In the 21^st century, the networking is most important aspect for the business growth as well for learning. This eventually gives rise to having a personal learning network and a suitable digital identity which not only supports professional development but also help in getting professional opportunities in the career (Nuno Ricardo & Morgado, 2018). For an instance, I myself want to develop my career into the field of finance and Information technology i.e. into a Fintech industry. However, it requires me to have knowledge about more subjects including economics. Therefore, a personal learning network is must for me for expanding my area of knowledge and developing myself with the industry. While, in terms of having the digital identity in Fintech industry.

It indicates towards building a strong network and publicize my knowledge to the employers, clients and customers of the Fintech industry. Digital identity offers variety of solutions for external agents to know about an individual. From their personal interest to their professional approaches in different fields including communities at various levels (Bouncken & Barwinski, 2021). It simply like a social identity for an individual while it also holds a potential of becoming a professional identity if used properly in a professional manner. Yes, the current PLN can be used for the professional development as PLN is all about building networks which helps in bringing more understanding about information or topic. In terms using a PLN for generating professional opportunities in your career, in my opinion it can be a way of achieving more options than using as an only source for professional opportunities. As PLN offers opportunity for collaboration with unlimited options, a common platform to share ideas or opportunity and a way to gain a new perspective by maintaining connection or network with social media platforms.

References

Bouncken, R., & Barwinski, R. (2021). Shared digital identity and rich knowledge ties in global 3D printing—A drizzle in the clouds. Global Strategy Journal, 81-108.

Nuno Ricardo, O., & Morgado, L. (2018). Digital Identity of Researchers 2.0: The Case of Their Personal Learning Network. Information Retrieval and Management: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications, 2063-2082.

Question 1 -: Consider the following in your response to the questions below:

– What is media literacy?

Media Literacy related to the ability of an individual in identifying the different forms of media formats in terms of understanding the message it includes in it. The different forms of media format can be print media such as posters, pamphlets, newspaper or even magazines (Bulger & Davison, 2018). While in terms of digital media, it can include visual presentation, video, slideshows or even podcasts. While in terms of understanding the media, an individual will be identified as media literate when he/she can evaluate, critical analyze and manipulate the media as per the requirements under different media formats.
– Why is it important?

Media literacy is important as we all are living in the age of media saturation. Hence, media literacy holds utmost importance for both students, teacher and for an individual. Media is also considered as one of pillar of democracy and it is main source of receiving information about whole word events.

 
– Why is it dismissed?

The main reason behind dismissing the media literacy is intentional ignorance towards it as its bringing a change to the traditional method of sharing knowledge and information.  

Question 2- : Why should you aim for varied views but the factual consensus in your PLN?

When an individual is sharing an information on personal learning network. The information should be critically analyzed and evaluated on the basis of factual consensus. While one should doesn’t ignore the consideration of varied views as it help in evaluating a certain information. In this way, the PLN becomes more reliable and trustworthy among its participants.

Question 3- : Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict, why does this happen?

 Media literacy imposes three great challenges which can create conflict during open dialogues such as investment, reaching adults and exacerbating inequalities (Smith, 2020). When on media literacy the open dialogues comes no barrier or evaluation which leads to seamless flow of data and information across the channels. Thus, it certainly will create issues with the factual information in the long run.

Question 4- : What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy?

There are variety of benefits having a PLN or personal learning network that values media literacy. First, it leads the participants to be become more wise and critical thinker. It increases the engagement in the information of the participants. It opens the way of critical evaluation among the participants of the PLN. It certainly boast the proficiency and ability of the PLN participants. It helps in increasing in the process skills than content knowledge. Last, this will help the society in large as value media literacy in the PLN provides for open discussion on variety of global and local issues.  

References

Bulger, M., & Davison, P. (2018). The promises, challenges, and futures of media literacy. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 1-21.

Smith, J. (2020, November 02). EDCI 338 A01- SMITH, JULIE. Retrieved from youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_T9RghwJlI

Explore the video provided and reflect on the themes of a PLN in a professional capacity – how does a PLN give power to messaging for an individual or community?

The PLN includes the broader aspects of the learning environment. In the professional capacity, the PLV themes include a variety of elements. First, the reflective on the shared dialogues between the participants of the PLN. Second, PLN focuses on the learning aspects of the participants. Third, it gradually improves and increases the interaction between the participants at the individual and community level. Fourth, it heightens the collaboration between the community as a whole of a PLN. Last, it helps in sharing the values and multiple norms which strengthen the PLN itself. The PLN brings out a common understanding which provides a way of progress at the individual as well as community level within the PLN.

Education occurs in so many environments beyond the classroom, how does social media help expand education and associated needed communications?

 In the modern digital environment, education has no limits and goes way beyond the traditional structure of a four-wall confined classroom. In light of the recent COVID19 pandemic, education evolved to caters to the needs of the learner in their home. In the whole process, the social media platform came out to be a beneficial way of providing the latest and sharing resources within the groups. The 24/7 availability of sharing information, brainstorming over zoom video calls and also creating and teaching interactive content while using social media additional tools. Social media expanded education in a positive way.

References :

Miller, Jesse. “EDCI 338 – BRAD BAKER.” YouTube, uploaded by MILLER, 04 Mar. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy63SmEpvCw

The notable individual uses social media for sharing their life events in terms of photos, videos and location for building their network with their friends, relatives and family members. While another individual also uses social media for professional uses and that solely depends on the social media platform. Mainly notable individuals used social media to share their events for becoming famous as well as it is the trend of the internet. The personal learning network also the reason behind which pushing the notable individual to be in the public eye and get the benefits of sharing knowledge and resources with the whole group and participants of the PLN.

Although, the employer who provides online tools are comes which certain restrictions and benefits for building community. The restriction in the sense which doesn’t hamper the reputation of the whole company and benefits in terms of providing an advantage to the whole organization. With this approach, the PLN can be more reliable as restrictions can be put on public participation and pushing for connecting on the platform with signing up with verified personal information. Similarly, if somebody on the PLN sharing an incident or facts. The individual should share the link or description of the source which should be from the trusted website. Hence, it will be beneficial for everyone and also veteran storyteller which will help in minimizing the risk of sharing the misinformation and makes PLN more reliable for all.

What are the benefits of a diverse and inclusive PLN in social media sharing that understands where you are coming from with messaging that impacts the community?

The personal learning network provides great help to the learner or student to collaborate without limits. It offers the ultimate possibilities of sharing resources, ideas and educational material all around the world. While on the individual level, PLN offers a way to share your knowledge with everyone and develops a supporting system for the students. While diversity in PLN improves the overall system for the students. As, it gives students or the member connected to the particular PLN a great level of intellectual engagement, culture diversity knowledge and a high level of academic skills in terms of writing, problem-solving and critical thinking(Ekoc, 2020). The social media sharing on the PLN helps in understanding the depth of the topic which gives of variety of knowledge to the participants of the whole network. The PLN should have a sense of inclusion in it and treat the value of feedback of every member of the whole group.

Social media sharing can be the main driver in promoting the PLN and bringing the social change that one requires to see in it. However, there are certain requirements of it by which PLN can offer the same. The idea and knowledge shared on the PLN by the participants should be authentic and thoroughly analyzed within the group. In this way, the PLN not only amplifies the voices and views of participants but also engages the community for the idea or social campaign as well. The PLN can also help in the fundraising program for a noble cause and bring the attention of a large number of people towards a particular issue that is prevalent in society.

References:

Ekoç, A., 2020. No teacher is an island: technology-assisted personal learning network (PLN) among English language teachers in Turkey. Interactive Learning Environments, pp.1-17