Module 5: PLN in Education and Media Literacies (August 6th – August 12th)

Hello, and welcome to Module 5!

This module will focus on your Analysis of a Social Media Learning Community assignment, ensuring that you follow the sections in the rubric to guide your assignment and include the different pieces you will be assessed on.

Reminder: Your Analysis of a Social Media Learning Community assignment is due on Friday, August 15th at 11:59 p.m. (PST)

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)

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.

Please let me know if I can support you in any way!

Module Five Topics

Media Literacies and PLN Growth

Media literacies are the skills needed to understand and interact with various forms of media, such as news articles, social media posts, and digital videos. These skills are critical for PLN growth because they help you analyze information for accuracy, purpose, and potential bias. With strong media literacy, you can filter out misinformation and focus on quality content, strengthening your PLN. Media literacies also enable you to contribute accurately, making your network more valuable and trustworthy. As you expand your PLN, developing these skills becomes essential for effective and informed participation.

Literacy Skills for PLNs

Developing literacy skills for PLNs means enhancing how we understand, interpret, and share information within our network. This includes not just reading or listening, but also understanding digital tools and online communication. Effective PLN literacy involves asking thoughtful questions, responding constructively, and considering different perspectives. As these skills improve, they make connecting and collaborating with others easier and more meaningful. Strengthening these literacy skills boosts your ability to gain insights and share ideas within your PLN.

Creative Commons (CC) Licensing and Copyright

Creative Commons (CC) licensing is a system that allows creators to share their work with specific terms. Instead of traditional copyright, which restricts all use, CC licenses offer flexible options, like allowing others to copy, adapt, or share content as long as they give credit. For anyone using or sharing content in a PLN, knowing about CC licenses is essential. It ensures that content is used legally and respectfully, creating a PLN where sharing and collaboration can flourish. Respecting copyright and CC terms promotes ethical content sharing within your network.

CC licenses help with:

• Sharing content legally within a PLN
• Respecting creators’ rights
• Promoting collaboration and trust in networks

Innovations in Digital Literacies

Digital literacies continue to evolve as new tools and technologies emerge. Recent innovations include interactive media, virtual reality, and AI, which allow people to learn and connect in more engaging ways. For PLNs, these innovations expand the possibilities for collaboration and exploration. Staying up-to-date with digital tools and trends can enhance your PLN by making learning more interactive and personalized. Adapting to these innovations helps make your PLN more dynamic and engaging, supporting ongoing personal and professional growth.

Social Media’s Role in Educational Innovation

Social media supports educational innovation by connecting teachers, students, and experts across different regions and fields. It provides a platform where educators can share ideas, discuss challenges, and find new resources that might not be available locally. By integrating social media into education, teachers can create more engaging, interactive learning experiences for their students. Social media also enables instant feedback and fosters community, helping learners connect with others and discover diverse perspectives. In this way, social media encourages a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to education.

Digital Content Curation

Digital content curation involves finding, organizing, and sharing useful information on specific topics. Within a PLN, curation is essential as it helps you focus on valuable resources and avoid information overload. Curating involves more than collecting; it includes selecting content that is credible and relevant. By sharing curated content, you not only support your own learning but also help others in your PLN stay informed. Content curation enhances the quality of your network by providing reliable information and helping members learn from each other.

Engaging in Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning is about continuously building new knowledge and skills throughout your life. In a PLN, lifelong learning keeps you adaptable and open to new ideas, especially as your field changes over time. This mindset encourages you to seek out new information, take courses, or join discussions, all of which keep your skills and knowledge fresh. Lifelong learning also enhances your PLN because it fosters a sense of curiosity and growth. As you learn, you can bring new insights and enthusiasm back to your network, creating a culture of ongoing improvement.

Key lifelong learning practices:

• Staying curious and open to new ideas
• Seeking regular opportunities to learn
• Sharing knowledge and experiences with others in your PLN

Readings/Videos/Podcasts

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

• Building your own PLN: Seeking New Insights and Ideas?

Tasks/Activities: You are expected to complete all the tasks below by August 12th (unless otherwise specified).

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.