EDCI 338 LING JIANG

What is media literacy?

According to The National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE), media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication. Media includes traditional media (television, radio, newspapers) and digital media (social media, websites, podcasts). Literacy is the ability to read, understand and analyze messages.

Why is it important?

• It enables individuals to distinguish between reliable information and misinformation or fake news.
• It enables individuals to think critically when they evaluate media.
• It enables individuals to make informed decisions about the content they consume and share.
• It enables individuals to recognize the author’s opinions and goals.

Why should you aim for varied views but the factual consensus in your PLN?

Varied views promote open thinking from diverse perspectives. However, factual consensus ensures that the information is accurate and reliable, avoiding the spread of misinformation. Combining both makes the PLN more diversified and more comprehensive.

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

Individuals may not accept opposite points because of their beliefs or bias. They believe their factual information and refuse to change change their opinions about the topics. Also, individuals may judge subjectively based on their emotions and feelings.

What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy?

• Information in PLN is accurate and reliable. Individuals consciously avoid the spread of misinformation.
• The abilities of critical thinking and problem-solving are enhanced.
• Diverse perspectives are encouraged, promoting open-mindedness. It enables individuals to keep studying and thinking.

Based on my experience, several social media platforms can be beneficial in education:

Schoology: Schoology is a learning management system that includes course management, material sharing, assessments, and grading. Teachers, students, and parents are able to interact and engage in educational activities in this platform.

Twitter: Educators can follow relevant hashtags and accounts to stay updated on the latest trends, share resources and ideas, and connect with other educators worldwide. Also, they can share their own ideas and resources on their own accounts.

YouTube: YouTube is a popular video platform. Educators create and share their teaching videos, which can be used as lecture videos or extracurricular supplementary content.

WordPress: Educators are able to write blogs to share their ideas and resources. Articles, videos and other forms of learning resources can be included in the blogs.

As my group members said, privacy and respect is important when working with vulnerable individuals:

Privacy: When working with vulnerable individuals, it is crucial to respect their privacy and maintain confidentiality. Before posting any information, photographs, or videos about vulnerable people on social media platforms, obtain informed consent and proper permits. Be cautious while sharing sensitive information or photographs on social networking networks, and follow all applicable privacy laws and regulations.

Respect: Maintain ethical standards in their social media interactions and content sharing. They should always be respect to vulnerable individuals. Be cautious of the possible impact of your postings and comments on vulnerable persons, and make sure your online presence is consistent with professional behavior.

Risks:

Privacy Invasion: Engaging with a public audience may reveal personal information or attract unwanted attention, perhaps leading to privacy violations or harassment, such as online abuse, doxing, or invasion of your personal life.

Misinterpretation and context collapse: Social media platforms can sometimes compound misconceptions since messages can be taken out of context or misconstrued, resulting in unexpected effects. One misstep or controversial statement can be magnified and shared widely, potentially leading to public scrutiny and loss of trust.

Legal Implications: Educators, lawyers, and government officials, for example, may face legal or professional ramifications if their social media activities break ethical norms, confidentiality laws, or workplace policies.

Benefits:

Broad Influence: Engaging with a public audience on social media allows you to reach a wide range of people and have a positive impact on their lives. You can share knowledge, insights, and expertise, influencing public discourse and shaping opinions on important issues.

Building Trust and Credibility: You can develop your personal brand, project a favorable image of yourself, and highlight your skills and principles. You may position yourself as an authority in your industry by maintaining a thoughtful and educational social media presence. Sharing worthwhile material frequently might increase your audience’s and professional colleagues’ perceptions of your credibility.

To address negative replies:

Stay calm and composed: Responding to negativity with anger or defensiveness can escalate the situation. It’s important to maintain a calm and professional tone when addressing negative replies or critiques. Avoid engaging in personal attacks or getting defensive.

Respond respectfully and constructively:  Respond to negative feedback and critiques in a respectful and professional manner, regardless of how provocative or offensive the comments may be. Responding respectfully can help maintain professionalism and potentially defuse tensions. Address negative replies by offering constructive insights or explanations. Use these situations as an opportunity to educate and clarify any misconceptions while maintaining a calm and composed tone.

Know When to Disengage: Not all negative comments warrant a response. If a comment is clearly malicious or lacks substance, it may be best to ignore it rather than engaging in a futile argument.

Social media engages communications by providing platforms for individuals and groups to connect, share information, and interact with each other directly. People are able to engage in real-time conversations, share information, and exchange ideas regardless of distance. Personal Learning Networks can broaden people’s perspectives by the exchange of ideas and other points of view. You can get different viewpoints and experiences through connecting with a variety of individuals. Engaging with a diverse PLN can broaden your understanding, challenge your assumptions, and enhance the quality of your social media interactions.

Benefits:

Exposure to a variety of opinions and experiences broadens your understanding of various cultures, backgrounds, and points of view. 

It increases empathy and a deeper awareness of social concerns, resulting in more inclusive and educated discussions. 

It develops your network and relationships, you may have more options for cooperation, learning, and professional development. 

Understanding where you’re coming from and considering different points of view makes your messaging more compelling and relevant to the audience you’re engaging with.

Social media can play a significant role in helping individuals and organizations establish messaging and themes that are inclusive and diverse.

Amplifying diverse voices: Individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives can use social media platforms to share their stories and experiences. By actively seeking out and boosting these voices, we can guarantee that our messaging represents a wide range of viewpoints.

Sharing diverse content: We may extend your audience’s viewpoints by distributing information that represents other cultures, identities, and experiences. Articles, videos, photos, and other kinds of media that promote diversity and showcase marginalized voices can be included.

Engaging in conversations: We can have direct and immediate connection with our audience. Conversations on diversity and inclusion may help us comprehend different points of view and create a more inclusive culture.

Students currently use the following platforms to develop their professional networks:

LinkedIn: Students can interact with professionals on this professional networking site, join groups for their industry, and look for employment prospects.
Twitter: Students can follow professionals and influential people in the sector on Twitter, join discussions using relevant hashtags, and interact with relevant content.
Websites of professional associations: Many professional associations have their own online communities and discussion boards where students can get in touch with experts in their professions.

As my team members mentioned, the platforms commonly used by University of Victoria students are Brightspace, and we use Mattermost and WordPress in this class.

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Students can think about the following in order to expand their professional learning network:

Join online communities: Students can communicate with professionals, ask questions, and acquire insights by participating in online communities and forums relating to their field of interest.
Conduct informational interviews with professionals in their intended field: Conducting informational interviews with professionals in their preferred field can help students broaden their network and gain insights into different career routes.

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Limitations: Concerns about data privacy and security can make individuals hesitant to share personal information or engage in online networking. They may be cautious about the platforms they use and the information they disclose, which could limit the scope and depth of their PLN.

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You can create a digital identity and reputation within your professional network by:
Creating a professional online presence: Make profiles on professional platforms such as LinkedIn that appropriately portray your talents, education, and experiences.
Sharing valuable content: Share insightful articles, industry news, or your own work to showcase your expertise and contribute to relevant conversations.
Engaging with others: Actively participating in discussions, providing useful thoughts, and assisting people in your professional network.

The online depiction of an individual or organization is referred to as a digital identity. It is the digital collection of a person’s or entity’s personal information, attributes, and actions. Usernames, email addresses, social media profiles and online behavior are some examples of digital identities.

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Personal and professional approaches to digital identity can have a big impact on how people use social media.

Personal Approach:

When people take a personal approach to their digital identity, they are more likely to express their personal lives, interests, and opinions, and communicate with others on social media. They can build connection with others. However, it can cause privacy problems if people share too much personal information.

Professional Approach:

A professional approach to digital identity is presenting oneself on social media in a more formal and career-oriented manner. People who use this approach provide their professional accomplishments, knowledge, and industry insights on social media. They may connect with colleagues, join professional networks, and engage in discussions relevant to their field.

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Digital identities converge in networked publics, which are online areas where people assemble, communicate, and share information. People with various digital identities congregate in networked publics, contributing to a shared online experience.

Impacts/Benefits:

• Increased Diversity: The convergence of digital identities provides a wider range of opinions and experiences. People from different backgrounds and with varying opinions can communicate with each other.
• Knowledge Exchange and Creation: The convergence of digital identities encourages collaborations and common knowledge from people in diverse backgrounds. They can solve issues, exchange ideas, and share information.
• Empowerment and Activism: Networked publics offer individuals with a platform to mobilize behind social and political causes. Converging digital identities have the potential to magnify the impact of collective action through raising awareness, organizing protests, and pushing social change.

Using social media to “network” entails engaging and interacting with others using online services and platforms that promote communication and interaction. Social media networks offer users a virtual environment where they may connect with friends, family, coworkers, and even complete strangers while exchanging information, ideas, and opinions.

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Motivation

Social interaction: People communicate with other people, maintain existing connections, and form new bonds.

Information Sharing: A variety of information, including news stories, blog posts, videos, and user opinions, can be shared and accessed by users.

Self-expression: People may express themselves, show off their skills, and work with others by publishing videos, photographs, and status updates.

Entertainment and Leisure: Social media has a lot of entertaining content, such as memes and funny videos.

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Risk

Privacy issues: People may be in danger for their privacy if they openly share information on social media.

Cyberbullying and trolling: Some users might come across nasty or abusive comments, which can be emotionally and psychologically damaging.

Spread of False Information: False information and fake news have a tendency to flourish on social media sites. False information could travel swiftly and harm, mislead, or otherwise have a negative impact on public opinion.

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Reward

Increased Connectivity: Regardless of distance, social media allows consumers to engage with a diverse range of people. It facilitates maintaining contacts, meeting new people, and expanding one’s social network.

Knowledge Exchange: People have access to a wide range of knowledge, opinions, and experiences provided by individuals and organizations.

Building Communities: Social media facilitates the formation of online communities based on shared interests, identities, or goals. Users can seek support from these community, join in important conversations, and collaborate on initiatives.