I think that the majority of students are using LinkedIn to develop their professional network. I believe this is the platform which is widely used by people to showcase their professional histories, and skills and make connections with others in the field. Another digital platform that students are currently using to develop their professional network is Twitter. Although Twitter is not originally designed as a professional network, some students are using it to make professional connections and share their insights. The idea of building a professional network online is pretty new to me because it is not prevalent in my culture. However, I do think that using digital platforms to develop a professional network offers more opportunities and possibilities.

One thing that students could consider is how to create and improve their digital identity when expanding their professional learning network. For example, just like a resume, it is important to select information that you want to include in your professional portfolio when building your network online through LinkedIn or Twitter. A strong portfolio will attract more people and therefore have more opportunities. In addition, when expanding your professional learning network, students may want to consider what they should say online. When compared with the speed at which information is transmitted in real life, how you communicate online reveals much about who you are. While building a PLN, it is imperative to keep your important personal data private and secure. Some individuals are not willing to share their personal or professional information online because of the concern of data privacy, and therefore they cannot fully engage in their network. Also, in some industries like medical care and clinical psychology, it is the professionalsā€™ responsibility to protect patientsā€™ information, which might limit the amount of information which could be shared online.

Inspired by my previous EDCI courses, one way to build a digital identity/ reputation is by creating a personal website or blog. By creating a website or blog, individuals can share more detailed information about their works, projects and skills. It is also easier for others to learn more about you rather than just looking at your LinkedIn profile which only provides limited information. Additionally, share your thoughtful ideas consistently through social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. By sharing your ideas about the industry, you can attract people who have a similar interest to you and also reflect on your professional skills. Consistency contributes to creating a more favourable digital identity and keeps your followers more engaged.

This is my resident & visitor map. Google and UVic online library are two tools that I use frequently without any personal interactions. Similarly, I use Microsoft and Email as two institutional tools, but I also actively participate in these two tools. For personal use, I’m more on the visitor side when I use Twitter and Tiktok because I usually do not post content or make comments. However, I’m a resident when I use Instagram and Wechat. I post my personal content and interact with my friends.