I would like to choose educational institutions like UVic as the professional setting that I will discuss in this blog. Social media platforms have revolutionized communication by enabling instantaneous connections and extensive information sharing. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn which our group talks about for the assignment are so powerful in disseminating information in today’s digital landscape. For instance, within expansive communities like UVic, comprising thousands of students and employees, social media serves as an indispensable tool for fostering inclusive and diverse messaging and themes. Effectively utilizing these channels can help educational institutions reach a wider audience and interact with a variety of people around the world.

Firstly, social media platforms facilitate the amplification of diverse voices, ensuring representation from students, faculty, and staff within such vast institutions, thereby fostering an inclusive and diverse campus environment. In addition to receiving different perspectives, these platforms serve as crucial channels for disseminating vital information to the intended audience. For example, the university uses social platforms to inform important decisions such as whether the campus is closed during a snow day, to faculty, staff and students Secondly, social media platforms play an important role in promoting events and activities. As an international student, I’ve personally relied on the UVic Instagram account for updates on various events and activities. Thirdly, social media platforms can be used to make advertisements. Universities can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and attract students from diverse cultural backgrounds by highlighting diversity-related scholarships and resources.

How would I create a PLN before engaging in a social media campaign on educational institutions? The first step involves selecting the appropriate platforms. Given the varying emphases of different social media platforms, I would like to choose a platform that is popular among educators and students and therefore I can build my network with them. I will also follow some popular influencers who work in my interested field or relevant field, and try to engage with their content to start building my network. Additionally, just like we have to share our perspective on each week’s topics through mattermost, it is important to participate in group chats to share my insights before engaging in a social media campaign on educational institutions. In sum, by building a PLN and using social media wisely, individuals can actively participate in educational conversations and make a meaningful impact in the field.