My Initial Thoughts on Social Media

When I first heard “social media” mentioned in our EDCI 338 class, I immediately thought of apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok platforms I usually associate with casual interactions, friends, and downtime. Like most people my age, I primarily used social media for entertainment or catching up with friends. I often saw it as something distracting or time consuming, rather than educational or professional. However, after just one module, my understanding of social media has significantly evolved.

The course materials, especially Shelley Moore’s video on inclusion, made me reconsider social media as a valuable educational tool. Shelley’s video emphasized the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into education and showed how social media can amplify educational voices and ideas that might otherwise go unnoticed. This idea resonated deeply with me because it challenged my previous understanding and helped me see the untapped educational potential of platforms I regularly use.

What Surprised Me Most

Through the first module readings, several key insights stood out:

• Digital identity is crucial: How we represent ourselves online professionally directly influences our academic and career opportunities. This was a significant realization because it highlighted the importance of maintaining a thoughtful and intentional online presence, which can open doors to opportunities I hadn’t considered before.
• Social media shapes professional connections: Initially, I thought social media was mostly about entertainment, but now I recognize how these platforms actively shape the way we learn, share knowledge, and form professional networks. For example, professionals increasingly use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and even TikTok to share educational content and build valuable professional communities.
• The importance of Personal Learning Networks (PLNs): Creating a Personal Learning Network significantly enhances personalized learning. PLNs involve connecting with educators, professionals, and peers who share similar interests or goals. This new understanding motivated me to actively build my PLN and explore different ways of learning beyond traditional classroom settings.
• Developing a Personal Learning Network (PLN): can significantly enhance personalized learning experiences, especially when built through social media platforms. According to an article by Edutopia (2023), building a PLN allows students and educators to expand their access to new ideas, stay updated on trends, and connect with global communities. The article emphasizes that platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and even Instagram can be powerful tools for professional growth when used with intention. Instead of passively consuming content, users are encouraged to engage by asking questions, sharing insights, and participating in conversations that align with their learning goals. This approach not only broadens one’s perspective but also builds confidence and community in digital spaces.
  
  
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A statement from the readings that stuck with me was, “Social media helps connect people globally, enhancing diverse educational pathways.” This highlighted how social media can expand our learning experiences beyond our immediate environments, providing access to global perspectives and diverse resources.

Applying What I’ve Learned So Far

Inspired by these insights, I have already started making intentional changes in how I use social media:

• Following educational influencers: I now actively follow educational influencers, psychology researchers, and mental health advocates who regularly share insights and resources. This approach allows me to continuously engage with meaningful, educational content, turning casual scrolling into productive learning experiences.
• Purposeful blogging: My WordPress blog has become an essential part of my reflective practice. Rather than simply completing assignments, I now use it as a space to share deeper reflections, personal insights, and learning milestones. It’s helping me clearly articulate my thoughts and track my educational growth.
• Engaging in online discussions: Actively participating in class discussions online has become crucial for me. I’m learning to appreciate these interactions as more than just tasks; they’re valuable exchanges of ideas and knowledge that enrich our collective understanding. This has deepened my connection to classmates and increased my enthusiasm for collaborative learning.
• Mindful posting: I’m now more thoughtful about the content I share online. Every post I make is intentional, reflecting the professional and academic identity I want to build. This conscious approach helps ensure my online presence supports rather than detracts from my professional aspirations.

Final Thoughts

As an international student from India majoring in psychology, this exploration of social media felt particularly significant to me. Previously, social media was mainly a way to stay connected to family and friends back home. Now, I realize it has a deeper potential: it can bridge cultural divides, facilitate professional connections, and enhance my learning experiences significantly. It allows me to maintain a meaningful connection with my cultural background while simultaneously integrating into my academic environment in Canada.

One of the most exciting realizations has been discovering the potential for social media to empower marginalized voices in educational contexts. It has the power to provide visibility and support inclusivity and diversity in learning spaces. Platforms I once considered merely for entertainment have now become essential tools in my academic toolkit.

I’m genuinely excited to continue exploring how social media can further support my academic journey, professional growth, and personal development. This course has already shifted my perspective, and I eagerly anticipate further learning and discovery.