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.

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.

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.

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.