CC#3

In my last Communit post, I wrote about how I use different digital platforms for academic and professional purposes. I also mentioned in my post that I really want to be more active on my LinkedIn so I can build a stronger professional network and connect with people in my field. At that moment, I was only thinking about how PLN could help me with future jobs or higher studies.

But after finishing this week’s reading, my perspective on PLN has changed. I now realize that a strong PLN doesn’t simply mean making more connections. But it is also important to think about diversity and inclusion, as this brings different perspectives into the network.

One of the ideas I really liked was Two-eyed seeing. Marshall explains it as learning from the strengths of the Indigenous ways of knowing as well as western. It showed me how learning improves when we are open to listening to different perspectives.

Lastly, the article Digital Divide made me think about how access to technology, the internet and other barriers can affect an individual’s ability to participate in online activities/communities. This shows that even though digital platforms are available, it doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone can access them. Overall, these readings have helped me realize that a good PLN should be diverse and inclusive, as different people can bring different ideas as well as different experiences to the network.