The Last Blog Post :(

Where We Started…

Oris, G. (2019). Pink Start Here text [Photograph]. Unsplash.

I knew pretty much zero about Personal Learning Networks before starting this course, and my knowledge on digital, media, and AI literacy was pretty limited. I had some experience using social media and digital tools, but I had never really thought about how these platforms could contribute to my learning or professional development. I mostly thought of social media as something personal rather than something that could intentionally support my education or future career.

At the beginning of the term, one of my main goals was to better understand how social media influences the way we learn, communicate, and find information. I also wanted to become more comfortable using technology in a professional and responsible way. Looking back, I think I achieved these goals, but I also realized digital literacy is not something that can be learned once, but instead something we need to continue to develop.

Growth!

Howell, E. (2020). Pink flower on white background [Photograph]. Unsplash.

One of the biggest changes for me throughout this course has been how I think about my own PLN. At the beginning, I did not really understand what a PLN was. Now, I see it as much more than simply following people online. My PLN includes classmates, instructors, professionals, organizations, social media accounts, blogs, and the information that I see on digital platforms. I have also realized that algorithms play a role in shaping what becomes part of my PLN.

My thinking about social media has also changed. I have learned that platforms can be useful for professional learning, but they also require responsibility. I have started to think more carefully about the credibility of the accounts I follow, the information they share, and how I contribute to online spaces myself.

Another major area of growth has been my understanding of AI and media literacy. Before this course, I knew that AI could generate text and images, but I did not think as much about the larger implications of using it. This made me realize that being digitally literate does not just mean knowing how to use a tool, but also knowing when to question it.

One of the biggest lessons I am taking from this course is the importance of pausing before trusting or sharing information. Misinformation can be very subtle, and even harder to identify now due to AI. I need to consider where information came from, who created it, and what evidence supports it.

The course also helped me understand that these issues are relevant within a Canadian context. Learning about Canadian media literacy initiatives, such as MediaSmarts, helped me see that digital literacy is not just an individual responsibility, but is also connected to education and society. These discussions made me think about the importance of understanding not only what new technologies can do, but also the responsibilities that come with using them.

I really enjoyed writing and responding to blog posts throughout this course. Writing about my PLN made me think about my own experiences, instead of only learning about PLNs theoretically. I also got to learn from other classmates perspectives by commenting on their blog posts. Peer feedback was really useful for me, as my classmates noticed things that I overlooked. Their feedback will help me as I continue to grow in a professional environment, as I will aim to make my writing and grammar clearer and add resources where they could strengthen my ideas.

Lastly, I also became more open to participating with classmates throughout this course. Initially, I was nervous, as I did not feel like I knew a lot about the topic. Throughout the course, I became much more comfortable sharing my perspectives and conversing with others.

Moving Forward

Bell, R. (2022). A black and white photo of an arrow painted on a road [Photograph]. Unsplash.

As this class is coming to an end, I have three main goals moving forward.

1. Continue building my PLN. 

I want to intentionally connect with people and organizations related to psychology, health, education, accessibility, and community work. Rather than simply following accounts because they appear in my feed, I want to seek out professionals and organizations that can help me learn and eventually contribute to my future career.

2. Develop better AI literacy. 

AI is going to continue becoming part of education and professional environments, so I want to learn how to use these tools responsibly rather than avoid them. I need to learn how to better check accuracy and protect my personal information.

3. Learn more about Canadian policies. 

As technology continues to change, I think it will be important for me to understand how Canadian privacy, education, and AI policies affect the people and communities I work with. This will be especially important as I move toward my future career.

Conclusion

Unsplash. (2017). Thank you on wooden blocks [Photograph]. Unsplash.

Looking back, I started this course knowing very little about PLNs, and I am leaving with a much better understanding of how I can participate in digital spaces. This course has also shaped how I see myself professionally, and helped me see that I want to be someone who can use technology to make information more accessible while still recognizing the limitations. My PLN will continue to change as I move through university and into my career, but I now feel much more prepared to be intentional about what I learn and contribute.

Thank you!