Blog Post #3

Research on Social Media and Learning Communities

For my research on social media and learning communities, I explored upper-level math courses at UVic, as I only have four left to graduate. I utilized Reddit to gather information and found a community of students who shared their experiences and opinions about various math courses.

This community provided diverse perspectives on which courses to take, with some students offering tailored advice based on different mathematical interests. The discussions were particularly valuable because they focused specifically on math courses at UVic, which directly helped me in selecting the most suitable courses. Hearing about other students’ experiences gave me a clearer understanding of what to expect, making my decision-making process much easier. 

Building Your Personal Learning Network (PLN)

To build my Personal Learning Network (PLN), I initially considered using YouTube. As someone passionate about math and teaching, I envisioned sharing tutorials and helpful videos on various topics, organizing them into separate playlists. I planned to encourage viewers to comment with questions, which I could address in subsequent videos, and also attach lecture notes in Word documents.

However, I realized that Facebook might be a better platform for my PLN. On Facebook, I can share tutorials and interact more easily with comments. Additionally, the group page allows all members to post, enabling a more dynamic exchange where others can also contribute to answering questions. This interaction seems more conducive to creating a supportive and engaging learning community. 

Setting Professional Goals and Engaging with the Community

When it comes to choosing the right media platforms, setting goals, and engaging with the community, it all depends on what interests me and my audience. As a student, I often look for extra resources to understand my course material better since lecture notes don’t always cover everything. I use YouTube for helpful videos and Reddit to find questions and answers from instructors and students. To engage with the community, I focus on connecting with other students and instructors who are into math. We discuss ideas, share our understanding of different topics, and help each other out with course material. By being active in these discussions, I hope to share useful insights and create a supportive learning space. 

Protecting Your Information and Ensuring Ethical Behaviour

To protect my information and ensure ethical behavior in my Personal Learning Network (PLN), I take several security measures. I use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to secure my accounts. When creating a learning community, such as a Facebook group, I will require members to fill out a form before joining, which is reviewed by an admin for approval. This helps maintain a safe and trustworthy environment. Additionally, I ensure to respect everyone’s privacy by not sharing or taking screenshots of private group discussions. By implementing these practices, I strive to foster a respectful and secure digital space for all members. 

Privacy Concerns and Online Participation

Privacy concerns can affect my willingness to join online communities or share information, but if the community is well-known, like Reddit, Facebook, or YouTube, I usually feel comfortable commenting and sharing ideas with my profile visible. These platforms have established reputations and security measures, which helps me feel more secure. Additionally, there’s a helpful video that explains privacy concerns on social media, which has given me a better understanding of how to protect my information while engaging online.