4.3 Reflection: Social & Professional Networks

The Internet has been an integral part of my personal learning and sense of communication in the last few years.  I am a member of several personal and professional social media networks. I am a volunteer board member for Metafour Productions, a non-profit organization focusing on global issues. One of our projects is Beyond Walls Online, a website that provides a forum where youth can create art with meaning focusing on the goal of making our world a better place. On this website, one can see how interested young people are involved in global issues and becoming members of a larger global community looking for positive change.

Personally, I am very interested in photography and really enjoy thinking about what makes a photograph striking. I have learned the most from a group I am a part of on Facebook; the focus of the group is centered on the study of color and movement in photography. I learn a great deal from the group members’ submitted work and from their comments made about the all photographs posted on the site. One reason it works so well is that there is a lot of trust, and comments are framed in helpful ways. However, one pitfall is that it can be distracting if the posted photographs or comments are not focused on the objectives. To keep the group focused, the group owner has restated the goal as a reminder of our purpose.  At the same time, he has also provided the group with alternative ways to express opinions if they are not closely tied to the objective.  

I imagine my experience participating in a social network for personal learning is similar to that of students. There are commonalities that occur in a group situation when there are many people posting everyday. Students may become distracted or frustrated by off-topic or inappropriate conversations and may themselves lose focus in their contributions. We all at times need a “gentle” reminder about our aim and focus.  

Students can be successful using the Internet for personal learning with some proper support. Helping students identify what content they would like to pursue and then directing them to a learning network that matches their skill level and interest would be a first step. The best sites offer students control over content and pacing and provide guidance for any support they may need.  Also, making sure there is a friendly environment for sharing and discussing projects and ideas is critical for building confidence, trust, and critical thinking.

 Facebook COLOR Study Group

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