This week we learned about learning design theories through technology integration models. These models are developed to help with technology integration within learning. I personally enjoyed learning about SAMR and what technology can be used as substitution, augmentation, modification and redefinition, as well as how the integration of one technology can be developed into a more advanced tool. For example, a basic calculator could be used as an example of augmentation, while a scientific calculator could be considered a modification, which is an example we discussed about in class.
I learned about Mayer’s 12 Principles of Multimedia Learning as well and how I can integrate these principles in creating presentations, videos, and other platforms of digital learning tools to ensure students are engaged and captivated by. These technology integration models will help me design lessons that use technology effectively to further support students learning and overall create an impactful learning environment and experience within my classroom.
FIPPA directly impacts my professional practice because, in becoming a teacher, it is essential to understand children’s and parents’ comfort level when it comes to the privacy of information. As a teacher, this affects what information I can share, what photos I take, whether on a field trip or in class; anything sent externally requires me to consider the level of comfort around privacy and what can be shared outside the classroom.Â
This also reflects on my professional practice because it is a policy that directs professionals to think twice about what they share and emphasizes information privacy.Â
This course is something that I have been looking forward to taking because our society is growing into a place where technology is used for everything. It is especially interesting how technology relates to teaching and classrooms. AI and AI use is growing rapidly in today’s world and it is specifically being used in schools more and more. Therefore I am hoping to learn more about how we provide a balance of technology use in school so students are still learning information and building competencies without relying on technology or AI for information.
I enjoyed reading your blog post! Your writing was clear, engaging and organized. Your use of pictures and examples to support your writing stood out to me.I especially liked your personal example of your Reddit page and how it contributes to your PLN, which I thought was a very good visual representation of your PLN and how you utilize social platforms like Reddit in your PLN. I also enjoyed your additional information in ways beyond writing, such as your bridge of UDL guidelines and the University of Saskatchewan textbook, which provided additional information that readers can use beyond your explanation and description to further their understanding, as well as readers can see what UDL guidelines look like on an institutional level.
One thing I would suggest is incorporating more bullet points or tables to break up the writing in your posts. For example, in your UDL guidelines section, you could break up the three guidelines into bullet points instead of bolding them, which would make it slightly easier to read and that much more engaging for the reader!
Your blog post is very thoughtful and well-done! I found it very engaging and informative. One thing that stood out to me was the variety of real Instagram accounts and creators you listed, along with what you learned from them. This demonstrates a direct example of your PLN. This stood out to me because it is something unique and effective in your blog post. I also enjoyed your engaging and strong examples, such as Simone Biles and the #MeToo movement. These examples demonstrated the impact, and your use of them tied in to support your discussion and reflection.
One suggestion I would make to your post would be to add a reflection of how you manage your privacy and online boundaries with having such a large PLN, mentioning this could provide more insight about your PLN as well as bridge the conversation of online privacy and PLNs.
I enjoyed reading your blog post this week! How you broke down the usage of each platform into an easy-to-read table made it easier and more engaging to read! I also thought your use of Aliakbari, Barzan and Maadikha’s (2025) article on privacy added a supportive resource to enhance your argument and strengthen your idea around digital safety. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to access your linked TED Talk, which I wish I could have.
One idea that I wondered about after reading your blog post was you mention how you follow a new creator each week, how has this helped change your perspective on the given topic? Or has it?
Social Media plays a massive role in developing my Personal Learning Network (PLN). It allows me to connect to resources, educators and professionals to learn from. I use social media to help build my PLN by engaging in apps through participation in conversations and following the educators whom I choose to learn from and follow.
How I use Social Media to Grow my PLN and the Benefits
Platform
PLN Use
Benefits
Twitter (X)
Following experts, educators, and people with real experiences in learning and teaching.
Academic conversations, experts insights, and updates on new things within the learning world.
TikTok
Access to Microlearning, following learning content, commenting and engaging with other educators.
Different ways and types of learning through the idea of microlearning which teaches learning in a different way that I am exposed to. Engaging through comments to access information from others.
Reddit
Sharing resources, following threads and hashtags of others experiences and participating in existing forums.
Building a sense of community with others by replying to threads and learning from others experiences.
Overall, using social media benefits my PLN by providing access to different perspectives, such as connecting with educational videos from professionals, educators, or individuals with experience in a specific area of study or field. This also benefits from building a sense of community with people, which allows individuals to bridge formal and informal learning through participatory digital cultures, thereby releasing forms of isolation and supporting connections through communities (Greenhow & Lewin, 2016).
Privacy, Ethics and Security in Digital Spaces
We as individuals are responsible for our own presence in the digital world, as well as we are in charge of taking action in protecting our information online and creating a digital basis that is secure and private for security and privacy reasons.
Putting restrictions on apps, such as location services and permission to access photos, etc. (especially for apps that don’t require location services and permission to access photos to use).
Protecting my information by using strong and unique passwords that I won’t forget, which will keep my information secure from unauthorized access.
Having private accounts for privacy reasons limits people from viewing your account and the personal information that may be on it.
These are ways I protect my online information and online presence to safeguard my digital footprint better.
Ethical Practices that I Follow in Digital Spaces
Being mindful of what information about others I post without their knowledge or consent.
Being aware of what I post on social media regarding my beliefs, which may come across to some people as disrespectful, and being mindful of how my comments, posts, and other actions may be perceived by others.
Making sure to give credit to sources that I use gives other people credit for the ideas they come up with and the information I find that is not my own.
Why are these practices important for creating a safe, trustworthy digital environment?
“ Privacy is essential to the autonomy and the digital of individuals. The ability to control one’s personal information is a fundamental aspect of human autonomy and enables individuals to make informed decisions.” (Zostant & Chataut, 2023)
Having these ethical and privacy practices gives people control and autonomy over how their information is accessed online. Setting boundaries also helps people feel less stressed when they are vulnerable to harassment, privacy violations, and other people using their information.
Inclusivity and UDL in PLNs
Ensuring my PLN is inclusive means:
Engaging with communities and individuals from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Following and learning from different educators from diverse cultures and backgrounds across all different platforms.
Learn more about educators and learning communities that I have limited knowledge about.
I seek to understand perspectives that don’t necessarily align, to push myself to view learning tools and educators from different angles, and thereby broaden my understanding of various topics.
The Universal Design for Learning (UDL provides a framework for supporting inclusivity in digital learning spaces. Through the exploration ofUDL there are 3 key guidelines:
Multiple Means of Engagement
Multiple Means of Representation
Multiple Means of Action and Expression
This video explains how UDL is a framework that reduces barriers in learning for individuals by offering the three guidelines. This demonstrates that learners are given flexibility in ways to access content, assess understanding, and different ways in learning content.
Using theUDL guidelines,UDL additional Information the video I have reflected on my PLN and how these guidelines are reflected in my PLN.
Multiple Means of Engagement
I participate in PLN spaces in varying ways such as commenting and participating in discussions, but I also participate by watching videos and clips which demonstrate different levels of engagement within content that give me different perspectives, and allows me to choose in which way I want to participate in PLN spaces, I have autonomy on the type of engagement I want to participate in.
Multiple Means of Representation
I make sure my PLN includes educators that use inclusive accessibility options such as visuals, close captions, audio etc. For example on Tiktok within microlearning having captions and visuals that engage the listener as well as helps with different accessibility needs.
Multiple Means of Action and Expression
Continue to challenge knowledge and ask questions in discussions or comments by going one step further to understand content and collaboration. Overall interactive collaboration with others within communities goes beyond just posting but also sharing knowledge and learning from new environments.
Challenges and Importance of Diversity in Digital Learning
Diversity in digital learning is important because it ensures equality in learning and allows learners to experience different perspectives and allows a sense of belonging to education for all individuals. There are challenges that can marginalize certain groups of students.
Challenges can include:
Accessibility
Language barriers
Underrepresentation for marginalized groups
Storm (2016) emphasizes that UDL can play a huge role in addressing these challenges by helping educators design learning experiences that reflect the needs of all different students regardless of their challenges.
Steps to Promote an Inclusive Digital Learning Environment
Clarida, B. H., Bobeva, M., Hutchings, M., & Taylor, J. (2015). Strategies for digital inclusion: Towards a pedagogy for embracing and sustaining student diversity and engagement with online learning. IAFOR Journal of Education, 3(SE). https://doi.org/10.22492/ije.3.se.06
Greenhow, C., & Lewin, C. (2016). Social media and education: Reconceptualizing the boundaries of formal and informal learning. Learning, Media and Technology, 41(1), 6–30.
Zostant, M., & Chataut, R. (2023). Privacy in computer ethics: Navigating the Digital age. Computer Science and Information Technologies, 4(2), 183–190. https://doi.org/10.11591/csit.v4i2.pp183-190Â
I enjoyed reading your post and your thoughtful reflection on your digital identity! What really stood out for me was how you used an acronym THINK, this adds a level of deeper thought to your reflection and is something that will stick with me when thinking of what to post privately or professionally.
I also enjoyed your explanation of the importance of boundaries. I also feel like it is very difficult to understand how by not setting boundaries and making mistakes online, how long-lasting these mistakes can be to affect our online presence. Which is overall why I agree with your point on how having set boundaries is essential in protecting your digital identity and online precedence and your overall online privacy and security.
One aspect that you could have expanded more on that I was interested in learning throughout your post was more about how your digital presence reflects your values and your overarching identity. For example if something you feel very passionate about comes up and you pretend to repost it, will you refrain from posting it if it is something others in your professional field may have different opinions on, even if it is something close to your identity. I am wondering how you would go about something like that, maybe using the THINK acronym.
I loved reading your blog post! The layout of your post is very engaging and visually appealing. Your post is especially engaging, thanks to the various images, maps, charts, and other visual elements. Your Digital Visitor and Resident Map is very insightful. I appreciated your mention and learning more about the shift toward an influx of professional platforms near graduation and onward!
Something else that stood out to me was your reflection on self-directed learning and constructivism, particularly in your experience of teaching yourself Farsi. This stood out to me because it helped me understand both concepts more deeply and showed how they can work together to achieve a goal, ultimately benefiting your e-learning and contributing to your success through various learning processes.
One suggestion I would make regarding your blog is to include an explanation of how you plan to manage both your personal and professional content on an app like Instagram or X, especially when you make the shift near or after graduation to having a more prominent presence on professional platforms. Expanding on this would allow for a more meaningful connection between the challenges you may face in balancing a personal and professional identity on these platforms.
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