Blog 6 – Building a More Intentional PLN

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Who needs to know about my PLN?

Before taking this course, I hadn’t seriously considered “who needs to know about my PLN.” Previously, I viewed social media and online platforms primarily as tools for personal communication, information gathering, and entertainment—not as spaces directly connected to learning or future career development. But as the course progressed, I began to realize that a PLN isn’t just a network I use personally—it also reflects how I learn, how I interact with others, and how I present myself in digital spaces. The course itself emphasized that one of EDCI 338’s key focuses is developing networked literacy and learning networks through social media, blogging, and other digital tools.

I gradually discovered that my classmates, instructors, and potential future employers or professional contacts all need insight into my PLN. For peers and teachers, my PLN constitutes part of my learning journey—it’s how I engage with diverse perspectives, access resources, and continually refine and enrich my ideas through interaction. For prospective employers or professional relationships, an individual’s PLN reveals their commitment to lifelong learning, digital communication skills, and how they cultivate their professional identity.

However, I believe the person who most needs to understand my PLN is myself. If I remain unclear about the nature of the network I’m building—what I follow, why I share, and what influences me—then this PLN remains merely a collection of scattered connections rather than a truly meaningful learning network. As Qualman states, influence in the digital age isn’t just about making connections; it’s more importantly about how we leverage those connections to support others and create value (Qualman, 2012). This realization helped me understand that the value of a PLN isn’t merely about “who you know,” but whether it helps me grow and enables me to positively impact others.

Should I continue with my current content and network?

I believe I will retain some of the content and connections I’ve already built, but my approach won’t be exactly the same as before. Previously, I used these platforms rather casually—often browsing out of habit or sharing whatever came to mind without much thought. I rarely considered why I shared, who I shared with, or how my content might shape others’ perceptions of me. Now, I approach these questions more consciously and am more willing to actively reflect on my online engagement.

In addition, if I maintain my content and network, I aim to be more selective rather than constantly producing just to stay active. I don’t believe a valuable PLN must be large, nor that frequent posting equates to worth. Instead, I prioritize meaningful connections that genuinely support learning, exchange, and growth. I’ll continue using online platforms to access helpful information, exchange ideas, and maintain ties with valuable communities—but I’ll be more discerning in choosing platforms and content.

For instance, I frequently use the Chinese platform Bilibili. Previously, I primarily viewed it as a source of entertainment and relaxation—watching gaming videos, product reviews, or casual daily content. Now, however, I’ve discovered Bilibili also hosts substantial content related to learning, experience sharing, and career development. If a creator’s content is genuinely helpful, I’m more inclined to follow them, save their videos, and even explore discussions in the comments section. Compared to before, I no longer scroll through videos just to kill time. Instead, I pay closer attention to whether the platform genuinely offers me new ideas or valuable information.

After reading Hermida’s article, I understand social media has become an environment that amplifies individual voices and shapes how information spreads. Sharing isn’t just personal expression; it also influences what others encounter and how they understand it (Hermida, 2014). This has prompted me to rethink the meaning of “sharing.” I now understand more clearly that online content isn’t solely for oneself—it often carries public significance and is seen and interpreted by diverse audiences. Therefore, while I’ll continue developing my PLN, I’ll prioritize content quality, purpose of expression, and authenticity online over mere exposure or quantity.

How do I apply these skills in my professional practice?

I believe these skills empower me with stronger judgment and a more responsible approach to using digital platforms. In my future professional practice, these abilities will be crucial. For instance, I now pay closer attention to who my audience is, whether my tone is appropriate, what my purpose is in communicating, and what impression my online digital identity leaves on others. These abilities will prove invaluable when communicating with colleagues, clients, teachers, or employers.

For example, I used to view actions like browsing trending topics, liking, or reposting on Weibo as casual gestures. I understand these behaviors actively contribute to information dissemination. Others may infer my interests and attitudes from what I follow or share, and this content can spread widely across the web. This has made me take my online participation more seriously.

Additionally, I feel I’ve grown significantly in evaluating information. While social media accelerates access to diverse perspectives, it also risks information overload and can rapidly amplify emotional or unreliable content. Hermida has also noted that our sharing practices today are reshaping how information spreads and how we understand the world. Thus, participating in networks involves not only receiving information but also discerning what content is trustworthy, what merits sharing, and considering how one’s engagement might impact others (Hermida, 2014). This has made me realise that digital communication literacy extends beyond merely speaking up—it encompasses judgment, responsibility, and media literacy.

Reflections on Course Experience, PLN Development, Social Media, and Networked Publics

Looking back on this course, I feel my understanding of PLNs, social media, and networked publics has matured significantly. Previously, I tended to view social media simplistically as a private space—primarily for entertainment, chatting, and daily use—while professional development existed in a separate realm. Now, I recognise that the boundary between these two is far less distinct. Social media can serve as a space for personal expression while also becoming part of learning, building connections, and shaping professional identity—the key lies in how you use it.

My understanding of networked publics has also evolved. I now recognise more clearly that online spaces, though seemingly casual and everyday, inherently possess a public dimension. Content you post may be seen by diverse audiences, interpreted in varied contexts, and persist online indefinitely. Thus, online participation carries consequences—it brings both opportunities and responsibilities. The course taught me that building a PLN isn’t just about making yourself “visible”; it’s more about learning to engage, share, and learn more consciously throughout the process.

In the end, the course transformed how I view social media. I no longer see it merely as a personal tool but as an environment connected to learning, communication, and professional growth. I now prefer to think of my PLN as a learning network requiring ongoing cultivation and reflection. Moving forward, I will continue developing my PLN, but with greater awareness and clarity about the kind of person I want to become through this network.

Reference:

Hermida, A. (2015). #Telleveryone : why we share & why it matters. Doubleday Canada.

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