Module 6: Synthesis and Digital Leadership in PLNs (August 13th – August 20th)

Congratulations on reaching the end of EDCI 338! …I also want to congratulate you on finishing all your final assessments (except your final PodGroup project).

Action Required: We are at the point of the course where we need to be looking at our final course assessments. You should now have published assessments for all your assignments (except your final project – Analysis of a Social Media Learning Community (Value: 25%). This includes Blog Posts (all 3 – Value: 30%), Community Contributions (assessments will be published August 10th)(Value: 10%), Mid-Course Quiz (Value: 15%) and theSocial Media Platform Comparison (Value: 20%) assignment. If you are missing any of these assessments (and you completed the assignment on time) or if the assessment posted is incorrect from the rubric assessment, you need to let me know ASAP. Once I start submitting final grades to the university, starting August 20th, my hands will be tied. So, if you notice a mistake, please let me know by Friday, August 15th (preferably sooner). 

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)

You are almost there! This final stretch of EDCI 338 (A01) will be focused on submitting your Analysis of a Social Media Learning Community assignment, providing your final reflections, and completing the Student Experience of Learning (SEL) – formerly known as the Course Evaluation Survey (CES).

I have truly enjoyed working with you all this term. I appreciate your hard work, effort, and engagement in the module activities, assignments, and readings/videos/podcasts. I hope you have felt supported as we have worked through this course together. If you have any final questions, comments, or concerns, please let me know at jhotchin@uvic.ca. 

I would be very grateful if you could please complete the Student Experience of Learning (SEL). This will provide me with feedback regarding course structure, layout, and assignments and also provide the department with feedback regarding my support and availability to all of you. 

Here is your final module outline for EDCI 338 (A02).

Module Six Topics

Synthesis and Digital Leadership in PLNs

Synthesis in PLNs involves bringing together insights, ideas, and experiences from various sources to create a deeper understanding. As you gather knowledge from different people in your PLN, synthesizing that information allows you to see patterns, draw connections, and develop new perspectives. Digital leadership in PLNs is about guiding others and setting an example in digital spaces. By synthesizing insights and demonstrating leadership, you can contribute more meaningfully to your network, inspiring others and strengthening the PLN community. Together, synthesis and digital leadership help build a productive, positive PLN that benefits everyone involved.

Engaging Your PLN

Engaging with your PLN means actively participating and connecting with others in the network. This can be as simple as responding to posts, sharing useful resources, or starting discussions on topics of interest. Engaging your PLN also involves showing interest in what others share and offering encouragement or constructive feedback. By staying active and engaged, you maintain strong connections and foster a supportive environment. Regular engagement keeps your PLN dynamic and allows for ongoing learning and collaboration.

Sharing PLN Insights

Sharing insights from your PLN means taking what you learn from your network and contributing back to it. Whether it’s a new idea, helpful resource, or personal experience, sharing adds value to the community and promotes growth. This process of sharing can happen through blog posts, comments, presentations, or even informal discussions. Sharing insights also enhances your own learning, as explaining ideas helps reinforce your understanding. Consistent sharing turns your PLN into a two-way exchange, where everyone benefits from collective knowledge and experiences.

Ways to share PLN insights:

• Writing blog posts or articles
• Presenting at events or webinars
• Posting on social media or forums

Digital Leadership in PLNs

Digital leadership in a PLN means guiding others in online spaces by modeling positive behaviors, sharing valuable resources, and encouraging respectful communication. Good digital leaders don’t just participate; they contribute thoughtfully, offering insights and supporting others in their growth. Digital leaders help set the tone for their PLN, showing how to engage professionally and constructively. Being a digital leader can involve moderating discussions, creating resources, or simply being a reliable, positive presence in the network. By stepping into a leadership role, you help make your PLN a valuable and welcoming place for all members.

Future Directions in PLNs

The future of PLNs involves new opportunities as technology evolves and digital connections become even more common. Future directions may include integrating new platforms, exploring advanced digital tools, or expanding networks globally. Trends like AI, virtual reality, and data analytics could reshape PLNs by creating new ways to interact, share, and learn. Staying informed about these changes can help you adapt and take advantage of emerging PLN practices. By embracing future directions, your PLN remains relevant and continues to offer valuable insights as technology advances.

Sustaining Long-Term PLN Engagement

Long-term engagement with a PLN requires ongoing effort and intentionality. Sustaining a PLN over time means regularly checking in, staying active, and adapting to changes within the network. It can be helpful to set goals, such as connecting with new people or participating in specific discussions, to keep the PLN dynamic and meaningful. Another key to sustaining engagement is focusing on the quality of connections rather than just quantity. Building strong relationships and maintaining an interest in others’ contributions keeps the network vibrant and supportive over time.

Strategies for sustained engagement:

• Setting specific PLN goals
• Regularly connecting with key members
• Revisiting and revising PLN focus areas as needed

PLNs and Professional Development

PLNs are a powerful tool for professional development, providing access to resources, mentors, and learning opportunities. By connecting with others in your field, you can stay updated on best practices, new trends, and skills that are essential for career growth. Many professionals use PLNs to learn about job opportunities, attend workshops, and join communities focused on their areas of interest. Engaging with a PLN allows for continuous learning and development, offering a flexible way to grow professionally outside of formal settings. Through your PLN, you gain insights that support both your current role and future career goals.

Readings/Videos/Podcasts

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

• Social Media and Emerging Economies: Technological, Cultural, and Economical Implications
• Chapter 16: Empower Others (5 Simple Keys to Success & Influence)

Tasks/Activities: You are expected to complete all the tasks below by August 20th (unless otherwise specified).

Once you have completed the tasks above, you have completed all the module tasks and assignments for EDCI 338 (A02). Thank you for all of your hard work. I look forward to reading your final assignments, and I will assess/return them to you shortly.