and Indeed, both websites I find valuable. A benefit of LinkedIn and Indeed is that you can attach professional documents such as resumes, cover letters, certificates, and other credentials. This helps to develop a professional digital identity and shows potential employers your qualifications.

Other modern networking sites include TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Because TikTok and Instagram posts can be broadcast globally there are many opportunities to be discovered by employers around the world. Connecting over Instagram and TikTok is very accessible because it can be done completely online. Something I have used in the past and that I find helpful in job searches is Facebook and specifically joining Facebook groups. Particular groups are designed to advertise job opportunities in the area and additionally to advertise yourself and your experience/skills, thus narrowing down your job search.

These days there are many online platforms that give you the opportunity to expand your professional network, globally as well. In a group discussion with Maddy, Shalan, and Maika we discussed how it is important to keep these digital networking profiles up to date and to stay active to show engagement and your current skillset.

A current limitation of digital networking may be its privacy issues. When something is posted online it leaves a digital footprint that may be difficult or even impossible to remove in the future. Thus, our group discussed how it is important to try and maintain a professional digital identity and perhaps keep personal accounts private. However, a limitation of keeping accounts private is that it may potentially hinder you from being as discoverable to future employers.

Although our group discussed how creating a digital identity may reduce your privacy, it is an important way nonetheless to expand your professional network and begin building a professional reputation. In our group discussion, we emphasized that because digital identities are created by oneself they can be specifically tailored toward the opportunities you are seeking out. Creating a digital identity allows you to connect with others that also have an online presence, thus giving you the potential to develop a network and a reputation online. Within our group, we all agreed that it is important to be mindful and respectful of what you are posting online in order to maintain a reputable online presence. We also discussed how this includes communicating with others, such as family and friends, to be mindful of what they are posting about you.

For my own benefit, I googled myself online in incognito mode to remove any bias or influence and found everything to be non-incriminating and professional, especially since my personal profiles are private. Although I found my digital identity to be professional, upon reflection I realized I should join sites such as LinkedIn and update my Indeed to expand my professional digital network.

To network using social media is to create an online presence and connect with others personally and professionally based on that identity. The specific identity you curate online helps to determine what networking opportunities will be made available to you as it will attract a certain crowd.

During a group discussion about networking using social media, my team members Maddy, Shalan, and I discussed how social media provides the opportunity to share information, collaborate, and socialize, creating a variety of personal networks.

The motivation to participate in a networked public is often based on why you are using the internet in the first place. Oftentimes individuals are motivated to have an online presence because many professional opportunities are advertised and available online and additionally people may be scouted based on their online profile. Furthermore, creating and interacting with diverse online networks is a chance for growth, learning, and connection with all the other individuals and information available on the platform. Thus, the motivation for being involved in a networked public depends on the individual’s aims and whether they are either professional, personal, or both.

There are many benefits to being involved in social media. In our group discussion, we talked about how social media provides jobs, for example, many brands will pay individuals to promote their products if they have a large enough following and this can be quite high paying. Additionally, being on social media allows you to extend beyond your local network and connect with others, personally or professionally, around the world.

Although having an online presence can often be beneficial, there are many risks involved as well. Being on social media risks breaching your own privacy and the privacy of others you involve in your profile. It can also lead to lost opportunities, your profile may not be in line with what your professional superiors expect and many jobs are lost this way.

The digital identity that you personally create affects how others view you and what networking opportunities are made available to you. A digital identity is what you choose to share online and is thus very personalized. It is often influenced by what you are seeking in your online interactions. Aside from the effect your digital identity has on networking, we also discussed in our group discussion how it gives you accessibility to many important resources. We discussed this topic based on the video by World Economic Forum, Davos 2019 – Press Conference The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society. Having a digital identity is often enough information to possess a bank account, be able to travel, identify yourself, and much more. It is important to note that not everyone around the world has access to a digital identity and thus steps must be made to make the internet more equitable. There is also the risk of false information and identification being spread on the internet.

Another aspect of social media is that professional and personal social media use is generally based on what you do as a career. Different professions have different target audiences and some may be more relaxed than others, for example, certain content creators may post about their day while medical professionals, as Jawed et al. (2019) explain may have to keep their presence more regulated. Once something is on social media it is difficult and potentially impossible to remove that digital footprint and thus it is important to consider this in regards to your profession.

Oftentimes your personal and professional networked publics converge because they may both use your name or the same handle. The impacts of this are that it may either benefit you by showcasing more of your potential, skills, and assets, or again, you risk privacy breaches.

To control and monitor my social media use I prefer to keep my personal profiles private to help protect my privacy and the privacy of others that I may include on my social media. Additionally, I find this helps to ensure my digital footprint is professional since my personal social media is only open to those I allow, whereas my professional profiles are public and more controlled.

Overall, it is important to consider your target audience and what you want out of social media when engaging in personal and professional social media networks.

References:

Jawed, S., Mahboob, U., & Yasmeen, R. (2019). Digital professional identity: Dear Internet! Who am I? Education for Health (Abingdon, England), 32(1), 33–35. https://doi.org/10.4103/efh.EfH_232_17

World Economic Forum, February 5, 2019, Davos 2019 – Press Conference The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society, [Video], Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-V7lyxrOmw