In our discussion this week, we discussed the role of PLNs (Personal Learning Networks) in terms of development in education. Some of the main points are as follows: With access to PLNs, educators can broaden their knowledge with the perspectives, ideas, challenges, and successes of fellow educators. This can be beneficial as it introduces what works best, allowing educational practice ideas to extend beyond a single teacher or school, and borders, thereby fostering creativity and limiting echo chambers. This leads to global networks between educators and can also foster collaborative learning. However, there are potential cons of PLNs in education, such as educators feeling overwhelmed by the vast amounts of knowledge available. This could lead to challenges in identifying quality information, and with this vast knowledge, it can be time-consuming, which can impact their other responsibilities.
As shared in the video “What’s a PLN? And 3 Ways Teachers Can Get Connected,” educators can create discourse by engaging in discussions on platforms, sharing their opinions on certain topics, their experiences as educators, practices they had problems with or those that were successful, and sharing other challenges as educators. They can also create collaborative projects and share resources on current topics in education.
We further discussed the role of social media in education, where we noted that social media can benefit in connecting people with similar interests, which can further enhance their growth in that specific area by sharing their previous knowledge and working together. Another benefit can be easier access to knowledge. For example, if you search for a term like “English learning” on any social media platform, such as Instagram, you can find many accounts that enhance vocabulary and help with grammar, thus providing easier access to education at no cost. Some platforms can also aid in professional development through online learning, seminars, and workshops. Videos shared on YouTube can also serve as supplementary learning for educators and students. I used to watch YouTube videos for some complex topics in chemistry courses, which I could understand better in my native language than in university, thus helping me with the language barrier. LinkedIn can also serve as a platform that helps learners with collaboration opportunities and career advancements.
Some problems with social media in educational settings can include higher risks of misinformation being shared, along with potential risks of distraction, privacy concerns, and creating digital divides. It is important to maintain boundaries when it comes to fitting into professionalism and regulations on social media, especially when working with vulnerable sectors. Therefore, being cautious about the content shared and the nature of interactions with others is essential. It is also important to work within ethical boundaries and privacy policies. Understanding and complying with regulatory guidelines and institutional policies managing social media use is also crucial.
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