What does it mean to network using social media?

Personal Learning Network(PLN) refers to the network of trusted connections with whom an individual interacts (and learns from) regularly. Differing from the conventional setting of a learning environment where students are facing with one teacher at a time, PLN, as the informal method of learning, allows for generations of multiple interactions among people outside the classroom. It can fulfill the purpose of lifelong learning. People can discuss and learn from each other constantly as long as they are linked in one personal network. And now, with the pervasive use of social media, it even breaks the traditional confinement of time, space, and numbers of people could be included in the network. People can now share their opinions, insights, experiences, and views with more ease, and form groups with whomever they have shared similar ideas on the social media platform, thus, creating an even bigger personal learning network and fulfilling their lifelong learning purpose.

How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?

PLNs have the advantages of building, maintaining, and activating connections(Rajagopal, Kamakshi, et al. 2011). It is a progressive process. People build a group of connections with each other on social media platforms based on their shared interests. Then through a series of online interactions regarding their interesting subjects, the initial link is strengthened and maintained, which in turn forms a reliable network where mutual learning is maximized. Once this network of people has generated enough momentum, meaning the group is big enough to expand their influence, they can now even broadcast their shared interest to an even broader basis of audience, such as the whole society. When more people have encountered that subject, they will go and search for contents and explanations related to that subject matter, which in turn fulfills the life-long learning purposes that each of us ought to do. Thus, participation in networked publics helps us to continue nurturing our personal learning networks.

What are the risks & rewards of public communications?

Public communication is a dual sword. It certainly has the benefits of transmitting information more deeply and expansively, but such characteristics can result in unwanted results as well. Anything people said or did on the public platform is under examination and critics from others. For instance, there are countless examples of people experiencing cyberbullying. People postmalicious words to others without being held accountable for their behaviors. Though many platform operation management teams have dictated community rules to regulate speeches, incidents still occur between now and then. Therefore, enforcing better community management is crucial for establishing a healthy learning environment for all.

Reference:

Rajagopal, Kamakshi, et al. “nderstanding Personal Learning Networks: Their Structure, Content and the Networking Skills Needed to Optimally Use Them.” First Monday, vol. 17, 2012, doi:10.5210/fm.v17i1.3559.