How would you create a PLN prior to engaging in a social media campaign on a topic of your choice?

Prior to engaging in a social media campaign on a topic of my choice, I would ensure to have done research on the topic so that I know what they are looking for when working with them. I would want to make sure that I clearly state my goals and wishes from the campaign so that I myself am working toward it while creating it. I believe that creating a campaign would also mean researching the best way to reach my audience based on the topic I choose. This means that I need to choose my social media platform based on what best fits my campaign topic as well as the audience I am trying to reach. I would also be sure that I am well networked within the community so that it eases my transition into the campaign as I would have background knowledge and also supporters to begin with. I believe that once I have this support, building the campaign would be easier because my supporters and networks could help guide me through the campaign in my PLN.

Building a reputation and trust in a connected culture can be difficult, how are you building a network of individuals who are dynamic, reliable, and participatory?

To build a reputation and trust in a connected culture and a network of individuals who are dynamic, reliable and participatory, I need to ensure that I am engaging actively with my network so that I build mutual trust and respect with the people in my PLN. I believe that by consistently communicating with my network of individuals, it will allow our connection to grow, ultimately growing our trust and respect for one another. Also, from previous experience of participating in both online and real-life platforms, I know that in order to ensure that other individuals are participating, I need to do my part of actively engaging as well. For example, I noticed on my own Instagram and LinkedIn, that my content was most engaged with after I had engaged with other peoples’ content. This is significant because it proves that building a reputation and maintaining trust in these relationships is a two way street, meaning that it will be reciprocated if given. As I build my network, I know that according to Woods (2013) I need to take the time to get to know others and chat with them in my daily life, so that I could get to know them and the people they are. As I know that building trust is a two-way street, it means that I must also be sharing my own experiences and being open with my network so that they can get to know me as well.

Are you leveraging healthy relationships from your PLN for growth?

I believe that I am leveraging very healthy relationships from my PLN for growth, specifically within my career path. As I am in the UVic Teaching Program, I have gained a significant amount of connections within different schools, other educators, and through my work experiences. Through my connections from the Teaching Program, I have gotten to build relationships with many different educators such as professionals on the administration sides of schools, Principles, Vice Principles, professionals within specific subjects, etc. From these connections, I have furthered my networking by attending workshops such as Professional Development Days, which have allowed my knowledge in teaching to grow in so many different areas. In terms of social media, LinkedIn and email has really helped me to keep in touch with these connections who I may not see regularly. As these people are included in my PLN, they also provide guidance and support to my teaching career. For example, I keep in touch with previous teachers who I have volunteered in their classrooms, and they recommend me to any teaching opportunities that they see fit (i.e., tutoring, summer camp leader, etc). By having all these connections, it helps me to continue growing as a person and as a learner, in which I can continue to have a growth mindset and be a continuous learner.

References

Woods, B. (2013, November). Building your own PLN: seeking new insights and ideas? Expand your personal learning network. T+D, 67(11), 70+. https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/apps/doc/A348998538/ITBC?u=uvictoria&sid=summon&xid=1010abdf