Personal Learning Networks
Networking in the age of social media has shifted from traditional face-to-face interactions to digital connections with other professionals. Online platforms support informal learning and allow users to connect with individuals who have similar career goals, hobbies, interests, etc. Social media makes participation easier because it allows people to communicate quickly and reach a wider audience. A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is the group of people, platforms, and digital spaces that help us learn.
Rajagopal et al. (2012) explain that a person creates a PLN when they use contacts in their network to improve their learning. This point highlights that a PLN is not something that is created randomly. Creating a PLN that will help you achieve your goals takes effort. For example, surrounding yourself with experts in your area of study, using the best technology, and sharing your thoughts with others are all ways of actively building a PLN.
Public communication and being active on social media comes with both risks and rewards. One reward is that sharing ideas online can help build confidence and create opportunities. Posting about learning activities or professional interests allows professionals to connect with others in their field. One of the biggest risks of public communications is that anything on that is posted is publicly available forever. This can lead to unintended consequences where posts are misunderstood or taken out context which creates a negative perception of the person or organization who posted. It is important to understand this risk so that people think carefully about how a post could affect their reputation in the future.
Digital Identity
Digital identity is the way a person presents themselves online. This includes posts, comments, likes, profile pictures, etc. All of these can impact the overall impression someone creates through online activity.
Huang et al. (2021) explain that digital identity can be understood as the defining characteristics of a person in online spaces. This definition fits well with social media because a person’s digital identity is not just made up of official information like their name or email address. It also includes how they present themselves through posts, comments, usernames, shared interests, and the communities they participate in. In a Personal Learning Network, others form impressions on a person based on what they choose to share and how they communicate. Digital identity can be difficult to control because online activity can be saved, shared, or interpreted by different audiences in different ways.
Every person has a different way of representing themselves online. Some choose to use Instagram mainly for personal activities like sharing with family and friends, and having a separate professional online presence on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Some choose to use Instagram for both a personal and a professional presence. The platforms we use and the information we share is what influences public perception. Mixing professional and personal presence can sometimes be dangerous. A post meant for friends could be seen by employers with missing context.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Personal Learning Networks and digital identity are closely connected. The way we communicate online shapes how others see us, and it also shapes how we learn. By being thoughtful, respectful, and aware of our audience, social media and online learning platforms can be a valuable tool for learning and professional growth.
References
Huang, J., Kumar, S., & Hu, C. (2021). A Literature Review of Online Identity Reconstruction. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.696552 Rajagopal, K., Brinke, D. J., Bruggen, J. V., & Sloep, P. B. (2012). Understanding personal learning networks: Their structure, content and the networking skills needed to optimally use them. First Monday. https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v17i1.3559
