Weekly Reflection & Report blog post #5: Micro-blogging/PLN

     We are stuck in a sociocultural revolution where knowledge is derived from human interaction that is facilitated by tools and signs like Twitter (Reid, 2011).  These tools, signs, and technology allow internet users, and especially professionals, to build a stronger, tailored personal learning network to meet their own needs.  The use of technology to efficiently enhance learning opportunities is becoming more and more common as schools, school boards, and professional environments are using technology to facilitate learning, growing, and networking (Rispin, 2012).  A personal learning network can be defined as the “entire collection of people with whom you engage and exchange information, usually online” (Klingensmith, 2009).  It is based on a concept known as connectivism. 

     Exploring Twitter has definitely enhanced my experience of learning from others as it has expanded both my personal learning environment and personal learning network.  Over the past week, I have begun to follow fellow classmates of ADED 1P32 and have acquired 5 new followers.  I have explored the use of hashtags, especially #aded1p32, to see how Twitter can be used as a dominant form of communication for online classes and educational purposes in general (Johnson, 2009).  This unique social media platform is full of innovators and leaders in the field of education (Powerful Learning Practice).  This gives students, like myself, an opportunity to explore other’s ideas, voices, and thoughts as they have the potential to guide one’s independent learning goals and professional development needs (Weisberger, 2011).     

     Unlike Facebook and Instagram, I do not use Twitter on a frequent basis to connect with others.  However, I do have an older Twitter account that is used for my other online course COMM 2F00.  Creating a Twitter account was mandatory as our participation mark was based on communicating with online classmates and sharing interesting online content via Twitter and the hashtag #comm2f00.  Alike COMM 2F00, we are using Twitter in a similar way… to build a stronger personal learning network.  My experiences with Twitter have illustrated how this tool can be an effective way to connect with others and build knowledge in a less formal way outside of the lecture halls.

     Therefore, I have already added Twitter to my personal learning environment.  Referring to Malan’s personal learning environment categories, Twitter would fall under “connect” (2010).  Although I may not use Twitter as much as most of my generation does, I still feel that this social media platform has a lot to offer when it comes to learning opportunities.  I will add it to my personal learning environment and utilize it when it is suitable to meet my educational or professional needs.

     The link below illustrates how blog posts are naturally conversational and therefore can bring substantial value to people’s learning.  Blog posts are meant to be shared, reviewed, discussed, and debated.  After reading the item I found on my RSS Feeder, I hope some of you begin to comment on my blog posts to further online conversations and stimulate critical thinking.

http://feedly.com/#search%2Fmeh%2Ffeed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fideasandthoughts.org%2Ffeed%2F