Diversity: Diverse range of differences. In a digital setting, this means gathering information from a wide range of sources and people.
Echo chamber: An environment where only the same information and opinions are regurgitated, which can cause misinformation.
Engagement metrics: Quantifiable data that demonstrates how users interact with content (e.g., “likes”, “comments”, etc.).
Facebook: A free social media platform for users to create and share photos and videos.
Inclusivity: The act of ensuring everyone feels welcomes, valued, and respected.
Instagram: A free social media platform for users to create and share photos and videos.
Lifelong learning: The continuous act of being curious and learning throughout one’s life.
LinkedIn: A free social media platform for professional networking.
Media literacy: The ability to critically and thoughtfully analyze, assess, and create digital media.
Personal Learning Network (PLN): A group of connections through formal or informal networks that support learning, professional growth, and accomplishing goals. Oftentimes, PLNs are built using social media platforms and other digital tools.
Pinterest: A free social media platform for users to create and interact with posts.
Reddit: A free social media platform with forums for users to communicate via.
Self-Directed Learning: A learning theory that emphasizes learner autonomy and goal-setting.
Social media: Forms of digital communication where individuals communicate and collaborate.
TikTok: A free social media platform where users can create and interact with short videos.
Twitter (X): A free social media platform where users can create and interact with short posts.
Two-factor authentication: A digital security method that requires two forms of identification for users to access resources or data.
When created and managed effectively, PLNs can be incredible resources for gathering information. However, there are certain steps one must follow to create a successful, engaging PLN. Some of these steps include:
No matter the subject area, there is always something new to be learned! Being open to learning, even when you feel like an expert, keeps you adaptable and fosters curiosity, growth, and sustained engagement with a PLN. Additionally, it can help you become a more well-rounded person with a broader, more profound understanding of a particular topic.
Including various types of learning and networking in your PLN
Although gathering information from just one source is convenient, doing so can trap you in an echo chamber.
Video explaining what echo chambers are and how to avoid them
To avoid this, it is crucial to develop strong media literacy skills such as:
Critically analyzing, questioning, and challenging information
Considering and engaging with diverse perspectives
Sourcing out information from a variety of reputable, reliable sources
Video with information about media literacy
Having an ethical, responsible digital footprint
This is an integral part of creating a successful PLN, as it shapes how others view you and your PLN, and can encourage or dissuade people from contributing to your PLN, potentially impacting your sustained engagement. An ethical, responsible digital footprint includes:
Respectful interactions (i.e., using appropriate language and being mindful of tone)
Frequently updating and refreshing online profiles so they reflect the most current version of yourself
Being mindful of data security and privacy and using strong, secure passwords to reduce the risk of personal information/data being stolen (more information about this can be found here!)
Practicing digital professionalism, which includes:
Avoiding posting/sharing content hastily or spontaneously
Knowing that nothing ever truly leaves the internet
Maybe asking yourself before posting something “Would I be comfortable with my boss seeing this?”
New information is constantly being uncovered and shared, making it crucial that you engage regularly with your PLN. Additionally, engaging meaningfully with your PLN means avoiding sharing/posting unnecessary content and ensuring what you share is valuable.
Some strategies include:
Gathering information from sources you like engaging with
Learning about things you are passionate about
Practicing good media literacy skills
Having an awareness that PLN resources don’t always have to be formal to be valuable
Reputable and reliable sources come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. They can include formal sources, such as university courses or articles published in peer-reviewed journals, but they can also include select social media content. Being aware of this can also assist in sustaining your engagement in your PLN by ensuring you engage with resources that interest and excite you and encourage you to continue learning.
Video with information on how to use social media to find reputable and reliable source
Making inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility focal points of your PLN
Accounting for social considerations (such as inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility) and seeking out the voices and opinions of those from underrepresented groups ensures you are getting information from a wide range of sources which allows you to have a more well-rounded, deeper, and more broad understanding of information. Additionally, it uplifts those from marginalized communities and amplifies their voices.
