Author: jessicamahfoud (Page 1 of 2)

Blog Post 4

The Importance of Personal Learning Networks (PLNs)

Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) are a great way to connect with others, learn new things, and stay informed about topics that interest me. My PLN includes classmates, teachers, professionals, and online communities that help me grow both academically and personally. Whether it’s through discussions, mentorship, or engaging with online content, my PLN helps me to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives. It really reflects my duality as an individual!

How Social Media Helps Build a PLN

Social media plays a huge role in strengthening PLNs by making it easier to connect with others and share information. Platforms provide spaces for people to engage with new ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another. Liking, sharing, and commenting on posts not only spreads useful information but also shows others that I value their insights.

When I engage with someone’s post, it helps build a connection and shows that I am genuinely interested in what they have to say. Over time, these small interactions help strengthen relationships and make my PLN more meaningful. By consistently engaging with my network, I can create valuable connections that benefit both me and those I interact with.

Growing a PLN Over Time

Building a strong PLN takes time and effort. Some key ways to develop and maintain a PLN include:

  1. Staying Active: Regularly participating in discussions, posting insights, and interacting with content helps keep my PLN strong and valuable.
  2. Sharing Useful Information: Posting study tips, experiences, and interesting articles helps me contribute to my network and support others.
  3. Keeping Up with Trends: Following industry updates and participating in discussions helps ensure my PLN stays relevant and useful.
  4. Engaging with Others: Responding to posts, offering feedback, and showing support helps create a sense of community and builds stronger connections.

How Social Media Impacts Learning and Career Growth

Social media has changed the way people learn and grow professionally. In school, it provides access to new ideas, discussions, and educational resources. I’ve found them helpful for discovering research, staying updated on industry trends, and learning from experts.

It’s also a great tool for career development. Many professionals and companies share job opportunities, networking events, and career advice on social media. By staying active in these spaces, I can make connections that may help me in my future career.

Staying Connected Through Social Media

Social media isn’t just about learning, it’s also a way to stay in touch with people, especially when distance or busy schedules make it hard to meet in person. Staying updated with my PLN online helps me maintain connections with classmates, colleagues, and friends.

Engaging with posts, joining discussions, and staying involved in online communities allows me to keep learning while also keeping in touch with people who inspire and support me. Whether for personal connections or professional growth, social media helps me stay engaged and informed.

Conclusion

PLNs are a powerful way to learn, grow, and stay connected. Social media makes it easier to build and maintain these networks, whether for school, work, or personal interests. By engaging with others, sharing useful information, and actively participating in discussions, I can create strong connections that support my learning and future goals. A PLN isn’t just about networking, it’s about building a community where people learn from and support one another.

Peer Response Post 3

Today I decided to respond to Marc’s Blog Post 3!

Your blog post on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) does a great job of showing how this approach makes education more accessible for everyone. I completely agree that UDL isn’t just helpful for students with disabilities,mit benefits all learners by offering different ways to engage with material, absorb information, and demonstrate understanding. When educators use a mix of teaching strategies, they create a more adaptable learning environment that supports students with different needs.

I also like your discussion on accessibility in both in-person and online learning. Using tools like visual aids, assistive technology, and multiple content formats ensures that more students can fully participate. In online learning, providing materials in different formats helps students access information in a way that works best for them. Features like screen readers, captions, and alt text for images also make digital resources more inclusive.

Your point about the ethical side of digital learning is really important too. Protecting student data and maintaining privacy should always be a priority, and educators need to use secure platforms while being straight about how personal information is handled. Overall, UDL is a powerful approach that removes barriers and creates a more inclusive learning experience for everyone.

Peer Response Post 2

Today I decided to respond to Nathan’s Blog Post 3!

Nathan, I really enjoyed reading about your experiences with open and distributed education! You did a great job explaining these learning models and how they make education more easy to access. I completely agree that distributed education is valuable because it allows courses to be delivered in different formats, whether in-person, online, or a mix of both. Open education is also an important tool for making learning more available, especially with free resources like Creative Commons.

Your experience with hybrid learning in high school really stood out to me. It’s great to see how you adjusted your learning approach to better meet your needs. I can relate to how having more flexible options can improve understanding and overall success in school.

Your gap year and self-directed learning with CS50x sound like a fantastic experience. Being able to work at your own pace without deadlines must have made learning more enjoyable. The way you engaged with the online community and helped others shows how effective these models can be. I also use resources like MIT OpenCourseWare to help my studies, and I really agree that having easy access to so much knowledge is a privilege!

Peer Response Post 1

Today I decided to respond to Percy’s Blog Post 3.

Your perspective on pedagogy, instructional design, and digital spaces really highlights how technology is changing the way we learn. I really agree that interactive approaches help with understanding and retaining new material. Networked pedagogy is really useful because it allows students to connect beyond the classroom using digital tools like Google Docs and online discussion forums. From my experience, these platforms make studying more engaging and provide valuable insights from different perspectives.

Instructors also play a key role in online learning. When they use interactive elements like group discussions, it makes the experience feel more engaging and less isolating. Without these interactions, online courses can become dull and harder to focus on.

However, digital learning isn’t without its difficulties. Some students don’t have reliable access to technology, and it can be easy to lose motivation or get distracted without face-to-face interactions. Finding the right balance between technology and traditional teaching methods is essential for making online learning effective. By ensuring inclusivity, adaptability, and support, educators can create an environment where students stay engaged and succeed. When applied thoughtfully, digital pedagogy can make learning more accessible and enriching.

Blog Post 3: Enhancing Growth and Privacy in the Digital Space

In this module, we’ve explored the value of Personal Learning Networks (PLNs), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and the importance of privacy, ethics, and diversity in digital learning environments. These elements are key for supporting our growth, protecting our personal information, and ensuring digital spaces are safe and inclusive.

PLN Spaces Through Social Media

Social media has been a great tool for growing my PLN, especially within the fashion world. I post fashion videos and connect with people globally who share the same interest. This has helped me find inspiration and learn from others. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are perfect for discovering ideas and showcasing my own content. The most valuable part is connecting with a worldwide community and staying current with trends.

The biggest benefit of this has been building a global network, where I can interact with like-minded individuals and learn from experts in fashion. It’s been an excellent way to grow personally and professionally.

Privacy, Ethics, and Security in Digital Spaces

Even though I’m active online, I make sure to protect my information. I use strong passwords and take care not to share too much personal data. While I don’t keep a private account, I’m careful about what I post. I aim to share content that is respectful and doesn’t compromise my privacy or the privacy of others.

These habits are crucial for creating a safe and reliable digital space. By following ethical guidelines online, we help build trust and positive interactions within digital communities. Being mindful of what we share ensures that online spaces remain secure and respectful for everyone.

Inclusivity and UDL in PLNs

An inclusive PLN involves creating a network that embraces diverse perspectives and experiences. To ensure my PLN is inclusive, I engage with a wide range of voices and follow people from different backgrounds and viewpoints. A PLN should include multiple perspectives to encourage learning and broaden understanding.

The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), are great tools for promoting inclusivity in digital learning, like offering content in various formats helps ensure all learners can access it in a way that suits them best. Allowing different methods of expression also creates a more inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable participating.

Challenges and Importance of Diversity in Digital Learning

Diversity in digital learning is essential because it brings fresh perspectives and fosters creativity. However, challenges such as accessibility, language barriers, and lack of representation can prevent inclusivity. To create a more inclusive digital environment, we must actively seek out diverse viewpoints and make sure that resources are accessible to everyone.

A key part of promoting diversity is staying open-minded and non-judgmental. It’s important to create spaces where everyone’s perspective is respected, helping to build an inclusive and understanding atmosphere. Diversity isn’t just about representation, it’s about cultivating a culture of respect within digital learning environments.

In Conclusion,

Building a strong PLN, maintaining good privacy habits, fostering inclusivity, and embracing diversity are all crucial for ensuring a positive and effective digital environment. By following ethical practices, protecting our data, and supporting diverse voices, we can contribute to creating a more respectful and inclusive digital world for all.

Watch this video about how to build your PLN through social media!

Peer Response Post 4

Today I decided to review and respond to Andrea’s blog post 2!

I really liked your post, especially how you keep your personal and professional online identities separate. It’s smart that you’re careful with your privacy on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat while maintaining a more polished and professional profile on LinkedIn. Being mindful of your privacy settings and what you share is so important, especially since employers often look at social media. It’s a great way to protect your personal life while still showcasing a professional image.

Your take on the Digital Visitor and Resident idea was interesting too. I can totally relate to how you’re a digital resident on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where you interact regularly, but more of a visitor on functional sites like banking platforms. It’s cool to think about how this might change as you get deeper into professional networks.

Lastly, your thoughts on privacy, surveillance, and digital footprint are spot on. Things like using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication are simple but crucial steps to protect your online presence. Overall, your post really emphasized how important it is to carefully manage both personal and professional digital identities! Good job!

Peer Response Post 3

Today I decided to respond to Ahyun Jeong’s blog post 2.

I really liked your post, especially your thoughts on keeping personal and professional online identities separate. I totally agree that it’s important to protect our privacy while still showing a professional image. Managing our online presence is key to both safeguarding ourselves and opening doors for future career opportunities. Your approach of using LinkedIn for professional connections and Instagram for personal content really makes sense.
I also liked how you used the Digital Visitor and Resident Map to explain how we engage with different online platforms. Sites like banking or government services are purely for tasks, while platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram offer deeper interactions. It’s a great way to break down how we use the internet in different ways.

Your focus on privacy and surveillance is something I also think a lot about. It’s crucial to be aware of the data we leave behind and make sure we’re protecting our information by using strong passwords and being careful about what we share. Thanks for sharing your perspective it is very really insightful!

Jessica Mahfoud

I’m a 20-year-old third-year student at the University of Victoria, where I’m studying Biology and Psychology. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, I have strong ties to my Syrian heritage, and being part of an Arabic background is something I deeply cherish. It’s a key part of who I am, influencing my values, outlook, and relationships. My culture has shaped my identity in countless ways, and I’m proud to carry it with me wherever I go.

The decision to move to Victoria was driven by my love for the ocean and the outdoors. I’ve always felt a deep connection to water, and being near the coast has been a dream come true. The mild, warm weather here also suits me perfectly, as I’m a big fan of spending time outside, whether it’s hiking, biking, or relaxing at the beach. Living in such a beautiful environment has definitely enhanced my university experience.

At heart, I’m someone who loves to help others. Whether it’s offering support to friends or volunteering in the community, I find great fulfillment in lending a hand wherever possible. I believe in the power of kindness and small gestures to create meaningful change, and I try to embody this in both my personal and academic life. Helping others is a core part of my identity, and it’s something that drives me every day.

Looking to the future, I’m planning to attend medical school after completing my undergraduate degree. My studies in biology and psychology have given me a unique perspective on the human body and mind, and I’m eager to build on that knowledge to help people in a more profound way. For me, medicine is not just a career—it’s a way to serve and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Ultimately, I’m always striving to grow—whether it’s through learning, personal development, or making a positive impact on the world around me. I’m excited about the journey ahead and the chance to continue helping others, learning, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Blog Post 2

In today’s media, it’s becoming harder to separate personal and professional identities online. Social media platforms have multiple functions, making it easy to share personal moments with family and friends while also promoting our careers or professional work. This overlap complicates maintaining clear boundaries because everything posted online, whether personal or professional, is available to a wide audience.

One way to manage this is by having separate accounts for personal and professional use. Even with this separation, there’s always the risk of content crossing over, whether from shared posts or overlapping social networks. Unless accounts are made private, our online presence is mainly public, which means we have to be mindful of what we share and how it may be perceived.

Personally, I find it challenging to keep these areas separate. Although I try to focus on career content on professional platforms like LinkedIn, I’m still careful about what I post on my personal accounts. The idea that “what’s online is forever” sticks with me, which influences how I interact with social media. While I want to protect my online reputation, I also recognize that building a public following requires making my accounts visible. This puts me in a hard position, on one hand, I want to share parts of my life and connect with others, but on the other hand, I worry about how these actions might affect my future opportunities. A public profile makes it easier for anyone to search for me online, and that can feel uncomfortable. However, it does offer opportunities to grow my network and showcase my personal brand, especially in fields where this is important.

On the other hand, I find personalized learning strategies to be empowering, especially in managing my learning disability. The accommodations I receive, like extended time for assignments and access to tools that support my learning, allow me to customize my education to fit my needs. This has helped me perform better in subjects I might otherwise struggle with. The ability to ask for what I need and get support has made me feel more in control of my academic experience. Theories like Constructivism and Self-Directed Learning, which emphasize tailoring education to individual needs, have shaped my approach to learning. When I can advocate for myself and get the help I need, it boosts my confidence and motivation to succeed.

Reflecting on my digital footprint, I realize it plays a big role in how I’m perceived online. Every action I take adds to the data trail that others can see. While I’ve been taught that “what’s online stays online,” it’s hard to ignore the fact that everyone has a digital footprint, whether we intend to build it or not. I’ve always been careful about what I share because I know it can be permanent, but at the same time, I see that building a professional presence or gaining followers often requires a public profile.

I also understand the importance of privacy and the risks involved in digital surveillance. It’s easy to forget that everything we do online leaves a trace, but I try to be proactive about protecting my privacy. This includes being careful with my personal information, adjusting privacy settings, and using strong passwords. Finding a balance between privacy and engaging with a wider audience is key. While it can feel uncomfortable knowing how visible my online presence is, I also know that full privacy isn’t realistic in today’s digital world.

Click here to watch a video about how to reduce your digital footprint!

Peer Response Post 3-Rachel Powell

Today I decided to center in on the first blog post of Rachel Powell!

Your post gives a great look of how social media can be used both personally and educationally. It’s exciting that you’re combining your interests in social media and education in this course, and the skills you’ll gain will definitely be useful no matter what career you end up pursuing.

I totally agree with your point about how social media helps us stay connected in creative ways. Your example of using TikTok to make educational content more engaging shows how platforms like these can be both fun and informative at the same time.

The assignment you mentioned really made me think about how easy it is to come across misleading information online. It’s so important to critically evaluate what we see and share, and I like how the assignment gave you the freedom to explore this with content and platforms you chose. I also love your focus on digital literacy and controlling your online presence. What we post online can impact us in the long term, so it’s important to be mindful of the content we engage with.

Finally, your point about TikTok’s “like” settings is a great reminder that we need to be intentional about how we manage our digital presence. Overall, your post shows the importance of being aware of how we interact with online platforms, and I’m sure this course will help you dive deeper into these ideas.

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