PLN in Education

• Explore the videos provided and reflect on the themes of a PLN in professional capacity
• In professional capacities, the use of PLNs can be both beneficial and harmful. If we consider PLNs as existing on any platform where individuals intend to connect with and learn from each other, this can extend to social media posts as well. In the video from Common Sense Education, they encourage teachers to utilize PLNs as a way of broadening one’s professional and personal spheres of communication. This video emphasized the positive aspects of PLN use, given that these individuals are engaging online in a positive manner. I do think that social media PLNs can be very beneficial in increasing skills, tools, and lesson plans for educators. As I come from a psychology background, I think about this in terms of finding innovative and compassionate ways of engaging diverse learners. For example, a teacher who has a child with Autism in their class may be able to connect with educators who have the necessary skills and knowledge to help. The teacher could then discover new ways of engaging the student in learning, skill strategies for challenging moments, and adjust their style of teaching for this student. On the other hand, as the video from Steward Fundamentals showcased, social media PLNs can have a detrimental effect on professional environments. When professionals do not use their PLN in a positive manner, but rather an overtly negative manner, there are consequences. In the examples shown, the individuals were using their PLN to spread negativity and sexual harassment, thus violating codes of conduct. Social media, though pervasive in society, is often thought of as a personal expression rather than a public display. This leads to a sense of anonymity and false security, which is when such posts are created. In this aspect, when used negatively, PLN use hinders professional development.

• Which social media platforms are beneficial in education?

In thinking about this question, the first platform that comes to mind is YouTube. I would argue that YouTube is a social media site which is extremely beneficial in education. Personally, I think I’ve been watching YouTube videos in classes practically since the platform launched in 2005 and this week’s videos provide concrete evidence. YouTube is home to millions of educational videos from TedTalks to Hank Green’s Crash Course, a series of videos that pretty much saved my grades in biology. Having such a vast expanse of multi-disciplinary educational videos enables teachers to bring in new information and students to further their learning. Another platform that I consider to be educationally beneficial is TikTok. To be honest, I have learned a lot from watching TikTok videos that span from health to science to archeology to psychology. Though I wouldn’t be surprised to see teachers showing their classes certain TikTok videos, I think TikTok remains a more private source of education. For example, I watched a video on prosocial activities for pre-schoolers and then went to work and proposed we implement the activities there. In this way, I am both learning and teaching, using this one TikTok as the basis.

• When working with the vulnerable sector, how does social media fit into professionalism and regulations?

In my opinion, social media use requires consent. This is not a universal rule, of course, but I believe it to be especially important when working with vulnerable sectors. It does depend upon the sector in question and the governing bodies that create the regulations for social media use. I currently work with children as an employee of a licensed daycare, and we have extremely strict rules on social media use and photographs. As children are a vulnerable population, they must first have parental consent to any photograph taken, even if it goes nowhere. Secondly, as employees, we are forbidden from ever posting images of the children, explicitly saying their names online, or posting anything about them at all on our personal social media. In fact, any images we do take of the kids must be deleted from our camera roll in the event of theft or misuse. However, we do have a secure, password protected, app called Workplace where we are encouraged to post pictures of the children and what we are doing that day. Workplace is confined to only the current employees of the center and is, ideally, confidential. On one hand, I think this is a great way for the staff to connect and see images of what craft or activity the kids were doing that day. On the other hand, I continuously question the true security of social media, particularly given that the app is owned by Facebook, which is not exactly the pinnacle of data protection. Though I have trust in my co-workers, the truth is that any of them can go into the app and screenshot the images. I do not think any of us would actually maliciously do this, but the threat still exists. I believe this example is applicable to all vulnerable populations, and showcases the necessity of privacy and respect in social media use.

Discuss in the Mattermost group aspects of education outside of the traditional classroom, include dialogue about how education in the workplace in any capacity can consist of social media & what boundaries should be considered before encouraging discourse in a professional environment.

As social media use becomes increasingly important across multiple domains, it provides extensive opportunities for education. Outside of the classroom, platforms like YouTube and now, TikTok, have become hotspots for information sharing. Personally, I think I’ve learned more from watching Hank Green’s crash course and TikTok videos than from my first year biology course. However, this digital education extends beyond science, but to include social justice education worldwide. For example, without the brave voices speaking out to the world about the current Iranian revolution, it would be unlikely that us in the West would ever know. Another example is the Black Lives Matter movement that took center stage across social media in the spring of 2020, for it began with the dynamic use of widespread engagement. In these ways, social media has become a powerful tool for education, across countries and disciplines that exist outside of the classroom. In the workplace, social media also has its place in marketing, communication, user engagement, and prospective employee screening. In my job at a small restaurant, the company has effectively used Instagram to advertise our food and build a following of loyal customers. This use has provided education for the growing consumer base, but also the employees themselves. For me, I see the images they post of certain meals or drinks, and thus I can know exactly how the company wants it to be presented. However, because I use my personal Instagram when interacting with the company one, I must always be careful of my digital footprint and maintain professionalism. Thus, there are certain boundaries I do not cross, such as complaining about my job or posting negative comments about the company. As a whole, social media has become a central aspect in education, both within and outside the traditional classroom.

Thank you for reading!

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