Photo via Beverly Clarke on Nexus Education

PLN Spaces Through Social Media

I personally use a variety of social media platforms to develop my Personal Learning Network (PLN). The ones I use most frequently are Instagram and Reddit, and I sometimes use LinkedIn as well. I’ve found Instagram really helpful in meeting others in the HINF (Health Information) program as a lot of students have their major in their bio and I also follow the HINF course union Instagram which frequently posts about seminars and events they host. On Reddit, I follow the UVic subreddit where students post a variety of questions ranging from course selection and professor recommendations to housing tips and mental health resources. I actively try to participate in this community by posting “AMA” posts about HINF, which are “Ask Me Anything” threads for any prospective students entering the HINF program and are looking for advice! I’ve met a couple friends this way and it’s helped build my PLN by fostering connections with peers who share similar academic interests. These interactions have also allowed me to reflect on my own experiences, offer support to others, and feel more engaged with the UVic student community. LinkedIn makes it really easy to follow and connect with people in the Health Informatics field as I am able to see who is a UVic alumni of the HINF program and what they are currently doing with their degree.

Privacy, Ethics, and Security in Digital Spaces

I try to be careful with what I post online because I understand the importance of protecting your own personal information and also the importance of having respectful online interactions. For starters, even though my accounts are public I don’t post anything that tags my location and I make an effort to avoid sharing any identifiable details like my workplace or phone number. To secure my accounts, I make sure I have two-factor authentication turned on when given the choice and I try to not reuse passwords. I also try to think critically before engaging in discussions (like making sure I don’t spread misinformation) and I make sure that my comments are respectful and constructive. I believe that creating a safe and trustworthy digital environment starts with being mindful of how we present ourselves and how we treat others online. This is especially important in educational and professional PLN spaces as we should strive to make a space where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves and learning from others.

I’ve included a short YouTube video below that I found very helpful as it gives a quick overview of what a PLN space is on social media and it offers tips on how to get started!

Inclusivity and UDL in PLNs

Ensuring that my PLN is inclusive is another important goal for me as I want to ensure that I am learning from individuals with different backgrounds and experiences. To build inclusivity, I intentionally follow creators from diverse communities, especially those who offer perspectives that differ from my own. Doing so also encourages me to reflect on and expand my understanding of the world. Because I’ve grown up in a very multicultural country like Canada, I want to showcase that same diversity in my online learning spaces.

When I reflect on the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and how they can support inclusivity in digital learning spaces, I think about how they emphasize flexibility and accessibility for all types of learners. Multiple Means of Engagement focuses on creating different opportunities for students to get involved in their learning. In digital learning, this could look like online quizzes, discussion forums, polls, or interactive activities that encourage participation in various ways. Some students learn best when they can have a discussion with their peers while others may not feel the same way, so it’s important to cater to all learner needs. Multiple Means of Representation focuses on presenting content in a variety of formats to support understanding for all learners. In digital learning, this could look like making sure course materials have accessibility features like alt text and headings, and that videos have transcripts or closed captioning available. Multiple Means of Action and Expression focuses on providing students with different options to demonstrate their learning. In digital learning, this could look like having an online oral presentation rather than a traditional written midterm and final. By applying UDL principles, we can design digital learning spaces that are more welcoming, inclusive, and supportive of all diverse learning needs.

Chapters 1.4-1.6 of the online textbook from the University of Saskatchewan I’ve linked below provide a clear overview of the three UDL principles. I found them extremely helpful in developing my understanding and I encourage you to give them a read!

https://www.saskoer.ca/universaldesignforlearning/chapter/udl-principle-1-design-multiple-means-of-engagement/

Challenges and Importance of Diversity in Digital Learning

Diversity in digital learning spaces is important because it ensures that all learners feel seen, heard, and valued regardless of their cultural, socioeconomic, or educational background. When digital learning spaces lack diversity, they risk overlooking learners whose perspectives and experiences also deserve to be included. To promote a more inclusive digital environment where all voices are represented and respected, we can:

• Engage respectfully in discussions by listening to others with an open mind
• Use inclusive language that avoids stereotypes and is respectful of all groups
• Be open to feedback and be willing to learn from others

I also found this post that lists a few other great ways to promote a more inclusive digital environment. Please consider giving it a read!

https://elearningindustry.com/breaking-barriers-inclusivity-and-diversity-in-online-education