This class has taught me a lot about how social media can greatly impact our personal, professional life, specifically as a student. In the class, through a discussion of various topics of our PLN, digital identity, diversity and inclusion, I have learnt that “connections are vital to anyone’s success” (Qualman, Eric). Through my connections, I open myself to work and research opportunities. This class has taught me that social media is used beyond staying connected with friends or co-workers or sharing life highlights. Still, it is where “great ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. As we’ve built up our connections, part of their value is the wisdom they will be able to supply” (Qualman, Eric).

My classmates have really taught me that “every connection we have knows something that we do not” (Qualman, Eric). With my final project, teammates Jayn and Calli taught me how each of our careers and ages has shaped our viewpoints and how we used social media. Even with our difference, we all know the importance of using social media to spread awareness and engage with our peers to become aware of the situation and how they can be a part of the change. We have learned how to provide information and user sources to share an idea or tell a story clearly through our discussions and blogs.

This class has motivated me to put more time and effort into growing my PLN. As before, I always just connected with people I knew or organizations that interested me. I never took a step further connected with people who shared interesting information that I had not know. Furthermore, this class has shown me the value of creating a conversation with people. For example, my LinkedIn account was used to share my accomplishment in my professional and academic life. I never bothered to post or share anything else. Now I have connected with other users, shared their stories, made my own post sharing a resource I found interesting and actually started a conversation with a few people.

Lastly, this class has taught me a lot about my own digital identity. I always knew that digital identity was a social media part, but I never took a second look. As a reposeful and responsible user, I always was respectful, kind, and always thought twice before posting. But I didn’t realize that I was taken all the steps to ensure I had a professional and secure digital identity. I am thrilled that I learnt more about digital identity and how large my digital footprint is.

Referene

Qualman, Eric. Digital Leader: 5 Simple Keys to Success and Influence. McGraw-Hill, 2012.