What digital platforms are students currently using to develop their professional network?

Professional networks are presented in different ways online. Something that is specifically utilized for developing their network is Linkedin. On this platform, people can show a profile of the highlights they specifically want to share. This is also a place recruiters can go to look for people specifically and connect with them. Recently, I have noticed people using Instagram as a professional network. My friend shows off her activities she does with her class in a way that inspires and collaborates with others. Personally, I have also been using Instagram as a way to share with my personal group of people (some parents) exciting things going on in my classroom. For example, I had salmon in my classroom this year. I was able to document and comment the progress and the feelings about each stage. Otherwise, I am using Google Classroom to connect professionally with a families on a safe platform that limits viewers and allows for photo-sharing and personal and group comments. Now that I am in my long-term career I have not had a lot of need or personal inquiry about other platforms but I do see the benefits of using them to develop a profile. Just recently a friend of mine was offered a really cool job because of her professional network. It is like an advertisement for oneself as a professional.

What could the student consider in expanding their professional learning network?

When expanding a learning network it allows for the person to explore what else is available and out there. They are also able to build meaningful connections with others who are also sharing their professional networks. People have the opportunity to connect online or find in person places to connect and sharing in greater depth. The big thing is collaboration. People always have examples to look at, understand and connect about what works They also can reflect on ways to improve and support one another. Connecting online gives people unlimited ideas. For example, I joined a teacher Facebook group page last year. On this platforms teachers can connect and get ideas from other educators. This is a private place for conversations (anonymous posting is available) where you can discuss tricky and exciting things happening whenever and get ideas from people all over the world. It is a great way to connect educators.

In your network, how can you create a digital identity/ reputation?

Creating a digital identity is a very important part of life today. First of all, everyone who uses technology (especially computers and smart phones) has one. Making sure what you are sharing, your purpose for sharing and where you are sharing it makes a big difference. For instance, if you are a person who is trying to advertise their social skills perhaps showing themselves as an extremely social person would be most beneficial. However, if the route your life is taking you brings you down a path of professionalism where you need to be extremely appropriate like a teacher you wouldn’t be sharing photos of yourself constantly partying. Educators are judged for their personal and private lives online all of the time. They are held to a higher accountability and need to be cautious all of the time. With a persons digital identity you should advertise yourself on all social media with specific highlights about yourself. This can create a persona for others direct or indirect. Monitoring a persons online presence is also something that is really important especially if you have others that post or share your life. It can allow you to know what other people are seeing when they look you up online. There are hackers on the internet and that is a good way to stay safer online. Talking to your family and friends is also a very important way to present yourself online safely. (Here’s A thought: Maybe people chapter I – worldcat.(n.d.).http://experimental.worldcat.org/vandrmapping/assets/documents/VRAMappingInstructions.pdf)

What is a Visitor/ Resident?

Consider how an employer would respond if you applied for a job with them and they assessed your social media presence via your digital identity.

When considering my social media presence I have always kept my very safe and family friendly. I have been a mom since I was 17 and showing the world that I am a responsible mom has always been really important to me. I have always in life and online been cautious about what I share with other people. The sort of posts I put online and generally family friendly or fun stuff in education that I am excited to share with others. However, when I look at my profiles back when I was fifteen I was presenting myself as something else. My MSN and Nexopia profiles are no longer active with my information, but if they were I would probably be concerned with what other people would see and possibly judge my values. Not terribly just me trying to be cute at 15. But as an employer it may be seen as someone without strong values.

Reference:

Here’s A thought: Maybe people chapter I – worldcat. (n.d.). http://experimental.worldcat.org/vandrmapping/assets/documents/VRAMappingInstructions.pdf