Blog Post 4: PLNs, Professional Practice & the Evolving Internet

Klein, D. (2021). Vintage Apple iMac G3 computer with keyboard and mouse [Photograph]. Unsplash.

Who Needs To Know About My PLN?

Throughout this course, my understanding of my PLN has evolved greatly. I didn’t really have an initial view of a Personal Learning Network, so I have really been able to learn about what mine is and how I can continue to grow it. I can see it now as a network that supports my professional growth, as well as the professional growth of other organizations, communities, and professionals. 

Distel, A. (2019). Person using both laptop and smartphone [Photograph]. Unsplash.

One of the biggest changes in my perspective has been seeing social media as a personal AND professional learning tool. I can see that it is not just about the information I consume, but also the connections I create and the information I share. 

My experiences with the Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS) have also shaped how I understand PLNs. Through my role in community outreach, I have seen how important it is to share accurate information with an audience. Digital platforms provide opportunities to share information, promote community events, and connect individuals with resources they may not have found otherwise. This connects with Qualman’s (2012) discussion of digital leadership and the importance of empowering others. Good digital communication is not about overwhelming people with information, but about providing meaningful content that helps people understand, get included, and take action.

Sorenson, J. (2023). A desktop computer sitting on top of a wooden desk [Photograph]. Unsplash.

My work with VBIS has also helped me understand the importance of building relationships before needing support from a network. I loved Qualman’s (2012) quote “you need to network before you need the network”. Building connections with students, educators, healthcare professionals, and community members creates opportunities for collaboration. Whether I am delivering a presentation to students, connecting with individuals affected by brain injury, or sharing resources with others, there is a value in creating networks based off of mutual support and trust. My PLN helps me stay informed, but it also allows me to contribute to conversations about accessibility, inclusion, and community support.

One thing that I learned from Hermida’s (2015) discussion is that simply having a voice online does not guarantee people will hear what you’re saying. Many posts can disappear quickly, and other ones can gain massive amounts of attention. This is because of the amount of strong networks they have. So, a PLN is not about having followers, but about contributing valuable information and forming meaningful connections through shared interests and values. Although, as Hermida (2015) discusses, biases can influence which voices are heard. This is why we also need to seek out diverse perspectives. 

Francis, W. (2020). Black and silver headphones on black and silver microphone [Photograph]. Unsplash.

Moving forward, I plan to continue building my PLN using the content I learned in this course. For example, LinkedIn has become an important part of my professional PLN as I can connect with educators, researchers, and other organizations. This course inspired me to improve and advance my LinkedIn profile, and start using it not only as a platform for job searching, but also a space for professional learning and connecting with others. I hope to contribute more to communities by sharing information, my experiences, and future work. 

Overall, this course changed how I view social media and professional networking. Digital spaces are not only for personal communication, but can also be used for collaboration, learning and advocacy. A strong PLN is not based on solely the number of followers you have, but also the relationships you build with others. As I continue my education and work toward a career in education and advocacy, I hope to keep using my PLN to learn, teach, and empower.

Bouet, E. (2020). Macbook pro on brown wooden table [Photograph]. Unsplash.

My PLN and the Evolving Internet

Synthesizing Academic Research & Personal Experience

My PLN allows me to connect academic research with my own life. For example, throughout this course, I have been able to connect scholarly research and my personal experiences as a student, researcher and outreach worker. 

The work of Estaiteyeh and Mindzak (2025) discusses how educators must develop AI literacy by understanding how AI works, recognizing bias, and using it ethically. I see these ideas reflected in my own learning, as I use AI to organize and brainstorm ideas, all while recognizing the importance of verifying information through academic sources and professional experience. Social media platforms also help connect research and practice by allowing educators and researchers to share research and experiences.

My Current PLN: Which Tools Do I Use?

Shatov, A. (2021). Pink and white square illustration [Photograph]. Unsplash.

LinkedIn remains my primary professional social media platform, although I am open to learning about and expanding to different networks. LinkedIn allows me to connect with others, stay informed, and find career opportunities. Through tools like EdTech communities, I can learn about other digital tools, research, as well as learning and teaching strategies. These communities encourage collaboration, exchange of ideas, and keep me informed and up to date. I use Instagram and Facebook much more personally, rarely following educational organizations. I use YouTube as a learning tool, as it provides lectures, demonstrations and discussions, as well as for personal entertainment. So, rather than relying on one platform, I have learned that these many platforms each contribute something different to my digital growth.

Professional Learning Goals

These networks support my professional learning by helping me stay informed about research, psychology, accessibility, education, and emerging digital technologies. 

There are some Canadian educational organizations that also contribute to my PLN. Professional organizations such as the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation and Brain Injury Canada provide lesson materials, additional resources and discussions around current issues. These resources also encourage people to collaborate, reflect and stay informed. 

Moving forward, I hope to continue expanding my network by connecting with educators from across Canada and learning from professionals working in inclusive education, accessibility, and education.

Strengths, Weaknesses & AI

Johnson, S. (2020). A computer circuit board with a brain on it [Photograph]. Unsplash.

I can see artificial intelligence becoming an increasingly important part of my PLN, as AI is becoming an essential extension of digital literacy. I have found AI helpful when brainstorming ideas and organizing information. At the same time, I can see that AI has limitations. Over-reliance on AI can reduce critical thinking and break academic integrity. As well, AI generated responses are not reliable, and often inaccurate. This reinforces the idea that AI should be a support tool, and not a replacement for critical thinking and judgement.

Diversity, Relevance, Accessibility & Quality

Reflecting on my own PLN, I think one of its greatest strengths is diversity, although there is always room for it to grow. My network includes people from different professions, academic backgrounds, research and volunteer work. I think that many of my learning communities also promote inclusion, accessibility and evidence-based practice. 

My PLN also has weaknesses. Some of my online communities share similar viewpoints, creating an echo chamber. Online algorithms often recommend content similar to what I am already engaging with, which can reduce exposure to diverse viewpoints.

PLNs, AI, Equity & Growth

Teachers, educators, researchers and advocates have the responsibility to use AI ethically while teaching others how to develop AI literacy. People must learn how to use AI, but also how to be skeptical and recognize biases. AI has huge potential to improve accessibility through features such as speech-to-text, text-to-speech, translation, and personalized learning supports, making education more equitable and inclusive.

Moving forward, I hope to diversify my PLN by connecting with more educators from different communities, following Indigenous educators and researchers, engaging with disability advocates, and participating ineducational discussions. I also want to continue developing my AI literacy so I can use these tools responsibly while maintaining strong critical thinking skills.

References:

Estaiteyeh, M., & Mindzak, M. (2025). Building AI literacy in pre-service teacher education in Canada: A case study of two cohorts. Journal of Teaching and Learning, 19(4), 135–154. https://doi.org/10.22329/jtl.v19i4.10041

Hermida, A. (2015). Tell everyone: Why we share and why it matters. University of British Columbia Library. https://doi.org/10.14288/1.0074593 

Qualman, E. (2012). Chapter 16: Empower others. In Digital leader: 5 simple keys to success and influence. McGraw-Hill. https://learning-oreilly-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/library/view/digital-leader-5/9780071792424/ch16.html#ch16