What digital platforms are students currently using to develop their professional network?
I believe students currently utilize a wide range of platforms that allow them to improve their professional network. Myself for example have been using numerous platforms that serve to develop a different part of my professional network. LinkedIn is a great example, I am able to expand my professional network through meeting mutual people, as well as have discussions on institutional ideas. Whereas, I have used Slack to communicate with previous managers and colleagues which also enhances my professional network. I use many different applications, but I find each one differently affects my professional network. As shown in my V&R mapping above, I feel students are using a multitude of platforms such Linkedin, Slack, and Mattermost to name a few. An important point to note is that students, me included, have used platforms that may not be perceived for professional networking. For example, I have noticed the use of Twitter to be an effective platform to connect and develop professional networks for students. I firmly believe that students can use any platform to enhance their professional network, as long as its appropriate and accepted within the professional environment.
What can you (as a student) consider to expand your professional learning network?
As a student, I feel that there can be many ways to expand your PLN. As mentioned above, using Linkedin is a great platform to connect and meet new people, whether it be from school or within the field you intend to enter after university. Also, throughout my three co-op terms I have been able to keep in contact with all my managers, which allowed me to further build my networking bubble. It’s all about meeting new people and simply having a conversation. Also reaching out to new people I found expanded my network drastically. A simple message through Linkedin or Slack can provide students many new networking opportunities.
In your network, how can you create a digital identity/reputation?
Digital reputation can be built by being consistent on professional platforms. Presenting myself appropriately to all my connections is a great way to build a good reputation. Also sharing information and ideas that creates discussion is also a way to build digital identity for ourselves. It is also very important to separate my professional identity from personal identity online. I feel that if both are intertwined, it could affect the overall image the online world may have on you. Digital identity consists of every action we do online. Thats why it is important to make sure we want our best self to be reflected through things such as blog posts, social networks and emails.
Consider what a local employer would do if you applied for a job with them – can they search the content, is it of benefit to the career path, does it hinder the opportunity of employment?
In this situation, I do believe an employer will search prospective candidates up online. This allows the employer to truly understand the individual, and how they present themselves through online applications. Our digital identity is a major part of our life and gives a clear representation of who we are. This can give the employer a lot of information about how positive this individual is, or possible red flags to watch for. From experience, I have had the opportunity to be on the same side as the employer, and it is normal practice searching up candidates to get an understanding of their life online. Most instances, this could prove to be very beneficial for the candidate, especially if they present themselves respectfully online. If an individual promotes and is heavily involved in their professional network, this will display very good signs towards a hiring manager. However, in some cases, digital identity has caused individuals to lose their jobs and more. Inappropriate posts or tweets that have resurfaced for some people has shown to be catastrophic. It is so crucial to always keep in mind that everyone can find information about you online. By posting content that doesn’t truly align with your views/beliefs could really hinder the opportunity of employment, and more. Also important to understand that once you hit the delete button, nothing is ever truly deleted.
Final Thoughts
After completing my V&R mapping and reflecting on the questions provided; I have some new thoughts surrounding the apps I currently use. I never really viewed apps on a continuum, and as I was applying them onto the map, I started to think about how each one affects my professional identity online. Also made me wonder the usefulness of certain apps, and what really is my intended goal/outcome I want from each one. Another observation is that none of the apps I currently use are within the Visitor/Institutional quadrant. Meaning as of right now, I am not using an app that leaves a minimal trace online for professional purposes, which is interesting. This excerise definitely made me gain a new perspective on the usage of apps and how beneficial they really are in digital identity.
May 29, 2021 at 9:55 am
https://nyedci338.opened.ca/blog-2-digital-networking-sites-and-tools-for-education/
Hey Neil,
Very informative blog post! I also like how you decided to visually display the apps! I would also agree that Linkedin is popular for both professional and educational uses and considered a standard for connection between people. I have never heard of Edmodo, but it sounds very interesting! Going to have to check it out and its abilities for educational development and networking.
Fantastic point regarding the use of Linkedin to see if you would be interested in new emerging topics within the field. I feel that Linkedin is such an easy platform, and we can easily have access to information that will change our perspective and allows us to understand new topics. One reason why Linked is such a powerful tool is because of the simplicity, being able to display information without much clutter.
I would also agree with you that it can quite be easy for employers to search prospective candidates online. Very good point mentioning that possible privacy policies can act as a roadblock in trying to find information about someone. Makes me think about the ability to conceal one’s identity while still being “active” on online platforms. Overall, really insightful blog post Neil!
Thank you
May 29, 2021 at 3:01 pm
Hey Omar!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful V&R map with colourful logos! It’s good to see that you are using a variety of applications and websites to get your self out there.
You have a very interesting take on Twitter and I now also believe in the potential that it brings. If I think about it, Twitter is a short form communication, kind of like Tik Tok and YouTube shorts, but in text form (most of the time). I have not really used Twitter in the past, but I may consider to use it more in the future.
Your explanation of digital identity is spot on and you view on the risks and rewards of digital identity are definitely things that I think about on a daily bases. I have seen several people have their reputation harmed (Sometimes rightfully) based on things that they did, or said that was posted online with or without their permission. Once things get on the internet, they really do stay there forever.
-Neil
May 29, 2021 at 8:50 pm
Hi, I think your blog is very interesting. Currently, students often use a variety of platforms to develop professional networks. I think Linkedin and Mattermost are very useful platforms. Slack is not something I have used yet, but I think it would be very helpful for students.
I couldn’t agree more with your point about digital identity and digital credibility. It is through them that we present ourselves on social platforms.
I really like your V&R map. You have a very special way of making them.
May 30, 2021 at 6:00 pm
Hi Omar, thanks for sharing your V & R diagram and thoughts on this weeks topic. I liked how you included more logos and platforms than most other diagrams – including myself. I suppose I limited myself to platforms I had more of a recency bias for when making mine. For example, Slack, which I myself used only a few years ago, was a platform that I totally forgot about when making my diagram.
I agree with the sentiment that the actions and postings which make up our digital identity are all ‘permanent’ and available for others to see (or scrutinize). I’m happy to se e that it’s a common understanding among my peers, colleagues, and friends that it’s important to remember that any public-facing interaction on the Internet can influence our lives down the line. While it seems almost a little dystopian (and perhaps a little disingenuous, or alternatively uncomfortly revealing of areas that we need to reflect and grow as individuals) that our past Tweets or postings can affect our future lives, it is again a reminder that the Internet never forgets.
Cheers again for sharing,
Allen