What Are Personal Learning Networks (PLNs), and Why Are They Important?:
I’m fortunate to have many PLNs in my life. I have a large group of people and tools that support my learning by providing me with my various needs. The first example I will touch on are my parents. My parents encouraged me to go to university and find topics that I am passionate about learning about. They have allowed me to continue to live at home, cook meals for me and buy me basic necessities. Their intention behind this is to give me more time to study and learn instead of having to work full time.
My second group of PLNs are my peers and friends. Most of my friends and I are enrolled in a post secondary program. This allows for a strong level of understanding when one of us feels stressed or overwhelmed. Some are enrolled in the same program which helps with studying and completing projects. My friends do well at always lending a hand whether it’s with academics or mentally. An example of this would be I often study for midterms and exams with flashcards. My friends are always open to quizzing me on my flashcards and vice versa doing the same for them.
Lastly, I will address the tools I frequently use in my learning. I have found many study and learning methods since beginning University. I had a difficult time getting adjusted to what was expected of me and how I would achieve these goals when I began at University. Which led me to find resources and tools I could use. The first one being setting undistracted and uninterrupted time aside to study and complete work. I have always had a hard time staying focused and on track with completing tasks. To help me regulate this I put my electronics away and set a timer for the amount of time I need to focus. I have also found that I retain information best by constantly quizzing myself. I do this by writing out flashcards and using quizlets to help me stay up to date with the knowledge I am being taught. To conclude, my PLN is supported in numerous ways whether it’s by the people or resources I surround myself with.
Social Media Dynamics for PLNs:
It’s important to interact with posts that you enjoy and are passionate about. In today’s age, it is how much of our news is shared in the world. Sharing your own or others posts helps bring awareness to pressing issues. The interaction of posts affects social media platforms’ algorithms. Therefore, the more attention a post receives the more the platform will advertise the post. They may also suggest similar posts that need attention from users. An example of this is the BLM movement in 2020. The injustice was able to come into light to the public when users began posting about the tragic incidents happening all over the United States of America. Although the movement has been around for a long time, it became more known once the movement began exploding all over apps such as Instagram. The awareness gained on social media was a direct result of many donations, protests and conversations being held and made.
Posting captivating or interesting photos and artwork will help get the attention of social media users. Short but intriguing captions may help too. Users generally have a short attention span when using the platforms and are just there to keep up to date with world events. If you are able to hook them with a post they are likely to continue doing research on the topic. You can include extra and relevant information on a link attached to the post. This allows users to connect with a community and reach out on ways they can support the cause. In conclusion, there is opportunity for much learning and knowledge to be gained when using social media to support your PLN.
Long-Term Network Development:
As you move forward in schooling and work your PLN will vastly change and grow. This is due to new goals and achievements needing to be met. It is important to be able to keep up to date with these changes and implement new strategies to help you get over these new hurdles. Creating balance in life is also important to help create a strong PLN. While it’s important to spend time studying and completing homework, it is also important to not constantly have school on your mind.
There are many activities and hobbies I enjoy participating in outside of school to help relax my mind. Examples of activities I enjoy doing besides school are spending time with friends and family, hiking, running, watching movies, or working at my part time job. These activities help clear my mind and gain new perspectives on how I can do better with my PLN. Although I may not always have time to complete these activities as my work and study load change. I try my best to implement as much as I can as it helps me focus and do better while learning.
Impact of Social Media on Learning, Academics, and Professional Environments:
Social media has greatly broadened the world, it has allowed for new opportunities to be introduced professionally and academically. Networking and creating connections has become more efficient and effective. Candidates are able to find information and requirements for positions with a touch of a button. This has also resulted in many remote jobs being created as employers can recruit employees who are unable to make it to the jobsite for various reasons. Social media platforms have helped create a greater workforce for all employees.
Two platforms I have used to help me find job positions easier are LinkedIn and Indeed. LinkedIn has helped me create connections with professionals in fields I hope to work in the near future. It also has allowed me to be able to announce to professionals on the steps I am taking to help greater my professional career. Indeed has helped to show me opportunities that are available in my community that I may be interested in. The platform pairs your interests and qualifications with jobs they think you will excel at. Through this process I was able to get a marketing volunteer position at a company I admired. The platform made it easy for me as they gave me all the steps I needed to apply with and sent my application on my behalf. Therefore, applying and hearing about careers and opportunities has never been easier. We have social media platforms to thank for this.