Category: Blog Posts EDCI 338

Creating Safe and Diverse Digital Learning Spaces

Growing Inclusive PLNs Through Digital Spaces

A Personal Learning Network has become vital for professional advancement and continued education in today’s digital environment. With the connection of  instructors, professionals and different communities around the world, platforms that I use such as YouTube, Instagram, and much more have made learning way more collaborative and accessible.

PLN Spaces Through Social Media

I have definitely increased my PLS through my usage of YouTube and Instagram. Instagram is a really good place to get inspiration, content is quick and is a good way to connect with people using hashtags. When it comes to YouTube, it provides comprehensive tutorials and explanations through videos that have most definitely improved my understanding of materials like UDL. This UDL video, which covered the ideas of representation, expression and engagement, was a useful resource i utilized. I’ve been able to stay up to date when it comes to social media, mainly when i follow researchers or creators who share the same interests that i do.

Privacy, Ethics, and Security in Digital Spaces

I think one of the most significant lessons that i use to this day is among one of the most important. I observe ethical guidelines, such as correctly crediting content and being kind in comment sections, i also create strong passwords to ensure more security and refrain from disclosing any personal information. All users can enjoy online environments with more safety thanks to these practices. In order to ensure that the data i use is reliable and safe, i would also rely on resources like ProQuest as provided!

Lyndon Seitz, April 18 2024, https://www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/privacy-in-the-digital-age

The Inclusion of UDLs and PDLs

In accordance to the UDL framework, i want to interact with people from varied backgrounds and provide materials that cater to various learning preferences. I try to make an effort to make stuff accessible. For instance,  i make sure that videos I’ve posted previously in the past have subtitles. I now make it a point to use the inclusive digital learning provided  http://udloncampus.cast.org/page/udl_about .

Challenges with the Importance of Diversity

Even while PLNs do a great job, there are still some issues that reside, particularly with representation, accessibility, and language limitations. However, we can encourage a digital setting where everyone feels seen and valued by trying to find fresh viewpoints, encouraging and showing diverse content and of course including design.

Navigating Digital Identity and Presence in the Modern Age

Digital Identity: Personal vs. Professional

In the modern world our online persona matters on a professional and personal level. Whereas for example LinkedIn show our qualifications and career aspirations, platforms such as Instagram or TikTok may reflect our personal interests or opinions. I believe it’s important to almost have a fence between the two. As Stroller mentioned, your digital persona should be a reflection of your beliefs and objectives, whether those are to express your creativity or join a professional network! Keeping your personal and professional lives apart promotes safety and trustworthiness. I definitely favour my privacy settings to restrict content for the appropriate audience, for example I limit what i share publicly.

Digital Visitor and Resident Map

My perspective on my internet behaviour has changed as a result of David White’s “Visitors and Residents” approach which we also discussed in class. I made a map that contrasts platforms that I actively stay on and use and with those that i just sometimes use. Overtime, i discovered I’ve become more of a Visitor on educational sites like YouTube, where i not only learn from what I’m watching but i also watch it for entertainment.  Overall, this change in my engagement with different social media’s is a reflection of my increasing understanding of how digital environments influence my learning and identity!

Theories of Personalized Learning

Theories of personalized learning like constructivism and self-directed learning  place a really strong emphasis on adjusting instruction on each students unique interests. This method appeals to me, particularly when i use internet resources to study subjects I’m interested in at my own pace and convenience.  For instance, i learned a lot of terms in psychology for school via social media, and i was more motivated when i had control over the information. The notion that students flourish when they have their freedom and autonomy is supported by these theories. For me, the ability to blend official and unofficial tasks, such as Reddit discussions or videos, keeps me more interested.

Privacy, Surveillance, and Digital Footprint Awareness

Almost every single thing we do online leaves a digital footprint. This creates privacy issues even if it can assist our experiences. The information that we look at online indicates that surveillance programs are frequently monitoring our personal data without our knowledge. Something i do to ensure my privacy more is to create really strong passwords (not the same one for everything), be hesitant when clicking on suspicious sites, and ALWAYS have caution before i post anything. Doing these little things have helped me to be more selective about the platforms i use. To make the internet a safer place we should all take action to protect both our own and others privacy.

Below are some ways to protect your digital footprint:

• Use a VPN
• make your passwords strong
• delete old accounts
• block third-party cookies

Learning in the Digital World

Hello everyone! My name is Lyndsay Fisher, I am a fourth year in Psychology. I recently did EDCI 339 which focused on open learning, it was a really fun and interesting course and I see that some aspects tie into this course. I really enjoyed having a blog and engaging with other classmates so I’m excited to for this course!

Social Media: 

I initially mainly used social media for socializing with my friends, posting pictures, and to see what’s happening around the world. Overtime, websites like TikTok and YouTube have played a huge role with my learning, especially since I’m a visual learner and it’s quick. In Indeed, out of the 10 categories that have helped me learn are social networking, discussion forums and video hosting platforms. These resources have helped me participate freely and engage me to learn. Ive provided an article below which dives into how engaging social media can be for learning.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8979785/

Personalized Learning & Digital Literacies:

With personalized learning, it’s more flexible, stress-free and independent for the learner. I stay more motivated and stress less when I can select my own time, tools, and resources that best suit my learning style. This is also why I love this course since its very much at your own pace. Digital literacy is also very important, and it’s more than just being good with the computer. in the Cambridge ELT blog, it dives into critical thinking, information evaluation and online safety. With this, I have been more self-reliant and assured.

• use tools and learn in ways that works for you
• be in control of your own learning
• think critically about what resources you read
• stay safe!

https://www.tiktok.com/@thetruthfultutor/video/7324788663148367150

Digital Identity:

Over the years i started establishing an online presence, I started to understand that my posts, likes and shares influence how other people online perceive me. The online environment can be intimidating, so if you’re creating an identity for yourself I think it’s important to stay truthful, considerate and respectful for yourself and others.

Ethical Online Space:

I’m still trying to  work on using internet resources appropriately, especially when it comes to citing and resources I find (if they are truly viable). FutureLean notes that ethical involvement involves creating an inclusive and secure environment for everybody. This would involve giving credit, being kind, and trying to avoid sharing false information. I think when we have our conversations in person, it should also be reflected in a way how we behave online.