A New Way to Think About Learning

Before this module, I thought I had a decent idea of what a Personal Learning Network (PLN) was. I assumed it was just the people I follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, or maybe a few creators on YouTube.
But Module 3 on PLN dynamics and inclusivity completely changed my perspective.

A PLN isn’t just a list of followers or people I admire. It’s about how I engage, who I choose to amplify, and what kind of space I help create. In a weird way, it reminded me that I’m not just scrolling through content, I’m actively shaping the tone and values of the digital learning environments I’m part of.

It’s Not Just Diversity—It’s Inclusion

One of the most powerful slides from the Module 3 PowerPoint was about the difference between diversity and inclusion. It really stuck with me that just having people from different backgrounds isn’t enough if I’m not creating space for their voices to actually be heard.

That made me reflect on my own habits. Sometimes I follow people with different perspectives, but I stay silent. I’m more of a “visitor” than a “resident” in their space, to use the Visitors and Residents model we discussed. Moving forward, I want to shift from passive scrolling to more intentional engagement, liking, commenting, sharing, and crediting voices that often get overlooked.

PLNs Are Shaped by Intentional Choices

We all get caught in algorithmic bubbles sometimes. But one of my biggest takeaways from this module is that if I don’t shape my PLN, the algorithm will. I don’t want to just keep seeing content that reinforces what I already believe. I want to be challenged, to grow, and to connect with people who think differently than I do.

To do that, I need to:
– Regularly audit who I follow and why
– Look for underrepresented voices in my field
– Create a safe and respectful space where people feel heard

🎥 Embedded Video: How to Build a PLN and Become a Connected Educator

This short video (under 3 minutes) features educators discussing how they built their own PLNs and the impact of being a connected educator. I picked it because it’s informative and practical, perfect for grounding the blog post in a relatable, real-world voice.

Instagram Inspiration: Educating to “Digital Citizenship”

This public post from Reggio Children highlights the importance of teaching digital citizenship as integral to daily life, offline and online, echoing Module 3’s focus on identity, values, and inclusion in digital spaces. 

How I’m Going to Apply This

Over the next few weeks, I plan to:
1. Follow at least 3 new educators or creators with perspectives outside my discipline or culture
2. Comment meaningfully on content I value (not just “like” and move on)
3. Add sources or give credit when I share something, even in casual platforms like Instagram stories

These small changes feel more doable than overhauling my entire digital life, and they still have an impact.

Final Thought

This module reminded me that I’m not just a learner, I’m also a co-creator of the spaces I learn in. PLNs are personal, powerful, and dynamic. But they only work when we put in the effort to make them inclusive, reflective, and intentional.

Let me know, how do you shape your PLN? Are you more of a visitor or a resident? 👀

More Than Just a Username

I used to think digital identity was just about having an Instagram or Facebook profile, but I’ve come to realize it’s much more complex than that, it’s the sum of how we show up online, including what we post, comment on, like, or even search. Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly building a digital version of ourselves that others interact with, often without us even knowing.

Digital Identity: Personal Meets Professional

My own digital identity floats between personal and professional. On Instagram, I mostly post for fun, sharing moments with friends or funny reels. But I also follow psychology pages, academic influencers, and learning-related accounts which contribute to my learning. On LinkedIn, I keep things professional, sharing academic achievements or networking with classmates. But even there, the tone I choose says something about me. This made me think about how personal and professional lines are blurring online.

One concept that helped me frame this was the ‘Visitors and Residents’ model. In visitor mode, I use the internet as a tool, like Googling a question or checking Brightspace. But in resident mode, I’m building my digital footprint, through commenting, posting, and engaging with others online. Most of my daily online behavior is actually in resident mode.

Personalized Learning: Not What I Thought

Before this class, I used to think personalized learning just meant self paced study or learning on your own. But now I understand it’s about having choice and voice in how you learn. For me, this looks like choosing to watch a YouTube video to better understand a topic, or reading blog posts instead of textbooks when I want another perspective.

Personalized learning has made me feel more in control and more connected to what I study. For example, in this course, we’re encouraged to build our own Personal Learning Network (PLN), using platforms like Discord, Instagram, and even LinkedIn to learn from others. I realized I already do this without calling it that, by following creators who post psychology content or joining Reddit threads about mental health.

One video that helped me connect the dots is this short clip on YouTube . It breaks down how personalized learning supports different types of learners and helps them take ownership of their education.

Visitor vs. Resident: Where Do I Fall?

The Visitors and Residents model really helped me understand my online behaviors. In some spaces, like searching JSTOR or checking UVic email, I’m a clear visitor, I go in, do what I need, and leave no trace. But on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn, I’m definitely a resident. I leave comments, share posts, create content, and engage with others regularly.

This reflection has made me think more intentionally about my digital footprint. Would I want a future employer to see my Instagram? Am I posting things that reflect who I truly am, or just trying to fit into an algorithm?

A great resource that explores this topic further is “Digital Footprint: Maintaining a Professional Internet Presence” by Midwest Institute. It explains how your online presence can shape how others view you, especially in academic and professional settings, and why managing it proactively is so important.

Growth is Ongoing

While writing this blog it more so made me realize that digital identity isn’t fixed. It evolves just like we do in real life. I want to be more intentional moving forward, not just in managing my online presence for the sake of appearances, but because I genuinely want my digital identity to reflect who I am and what I care about.

I also want to use tools like Canva and Notion more actively, not just to be more organized, but to express ideas creatively. Personalized learning has taught me that there’s no one ‘right way’ to learn, and I’m starting to trust my own process a lot more.

My Visitor & Resident Model Map

To better understand my own digital behavior, I created a personalized Visitors and Residents model. It maps out the platforms I use based on whether I’m acting as a visitor or a resident and whether it’s for personal or institutional use.

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.
  
  
  Read the full article here

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.