How diverse is your existing PLN?
My PLN is pretty diverse, I have been able to communicate with people all over the world who have shared experiences that I otherwise would of never knew. It has opened my eyes to different beliefs and ideas that have become reflective of my views on day-to-day experiences, as well as contemporary issues. Additionally, by having a diverse PLN, I am able to have access to opportunities that I would probably not of found on my own. Other people’s interests and experiences have led me to occupation ideas that I have never even thought to consider.
In your PLN, are you learning from a variety of voices or are you the loudest in the room?
My PLN is reflective of my life outside of social media. I have opinions on subjects that I am passionate about, but I would never force my opinions onto someone else. I like to constantly be learning about other people’s perspective and educate myself on other beliefs. In my PLN I think it’s important to hear and listen to those with different ideas, as it allows for me to develop new insights on something I maybe never would have considered. Additionally, it has given me the opportunity to educate myself on challenges that I may not have faced in my life, but has been something that has shaped the people around me.
Do you participate in a silo of information sharing (similar themes or wide-range of interests)?
I have used my PLN in different ways to discuss with people whom I have common interests with, and to engage with other perspectives that I may not have previously considered. My PLN has become a way to connect with other students, especially with Covid-19 placing our learning online. It has allowed me to join groups within my major or particular classes that I am in, where we can discuss topics we are learning. It has also allowed me to keep in touch with all my high school graduates, which has given me the ability to educate myself on so many different topics, with us all having different backgrounds and going down different career paths.
How can you use a diverse PLN to broaden your views of inclusion?
I can use my PLN to broaden my views of inclusion by looking at everyone in my communities as an educator, where I can constantly be learning new things from those around me. I think EDCI 338 is a great place to expand your PLN, as you are able to interact with people who come from all over the country who want to share their opinions. It’s important to listen to other people’s experiences and gain knowledge from the opportunities and mistakes they have faced.
What is the learning outcome of your PLN and how are you ensuring your exposure to diversity and inclusion?
My goal for my PLN is to make sure it is a space where all are welcome, as well as one where people are comfortable enough to share their thoughts and views. Moore (2017) says that “inclusive education relies on the diversity of its ecosystem to not only promote coexistence and tolerance, but to thrive on the learning and interaction of each person in the community”. I understand this to mean that we are constantly learning, especially from those around us. Therefore, in order to promote new learning, you must create a diverse community within your PLN, otherwise your perspective and understanding will never be challenged and therefore, will remain stagnant. Education is constantly changing, and without gaining new insights, from those around you, your perspective can never evolve.
How has your thinking about inclusion and PLN evolved after reviewing the videos and readings?
I feel like there is still a lot of work left to tackle when it comes to segregation and inclusion. We need to start valuing people’s strengths that they offer instead of looking and excluding them for the difficulties they face. I think reading this article has allowed me to see that inclusion is more than just having everyone being present in the same space. It’s about a sense of belonging which will create engagement and therefore, collaborative ideas. Diversity allows for students increased understanding of different backgrounds, experiences, hardships which prepares them to thrive in their adulthood.
References:
Moore, S. (2017). One without the other : Stories of unity through diversity and inclusion. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca
Hi Mikayla,
Thank you for sharing your blog post. Good reflection on your PLN! I definitely agree with your opinion about that “PLN has become a way to connect with other students, especially with COVID-19 placing our learning online”. During this pandemic, all our regular learning schedules and ways have been changed, which make us realize the importance of our PLNs as well. I really liked the way that I can connect with other people, interact with each other, and learn from each other. For this course, even most students are in different zones during this semester, we all can learn together. I think it is quite convenient.