PLN & Education
PLN can help to develop thoughts and ideas in education discourse by providing a forum for discussion and debate between different stakeholders. This can allow for a greater exchange of ideas and a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand (Baker, n.d). However, PLN can also hinder the development of thoughts and ideas in education discourse by creating echo chambers where only certain voices are heard. This can lead to a lack of diversity in the discourse and a narrower range of perspectives being represented.
Educators use discourse to create opportunities for students to share their ideas, engage in critical thinking, and develop their language skills. Consequently, it helps to create a more inclusive and equitable world. In addition, Social media can be used in education in a number of ways. It can be used as a tool for research, for communication between teachers and students, and for sharing resources and ideas (Baker, n.d). It can also be used as a way to connect with other educators and professionals and to stay up-to-date with developments in your field. However, some potential risks are also associated with using social media in education. These include the potential for cyberbullying, the sharing of inappropriate content, and the potential for students to waste time on social media rather than focusing on their studies.
There are many benefits to belonging to a PLN, in a professional capacity. For example, PLNs can provide members with access to a wealth of resources and expertise, as well as a support network of like-minded individuals. In addition, PLNs can help professionals to stay up-to-date with developments in their field, and identify and connect with potential collaborators (Veletsianos, 2018). The themes of a PLN are vast, but some of the most common include professional development, collaboration, and networking.
There are a number of social media platforms that can be beneficial in education. One such platform is Facebook. Facebook can be used to connect with classmates and teachers, and can also be used to access a wealth of educational resources. Another beneficial platform is Twitter. Twitter can be used to connect with others in the education field, and can also be used to access a variety of educational articles and resources (Veletsianos, 2018). Finally, LinkedIn can be beneficial for educators looking to network with others in their field, and can also be used to access a number of resources related to education.
When working with the vulnerable sector, some of the ways social media fit into professionalism and regulations is, that one needs to be aware of the privacy implications of social media. One should make sure they understand the privacy settings for each platform and respect the privacy of the people they are connecting with (Veletsianos, 2018). Second, be professional in their interactions, by keeping in mind that everything they say and do online is their own reflection and therefore be respectful and responsible in their interactions.
References
Baker, B. (n.d) Education in a Connected Culture– Course YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/C5z8iHxW2n4
Veletsianos, G. (2018). Emergence and innovation in digital learning. Developing Personal Learning Networks for Open and Social Learning / Alec Couros- Chapter 8 https://vut.oer4pacific.org/id/eprint/12/1/Emergence_and_Innovation_in_Digital_Learning.pdf#page=159
