Explore the video provided and reflect on the themes of a PLN in a professional capacity.
Brad Baker discussed how a PLN can be used in a professional setting. He outlined some specific areas about how PLN can be very useful and informative when trying to use your voice and discuss important topics. He discusses how he uses his PLN as a support system for people all over the world to build a healthy community where stories can be shared. Brad discusses how the sharing of information allows for individuals to support and challenge each other and have respectful and healthy dialogue. He further talked about how building a professional PLN allows for people to become positive contributors to society through the sharing of stories. The last theme he discussed was how having a PLN can allow for the real story to be told. The example he used was regarding indigenous peoples voices and they can post the true, real story firsthand rather than having to hear it from a 3rd or 4th hand.
Which social media platforms are beneficial in education?
In the video Brad Baker discussed how he uses Twitter and how that is beneficial in education as he can connect with other people as well as share stories together through Twitter. I personally think LinkedIn is another platform that can be beneficial as people are able to connect and network with other students, as well as other staff members and possible employers. In the article by Couros (2010) they researched platforms that may be beneficial when creating a learning environment and those included WebCT (Blackboard), Moodle, Ning, and Wiki. I think all social media platforms could be beneficial depending on the type of education you are focusing on and what context you are using them in.
Consider the equality that exists when all have the same platform to engage community dialogues.
I believe when everyone has the same platform, it means they all have the same opportunities to use the community dialogues. It is up to the individual to decide how much they want to contribute to the dialogue. One area to consider though is how different populations may use the platform in different ways. So even though there is equality, and everyone has the opportunity to participate, doesn’t mean that everyone will participate evenly, or even at all.
References
Couros, A. (2010). Developing personal learning networks for open and social learning. In Velestianos, G., (Eds.). Emerging technologies in distance education. (pp. 109-128). AU Press.
Miller. (2021, June 10). Brad Baker EDCI 338. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5z8iHxW2n4
Hi Ashton
I very much agree with your view on the last question. When we have equal rights on the same social platform, we should have the right to decide the views we agree with, and even the right to decide whether to participate in certain views. But when our thoughts are dominated by the voice of the mainstream media, our views do not necessarily represent us completely. We need to listen to more voices and more true stories in order to have more accurate judgments.
Thank you for your post, I am deeply inspired. Looking forward to seeing more of your posts!
Hi Ashton,
great commentary on Brad Bakers “sharing of stories” idea. Creating a dialogue and sharing stories is definitely the basis for discussion. Giving each other our stories ultimately shares our perspectives with each others and gives insight into the lives we all. Its often hard to understand issues that are not central to our lives but by interacting and discussing certain issues with those who experience them we can get a better world view through this sharing of stories.
Great blog!
Aidan