Ami Dav's Site

Introduction

Today’s fast-paced digital environment requires continuous learning and professional growth to achieve success. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by developing a Personal Learning Network (PLN). A PLN is a collection of resources to support an individuals’ personal and professional success. Using social media and online communities, individuals can access valuable information, stay updated on current trends and collaborate with others. This post will explore the importance of PLNs, evaluate how social media enhances their effectiveness, and address key strategies to support long-term network development.

What Are Personal Learning Networks (PLNs), and Why Are They Important?

A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a collection of people, platforms, and resources to help individuals expand their knowledge and skills. PLNs are essential components of development as they provide access to a diverse range of information, unique perspectives, and mentorship opportunities (Gray, 2025). By connecting with experts and peers on social media, individuals can stay updated on the latest trends, learn new research topics, and adopt alternative practices.

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In my own life, PLNs help me stay updated on academic topics that I am interested in. For example, following educators and professionals on LinkedIn have allowed me to engage with others in my industry and discover valuable resources. PLNs also provide motivation and support by allowing me to develop connections with individuals who share similar interests and goals (Woods, 2013). Each of these aspects have expanded by social network and allowed me to seek new ideas.

Social Media Dynamics for PLNs

Social media plays an important role in the function of PLNs. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook allow users to interact and share content quickly with others in their field of interest. By actively participating in discussions, individuals can establish themselves as valuable contributors in their professional communities (Gray, 2025).

To maximize the positive impact of my PLN, I follow experts, connect with relevant groups, and regularly engage with content. Understanding social media algorithms has helped me strategically increase my posts’ engagement. For example, posting on LinkedIn in the evening, when most working professionals are active online, increases the chances of my post reaching the widest possible audience. Additionally, posting regularly and responding to comments can encourage meaningful interactions and strengthen professional relationships (Trilling & Fadel, 2009). Using these strategies, I can build an active and engaging PLN.

Long-Term Network Development

Building a strong PLN requires consistent effort, as meaningful relationships require time to grow. Key strategies to sustain a meaningful PLN include:

• Consistent Participation: Regularly engage with content by sharing perspectives, commenting on other’s posts, and contributing to discussions.
• Current Information: Keep up with industry trends and topics to maintain relevance.
• Authentic Connections: Develop relationships based on trust and mutual support.
• Contribute: Providing mentorship, sharing valuable resources, and helping others grow in their learning journey can help establish one’s PLN (Gray, 2025).

For my own PLN, I plan time in my schedule each week to engage on Linkedin and share resources. By committing to this time, I can ensure my PLN contributes to the learning and professional development of myself and others throughout my career.

Impact of Social Media on Learning, Academics, and Professional Environments

Social media has greatly transformed learning and professional environments by providing instant access to information and networking opportunities (Woods, 2013).

Academically, I have used social media to access research articles, join educational groups, and participate in online webinars. Social media has also allowed me to showcase my work experiences and search for job opportunities. Finally, using collaboration resources such as Slack and Discord, I have been able to connect with others and share resources (Trilling & Fadel, 2009). Each of these efforts has helped me expand my learning opportunities and professional development.  

Conclusion

To conclude, Personal Learning Networks play a crucial role in professional and academic growth by offering access to valuable resources, knowledgable professionals, and meaningful connections. Through social media engagement and strategic networking, individuals can create a PLN that supports their long-term learning and career development. Actively participating in discussions, sharing perspectives, and creating authentic connections can help develop a productive PLN, open doors to new opportunities, and continue personal improvement. Investing in a PLN is not only helpful for one’s educational career, but also for building a lifelong foundation for success.

References

Gray, K. (2025). Leveraging social media to build a digital PLN. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/leveraging-social-media-build-digital-pln

Trilling, B., & Fadel, C. (2009). 21st century skills: Learning for life in our times. Jossey-Bass.

Woods, B. (2013). Building your own PLN: Seeking new insights and ideas? Expand your personal learning network. ATD, 67(11). https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A348998538/ITBC?u=uvictoria&sid=summon&xid=1010abdf

Introduction

As online learning environments become continuously popularized in today’s digital age (Calvo et al., 2020), a Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a valuable tool for professional and personal growth. Social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter provide useful opportunities to connect with others in your field of interest, share experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions (Goldie, 2016). However, when considering the benefits of digital learning spaces, it is important to protect one’s personal privacy, ensure ethical engagement, and take action to improve online inclusivity. Universal Design Learning (UDL) principles offer a solution for these issues and introduces methods to ensure these standards and create productive and ethical online spaces for all online users. This blog post demonstrates how PLNs can use UDL methods to improve online learning environments and ensure digital privacy. 

PLN Spaces Through Social Media

Personal Learning Networks (PLN) play a vital role in both personal and professional growth. In my own experience, using social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram has enhanced my learning experience by allowing me to connect with others in my field of interest, contribute to peer discussions, and participate in learning development courses. Contributing to these communities allows for collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning. Using these networks, I have expanded my learning experiences by connecting with others in fields that I am interested in (Viner, 2024). 

The following video describes some basic functions of Personal Learning Networks as well as practical tips including who to follow and how to interact on social media to achieve the best possible results of your PLN. Please feel free to check it out!

Privacy, Ethics, and Security in Digital Spaces

Protecting personal information online and behaving respectfully are essential components of a safe and trustworthy digital environment. To protect my privacy, I use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication across platforms (Baruh et al., 2017). Additionally, I ensure that my social media profiles are kept private and carefully consider the information I am sharing online before posting new content.

In addition to protecting personal information, it is equally important that individuals engage in responsible online practices (Gisondi et al, 2022). The following steps can be taken to ensure ethical online engagement:

• Prioritize Credible Sources: To avoid the spread of misinformation, it is important to verify all resources before sharing information with others online. 
• Respect Others’ Privacy: Avoid online stalking or invasive online behaviour to maintain proper boundaries with others.
• Carefully Review Information Before Posting: Once an image or phrase is posted online, this content no longer belongs solely to you. Even if the post is deleted, there is a chance that someone else still has access to the information. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider all information shared online.

Inclusivity and UDL in PLNs

An inclusive PLN values diverse voices and experiences, creating a richer and more comprehensive learning network. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles further support inclusivity in digital learning spaces by incorporating multiple means of engagement. Following this principle, I can ensure that I interact with content in diverse formats, such as hands-on activities and various media formats (CAST, 2018). The multiple means of representation principle allows me to access information through multiple formats, including visual, auditory, and text-based resources. Finally, the multiple means of action/expression principle helps me demonstrate learning in ways that align with my strengths.

Challenges and Importance of Diversity in Digital Learning

Diversity in digital learning spaces is crucial for fostering a well-rounded educational environment. However, challenges such as accessibility barriers, language differences, and limited representation can hinder inclusivity. Addressing these issues requires intentional efforts, such as providing accessibility tools, translating resources to multiple languages, and amplifying underrepresented voices (Burgstahler, 2015).

Promoting diversity in digital learning spaces benefits all online users by encouraging a broader exchange of ideas and fostering a culture of respect and understanding. As a member of digital learning communities, I strive to contribute to an inclusive environment by advocating for equitable access to resources and ensuring that all voices are acknowledged and valued.

Conclusion

To conclude, building a strong and ethical PLN requires ongoing effort to balance personal connections, online security, and inclusivity in digital spaces. While social media offers an incredible opportunity to expand the impact of online learning, it also presents challenges related to privacy, misinformation, and accessibility. Research has raised concerns regarding the relationship between online openness and security, as increased online engagement may expose individuals to data risks and biased information (Fisk et al., 2023). Still, by actively incorporating diverse voices, implementing UDL principles, and educating the general public regarding ethical online practices, we can contribute to a more productive and responsible online learning environment, as educating others about appropriate online practices can influence the way that knowledge is shared, shaping the future of education. Therefore, as technology continues to evolve, it is our responsibility to maintain a proactive approach to create an ethical, secure, and inclusive online learning community for all users.

References

• Baruh, L., Secinti, E., & Cemalcilar, Z. (2017). Online Privacy Concerns and Privacy Management: A Meta‐Analytical Review. Journal of Communication, 67(1), 26–53. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcom.12276
• Burgstahler, S. (2015). Universal Design in Higher Education: From Principles to Practice. Harvard Education Press.
• CAST. (2018). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines. http://udlguidelines.cast.org
• Calvo, S., Lyon, F., Morales, A., & Wade, J. (2020). Educating at Scale for Sustainable Development and Social Enterprise Growth: The Impact of Online Learning and a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Sustainability, 12(8), 3247-. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083247
• Fisk, R. P., Gallan, A. S., Joubert, A. M., Beekhuyzen, J., Cheung, L., & Russell-Bennett, R. (2023). Healing the Digital Divide With Digital Inclusion: Enabling Human Capabilities. Journal of Service Research : JSR, 26(4), 542–559. https://doi.org/10.1177/10946705221140148
• Gisondi, M. A., Chambers, D., La, T. M., Ryan, A., Shankar, A., Xue, A., & Barber, R. A. (2022). A Stanford Conference on Social Media, Ethics, and COVID-19 Misinformation (INFODEMIC): Qualitative Thematic Analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(2), e35707-. https://doi.org/10.2196/35707
• Goldie, J. G. S. (2016). Connectivism: A knowledge learning theory for the digital age? Medical Teacher, 38(10), 1064–1069. https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2016.1173661
• Viner, J. (2024). Using Social Media to Develop a Personal Learning Network. School Librarian, 72(3), 28–28. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A810697384/LitRC?u=uvictoria&sid=bookmark-LitRC&xid=615b5e79

Digital Identity: Personal vs. Professional

Digital identity describes how an individual presents themselves online, including personal and professional networks.

An individual’s personal online identity may include casual content that features their personal relationships, hobbies or daily life (Jawed et al., 2019). This content is often shared on social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok. 

Alternatively, professional identity content features an individual’s career, academic achievements, and industry-related engagement (Jawed et al., 2019). This content is typically found on professional networks such as LinkedIn, professional blogs, or digital portfolios.

There are some online safety precautions that individuals can take to ensure clear boundaries between their personal and professional online identities. Personally, I take the following precautions to ensure my online safety:

• • Privacy Settings: I regularly update my personal social media settings to restrict access to only close friends and family.

• • Content Filtering: I ensure that all of my posts suit my professional image and align with my career aspirations. 

• • Platform Separation: I only engage in professional discussions when using LinkedIn and academic forums while reserving other platforms for personal interactions.

Maintaining this separation is important to me because employers and recruiters may review online profiles before making hiring decisions. Carefully curating my personal and professional online identities can improve career opportunities and avoid unintended consequences (Pape & Vogel, 2019). By mindfully customizing my digital presence, I can ensure my online content reflects my values and aspirations.

For more information about navigating digital identities, please feel free to review the following podcast:

Digital Visitor and Resident Map

The “Visitors and Residents” framework categorizes online engagement into two modes:

• • Visitor Mode: In this mode, individuals use the internet as a tool for specific tasks, such as researching or making online purchases.

• • Resident Mode: In this mode, users engage in online communities, maintain a social presence, and contribute content (White & Cornu, n.d.).

In Visitor Mode, I primarily engage with search engines, online groceries, and educational resources like Brightspace. These interactions are task-oriented, with minimal social engagement.
In Resident Mode, I actively participate in social media discussions, engage in professional networking on LinkedIn, and contribute to online communities like academic forums.

Below, I have attached an image of my personal Digital Visitor and Resident Map. In this image, I have demonstrated which sites I most frequently use and how they relate to Digital Visitor and Resident concepts.

Reflecting on these aspects of my online identity helps me understand how my digital identity may evolve over time based on my purpose and motivation. For example, I expect that my Resident Mode presence may gradually shift from personal social media posts to professional engagement as I progress in my career. This shift will impact my online interactions by increasing networking opportunities and using a more strategic approach to content sharing.

Theories of Personalized Learning

Personalized learning tailors education to accommodate an individual’s strengths, needs, and interests. 

Two Theories of Personalized Learning:

1. • Constructivist Learning Theory:
     
     

     Generated by ChatGPT (DALL-E 2025)

     Emphasizes active learning through experiences, encouraging students to construct knowledge rather than passively absorb information (Banihashem et al., 2022).

1. • Self-Directed Learning: Empowers students to take control of their education by setting goals and pursuing knowledge at their own pace.

I enjoy personalized learning as it allows me to apply my knowledge while exploring topics I am interested in. For example, online resources and discussion forums help me explore new topics in my studies, while course projects develop my understanding. This approach supports my academic and professional goals by encouraging critical thinking, self-motivation, and adaptability.

Privacy, Surveillance, and Digital Footprint Awareness

Every action online contributes to one’s digital footprint. This online presence is categorized in two ways:

• • Active Footprint: Content we intentionally share like posts, comments, and uploads.

• • Passive Footprint: Data collected without direct input like cookies, location tracking, and browsing history.

It is important to protect personal data across all platforms, including websites, apps, and social media algorithms. Methods to protect your privacy include:

• • Strong Passwords: Create new, unique passwords for all required websites and enable two-factor authentication.

• • Privacy Settings: Restrict public access to social media accounts by reviewing privacy permissions.

• • Mindful Sharing: Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information to prevent consequences like identity theft, robbery or stalking.

The following video demonstrates some common practices to keep your information secure online.

 

Understanding privacy and surveillance is important because our digital presence can affect our personal and professional goals. Practicing good habits, such as mindful content sharing and secure browsing, can help ensure a safe and respectful online identity (Regan & Jesse, 2019).

Conclusion

To conclude, it is important that all online users carefully consider their online engagement. Information shared online can affect many aspect of one’s life. Therefore, it is important to monitor online informaiton to support a positive digital identity, ensure appropriate online engagement, and maintain personal privacy. By supporting clear boundaries between personal and professional networks and practicing online safety, I plan to maintain a positive and secure digital presence.

References:

Banihashem, S. K., Farrokhnia, M., Badali, M., & Noroozi, O. (2022). The impacts of constructivist learning design and learning analytics on students’ engagement and self-regulation. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 59(4), 442–452. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2021.1890634

Jawed, S., Mahboob, U., & Yasmeen, R. (2019). Digital professional identity: Dear internet! Who am I? Education for Health (Abingdon, England), 32(1), 33–35. https://doi.org/10.4103/efh.EfH_232_17

Regan, P. M., & Jesse, J. (2019). Ethical challenges of edtech, big data and personalized learning: twenty-first century student sorting and tracking. Ethics and Information Technology, 21(3), 167–179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10676-018-9492-2

White, D. S., & Cornu, A.L, (n.d.). Digital visitor and residents map. Dave O. White. https://daveowhite.com/vandr/

Hello everyone!

My name is Amira, and I am currently in my final year of psychology at UVic. I’m excited to share a bit about my educational journey and the various factors have influenced my learning experiences so far.

Social Media and Its Role in Education:

Social media has had a significant impact on various aspects of my life, including my education. Using social media platforms, I am able to connect with peers, share events, and build a sense of community with others at my school (Anderson et al., 2024).

Personally, I have found Linkedin and Instagram to be valuable social platforms to engage and connect with fellow students. Using these platforms, I can easily form study groups and share learning materials with my classmates. 

When used constructively, social media can enhance learners’ engagement by allowing students to share ideas, collaborate, and interact with others in real-time, For example, live online discussions or video calls related to educational topics can broaden students’ perspectives and allow students to engage with diverse voices (Robertson, 2023). That being said, there are challenges to social media discussions. Distractions, misinformation, and cyberbullying can create barriers, undermining the positive effects of online learning (Lahti et al., 2024). Therefore, these factors must be monitored carefully to promote productive engagement with social media platforms. If problematic barriers are addressed, social media can be a powerful tool for enhancing education.

Personalized Learning and Digital Literacies:

Personalized learning has kept me motivated by allowing me to explore subjects at my own pace. For example, online educational videos often include settings which allow students to view transcripts or adjust video speed for improved clarification. Both of these factors have greatly improved my understanding of course content and allowed me to engage with learning material using methods that would not be possible in a traditional in-person lecture.

Improving digital literacy skills has also greatly enhanced my ability to navigate online resources as it helps me evaluate the credibility of online sources. For example, I often use the UVic Libraries page to find peer-reviewed articles from credible sources to support my studies.

Digital Identity and Online Presence:

I actively manage my digital identity by curating my social media profiles to reflect my academic interests and professional goals. For instance, I use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in my field and showcase my professional achievements. I’m also mindful to keep my Instagram account private to maintain boundaries. Managing a positive online presence is important to me, especially when it comes to professional opportunities. I avoid sharing any content that could negatively impact how I’m perceived by potential employers or collaborators. Maintaining this balance ensures that my online presence reflects my values and aspirations.

Navigating and Using Online Platforms Ethically:

Learning how to manage digital platforms effectively is a continuous process as each social media platform comes with its own set of challenges. It is important to practice ethical behaviour online as the information we share can have lasting impacts on ourselves and others. I’ve learned to be mindful of privacy settings and avoid posting content that could harm others or myself. Using online platforms ethically can benefit society by creating a positive online community where respect, trust, and responsible sharing are normalized.

To conclude, the integration of social media and online learning has made a significant positive impact in my educational experiences. By embracing these tools responsibly, I’ve been able to enhance my understanding of course content. I look forward to learning new ways to navigate these topics throughout this course.

References:

Anderson, K. C., Albinsson, P. A., & Ducarroz, C. (2024). Peer‐to‐peer community on social media: An exploratory cross‐cultural study. Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 23(3), 1285–1306. https://doi.org/10.1002/cb.227

Lahti, H., Kokkonen, M., Hietajärvi, L., Lyyra, N., & Paakkari, L. (2024). Social media threats and health among adolescents: evidence from the health behaviour in school-aged children study. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 18(1), 62–17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-024-00754-8

Robertson, R. (2023). A critical race theory analysis of transnational student activism, social media counter-stories, and the hegemonic logics of diversity work in higher education. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 36(5), 900–917. https://doi.org/10.1080/09518398.2021.1885073