Hello, and thank you to all who have been completing all of the module activities as we move our way through the course. It has been great to connect with some Pod Groups and see you begin to work on the Social Media Platform Comparison assignment. Please ensure that you have reviewed the rubric and that all Pod Group members know/do their tasks moving forward.

Here is the schedule for each module: 

  • Module 1: July 3rd – July 15th (2 weeks)
  • Module 2: July 16th – July 22nd (1 week)
  • Module 3: July 23rd – July 29th (1 week)
  • Module 4: July 30th – August 5th (1 week)
  • Module 5: August 6th – August 12th (1 week)
  • Module 6: August 13th – August 20th (1 week)

As we continue our learning journey together, I want to ensure everyone knows I am available and eager to support you if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. Please contact me on Mattermost @joshhotchin, and we can meet (over email, phone, zoom, etc.) to discuss how I can support you or your PodGroup in the course.

This is a friendly reminder that we have our weekly class on Wednesdays from 6:30–7:50 p.m. via Zoom. The Zoom URL for our classroom is on Brightspace. I will also be available on Zoom each Wednesday from 5:30–6:30 p.m. (an hour before class) for optional drop-in office hours. This is a chance to ask questions, get support, or check in. If this time doesn’t work for you, you are always welcome to book a meeting, phone call, or text with me throughout the semester.

As of this week, you should have completed 2 blog posts and responded to three other students’ blogs (PodGroup members) using this link (If your blog URL is not listed here, please let me know). This is important as you can see what others are writing about and how you can further your posts better to communicate your thoughts, ideas, and questions. 

If you have any issues connecting with your Pod Group or others doing their group tasks, please let me know ASAP.

Reminder: Your Social Media Platform Comparison assignment (completed in your PodGroups) is due on Thursday, July 31st at 11:59 p.m. Please ensure that you connect with your PodGroup members quickly and efficiently, as I can provide more support sooner rather than later.

Please let me know if I can help you complete this assignment. We can set up a meeting, and I can answer any questions or just bounce ideas off of – if you’d like to have this meeting before your assignment is due, please connect with me on Mattermost (@joshhotchin).

Once your Social Media Platform Comparison assignment is complete, submit a PDF to Brightspace along with your Peer Evaluation form.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please let me know on Mattermost (@joshhotchin). I am more than happy to connect with your group and provide some direction if you are stumped.

Module Three Topics

PLN Spaces Through Social Media

A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a group of connections that supports your learning and professional growth, often built through social media. Social media platforms like X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook allow you to connect with experts, share ideas, join communities, and access resources relevant to your personal, academic, or professional interests. Using social media to expand your PLN provides access to diverse viewpoints, real-time information, and collaborative opportunities, helping you continuously learn and stay informed in your profession.

Developing PLN Awareness

Developing PLN awareness means understanding how your network impacts your learning, growth, and opportunities. By actively managing your PLN, you can ensure it aligns with your goals, values, and areas of interest. Building awareness involves identifying valuable connections, engaging in meaningful interactions, and recognizing how your network can influence your professional journey. With a strong PLN, you can access support, resources, and knowledge that encourage continuous personal and professional development.

Privacy, Ethics, and Security in Digital Spaces

In digital spaces, privacy, ethics, and security are essential for protecting personal information and ensuring respectful interactions. Privacy means safeguarding your data and controlling what information you share. Ethics involves behaving responsibly online, like respecting others’ privacy and not sharing false information. Security focuses on keeping digital interactions safe, using tools like strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Practicing these principles helps create a safe and trustworthy online environment for all users.

Inclusivity in PLNs

Inclusivity in PLNs means ensuring that people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are welcome and valued in your network. An inclusive PLN allows for a richer exchange of ideas and a more comprehensive understanding of issues. By seeking out voices from underrepresented groups and fostering respectful interactions, you can make your PLN a space where everyone feels comfortable contributing and collaborating. Inclusivity strengthens networks by allowing for broader, more diverse learning experiences.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that aims to make learning accessible to all students by offering multiple ways to engage, represent information, and express understanding. UDL encourages flexibility in teaching, so content and activities are inclusive and adaptable to various needs and learning styles. In digital spaces, UDL principles help create environments where everyone has equal access to resources, fostering a more inclusive learning experience for diverse learners.

UDL focuses on three main principles:

  • Multiple Means of Engagement: Providing different ways to motivate and engage students.
  • Multiple Means of Representation: Offering various ways to present information and content.
  • Multiple Means of Action and Expression: Allowing students different ways to demonstrate what they have learned.

By incorporating these principles, UDL helps to create a more inclusive learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Challenges of Inclusivity in Digital Spaces

Inclusivity in digital spaces can be challenging due to factors like accessibility issues, language barriers, and limited representation of diverse voices. Not all digital platforms are designed to accommodate users with disabilities or different cultural perspectives, and some online communities may unintentionally exclude certain groups. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward creating a more inclusive digital environment, where everyone feels represented and supported in their online learning experiences.

Diversity and Representation in Digital Learning

Diversity and representation in digital learning involve including perspectives, content, and voices from various cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. When digital spaces are diverse and representative, they provide richer, more relevant learning experiences and promote understanding across different communities. Prioritizing diversity and representation means ensuring that digital learning materials reflect the world’s variety and that all learners feel seen and respected, fostering a more equitable and impactful learning environment.

Readings/Videos/Podcasts

Before you complete your tasks for this module, you will need to read/watch/listen to the following resources:

Tasks/Activities: You are expected to complete all the tasks below by July 29th (unless otherwise specified).

Meet with your Pod Group and continue working on your Social Media Platform Comparison Assignment. This is a friendly reminder that this assignment is due on Thursday, July 31st at 11:59 pm. Please submit this paper to Brightspace as a PDF along with your Peer Evaluation Forms. Here is the rubric for your assignment.Depends…(I would recommend at least an hour meeting)
Blog Post #3: This module, we’ve explored the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), PLN Spaces through Social Media, and the Challenges and Importance of Diversity in Digital Learning. For your third blog post, consider the following aspects and topics:

– PLN Spaces Through Social Media: A Personal Learning Network (PLN) is a network of connections that supports your personal and professional growth. Platforms like X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and TikTok are commonly used for building PLNs. How do you use social media to grow your PLN, and what benefits have you found in connecting with experts, communities, or resources that align with your interests?
– Privacy, Ethics, and Security in Digital Spaces: Privacy, ethics, and security are key in protecting personal information and fostering respectful online interactions. How do you protect your information online, and what ethical practices do you follow in digital spaces? Why are these practices important for creating a safe, trustworthy digital environment?
– Inclusivity and UDL in PLNs: Inclusivity in a PLN means creating a network that values diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. How do you ensure your PLN is inclusive? Reflect on how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles—like Multiple Means of Engagement, Representation, and Action/Expression—can support inclusivity in digital learning spaces.
– Challenges and Importance of Diversity in Digital Learning: Inclusivity and diversity in digital learning spaces can be challenging due to accessibility issues, language barriers, and lack of diverse representation. Why is diversity in digital learning important, and what steps can you take to promote a more inclusive digital environment where all voices are represented and respected?
Submit Blog Post #3 URL to Brightspace.

If you have any troubles with the content of this module, please connect with me, and we can find ways to troubleshoot together! I am always more than happy to help support your learning as we continue our learning through our EDCI 338 course.