By Tuqa Blog

Month: June 2023

BLOG 5: PLN in Practice

June 26, 2023 / / 0 Comments
Project Management Network

How are you building a network of individuals who are dynamic, reliable, and participatory?

To establish a network of individuals who are dynamic, reliable, and participatory, it is important that the people in it establish shared values and have strong communication. This will help the network to grow in a healthy way where the member of this network gains from each other beneficial knowledge. Thus, this helps the network to continue.

During my second year at UVic in 2021, I was the general coordinator for a club where we helped new students who come from the middle east and Africa to settle in Canadian universities and Victoria. Part of my duties was encouraging students to volunteer in this club. A successful way of tackling new volunteers was sharing with students in classes about the great cause this club does. The students who joined this club were individuals who had a passion for helping refugees and shared similar values with each other. That year, we made a great team of volunteers who helped students to feel welcomed in their new country. Not only volunteers and new students worked together, but they got to know each other. This helped to build a dynamic network where people learned about each other passions, hobbies and goals and relied on each other to make the first year successful. Two years after, the volunteers are still participating by sharing various opportunities with the new students and keeping them in touch with a larger network. This is an example of how sharing the same value and strong communication can help to build a network of dynamic, reliable, and participatory individuals

Are you leveraging healthy relationships from your PLN for growth?

I have not yet built a PLN, however, it would be essential to build a healthy relationship with a network. Bianca Woods shared that using PLN helps to learn new ideas and increase your knowledge about certain topics (2013). This knowledge can be achieved through healthy relationships from PLN and thus can allow me to grow as a person and grow my knowledge about the pharmaceutical industry.

How would you create a PLN prior to engaging a social media campaign on a topic of your choice?

Since I am interested in the pharmaceutical industry, my campaign topic would be about drugs and medications pharmacists can prescribe now in BC. I would start my PLN by identifying who are the individuals I want to network with, discuss, and share insights regarding this field. Moreover, before announcing the campaign it is important to establish a solid presence on social media as Sophie Lui shared that ” social media will be good for me for a couple of reasons, it will keep me relevant and in the public eye ,” This can be achieved by engaging with individuals through commenting on the post, sharing articles, and sharing opinion related to the campaign topic. Furthermore, attending webinars and events where connecting with individuals and expanding network can be achieved. Also, share with PLN what the campaign goals are to help better approach the campaign. All of these steps can help build and expand the knowdelege about the campaign topic

Reference

Picture: https://www.beingguru.com/build-strong-personal-networks/

Miller. (2022). Sophie Lui – EDCI338. [Vidoe]. YouTube. Retrieved June 25, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfcXgKLzOVM.

Woods, B. (2013). Building your own PLN: seeking new insights and ideas? Expand your personal learning network. Association for Talent Development (ATD). 67(11), 70+. doi: https://go-gale-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/ps/i.do?p=ITBC&u=uvictoria&id=GALE|A348998538&v=2.1&it=r&sid=summon

BLOG 4: My PLN & What is Inclusion?

June 19, 2023 / / 1 Comment

How diverse is your PLN?

I plan that my PLN includes information related to the field of pharmacy and information about policy changes, clinical updates, drug safety, and the role of pharmacists in health care. I want my PLN to focus mainly on the pharmaceutical industry in Canada. The information is diverse from each other in terms of ideas but is related to one another as they are all related to the pharmacy profession.

Being a student in medical school back home and coming here and studying Chemistry for Medical Science, I developed a passion for knowledge about drugs and medication. This passion guided me to apply to pharmacy school. Thus, My PLN is for people who are interested in health care and mainly in the pharmaceutical industry. I plan that my network includes people from around the world and not only in Canada as this will help introduce new ideas and learn about other techniques used in different countries that can be beneficial to pharmacists in Canada.

Are you learning from a variety of diverse voices and are you expanding your understanding of the views of others?

For my PLN, the information is mainly from the Canadian Pharmacists Association, BC Pharmacy Association and Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists as these websites represent healthcare authorities and the pharmaceutical industry in specific where they share recent drug approval, expert advice on ethical or legal issues and the latest update about drug prescription. The websites I am using are very helpful to talk about different topics that are all related to the pharmacy industry, however, maybe reviewing websites from other countries such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can also expand my understanding of the pharmacy industry.

What is the learning outcome of your PLN and how are you ensuring your exposure to diversity and inclusion?

From the previous blogs that I wrote, I developed skills on how to develop my PLN where I learned that a network of people and resources can support my learning, thus, can help me in my professional development.

The outcome of my PLN is to share information, resources, and policies about the pharmaceutical industry where I am specific in terms of the main topic I plan that my PLN includes information related to the field of pharmacy and information about policy changes, clinical updates, drug safety, and the role of pharmacists in health care. I want my PLN to focus mainly on the pharmaceutical industry in Canada. The information is diverse from each other in terms of ideas but different topics that are related to one another as they are all related to the pharmacy profession.

The article ‘One without the Other,’ by Shelly Moore shares the issue of how inclusive are we. Shelly shares that ” Inclusion is not just about students with special needs; inclusion means everyone – but actually everyone.” (2017)This sentence summarizes how narrow we look at some issues. Although I am from a minority group in Canada, the first thing that comes to my mind when we talk about inclusion are people with special needs. Although it is more than that. Inclusion is creating an environment that embraces the diversity of individuals where these individuals have equal opportunities. Since I am interested in the pharmaceutical industry, inclusion there include equal employment opportunities; this includes a workplace that fosters different cultures and promotes respect. Diversity and inclusion go beyond only hiring people from different backgrounds, it also includes establishing policies that prevent discrimination. Moreover, inclusion includes adopting a patient-centric approach where patient support programs consider the diverse needs of patients that come from different backgrounds.

How likely individuals are going to continue with their created content and their network?

Hermida, in “Tell Everyone: why we share and why it matters” shares that people’s choices to share content are influenced by others (2014). Some people share because they want to share knowledge like a person they saw on the internet. Others like to share gossip because when they share that they feel they have present in this world. However, creating content requires many factors including and not limited to: passion and a supporting network. For individuals to continue creating content, they need to be passionate about what they do for it to continue. Usually, people who share content for financial benefits solely, do not pursue creating content for long because it takes time to build a network and their main motive is not the knowledge but rather, the financial benefits. Moreover, supporting networks motivate individuals to continue sharing their content. If no supporting network is available it would be difficult to continue sharing because there is no purpose!

Reference

Moore, S. (2017). One Without the Other: Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion. Portage & Main Press. 

Hermida, A. (2014). #Telleveryone : why we share & why it matters. Doubleday Canada.

Picture : https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/5424803-landing-page-of-prescription-drugs-medical-prescription-first-aid-kit-and-medical-supplies-concept-of-pharmacy-drugstore-diagnosis-clinic-hospital-healthcare-simple-flat-vector-illustration

BLOG 3: Personal Digital Identity vs Professional Digital Identity

June 12, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Personal digital identity is a specific digital identity associated with an individual person. It refers to the online presence that a person identifies in the digital world. Personal digital identity typically includes Social media profiles such as LinkedIn, which provides a digital identity and helps individuals to connect with others online.

Professional digital identity, on the other hand, represents an individual’s online presence that is specifically tied to their profession.

Usually, there will be an overlap between personal and professional digital identities, however, individuals often maintain separate online personalities between personal and professional digital identities for the purposes to manage their online image appropriately in different contexts.

Using Visitors and Residents mapping showed that I mainly use Instagram for personal use while LinkedIn for professional use. This is true because I have different online image depnding on the platform I use.

What digital platforms are students currently using to develop their professional network?

Students, nowadays, use different platforms to grow and maintain professional relationships with their peers and larger network. For example, LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that helps students to connect with classmates and professionals. Moreover, it is a great way to search for job opportunities related to the field of interest. Facebook Groups also offer groups focused on specific industries which allow students to join groups and connect with their peers who share the same interest.

What could the student consider in expanding their professional learning network?

Students can expand their professional learning networks by first defining their professional goals and interest that they want to connect with their PLN. Also, Engaging in online communities such as social media groups on their areas of interest can help the students to build a relationship and expand their networks. Moreover, using LinkedIn to connect with professionals by reaching out and asking for Informational interviews. This can help students to learn more about the industry they are interested in and potentially build a mentorship relationship. last but not least, using LinkedIn to connect with professionals

How do data privacy and security limit and/or promote a PLN?

Data privacy and security has an crucial effect on Professional Learning Networks (PLN). Some of the limitations include restrictions on access to certain resources. Data privacy will limit access to certain databases which might contain personal information such as in health care system where it is essential to have data privacy to protect patients’ personal information from being hacked. Moreover, data privacy promote trust and confidentiality. For example, having strong data privacy and security build trust between health care institutions and patients and this building trust within PLN

In your network how can you create a digital identity/ reputation?

I can create a digital identity by using the resident mode method where I share thoughtful content that aligns with my professional goals and expertise. Since I am interested in the pharmaceutical industry, I can share articles, blog posts to showcase my knowledge on the healthcare system by making sure that everything I am sharing is well researched to reach the target audience.

Also, using a consistent profile picture and bio to help people recognize and connect with my digital identity.

Moreover, being authentic and transparent and showing my personality in a professional manner

Building digital identity takes time, but it is important because it would be one of the main things employers will consider before hiring you, so it is important to maintain professionalism and respect while being authentic to your digital presence.

Reference

  • Privacy, Ethics & Security in Digital Spaces Developing Awareness of Privacy Regan, P., & Jesse, J. (2019) https://digitaltattoo.ubc.ca/quizzes/privacy-and-surveillance/
  • The Digital Visitor and Resident Continuum White. D. (2017). V and R Mapping. Retrieved from http://daveowhite.com/vandr/vr-mapping/
  • What is a Visitor/Resident (PDF) http://experimental.worldcat.org/vandrmapping/assets/documents/VRAMappingInstructions.pdf
  • Visitor & Resident Maps http://experimental.worldcat.org/vandrmapping/signIn

BLOG 2: Digital Identity

June 5, 2023 / / 0 Comments
Talking about Digital Identity… – Gunpreesh Kaur

What is a digital identity?

The definition of digital identity can be difficult to explain as it has many layers. According to Binary Tattoo, ” Our digital identity is the permanent collection of data about us that is available online.” Every time we post a picture, a video, or even a comment, we are adding to the digital identity that we have online. It is important to distinguish between the user and digital identity. A user refers to the individual that operates a website/ blog to whom the digital identity is assigned. The set of links users keep in the network is considered a social graph that reveals information about the individual’s identity (Writing Cooperative).

How do personal versus professional approaches to digital identity affect social media use? 

People use separate accounts for their personal and professional life. For example, many people use Instagram to share their social life, trips, and hobbies while using Linkedin to share all their experiences in one spot for employers to check their work experience.

It is important to distinguish between using social media for personal or professional use. The personal approach to digital identity using social media is where individuals share their personal life, adventures and lessons they learn with their friends and surrounding community on the internet (Identity-Making and Social Media). Thus, sharing your personal life as your digital identity.

However, professional approaches to digital identity can be achieved by establishing a positive digital presence by joining and optimizing their social media presence, such as LinkedIn. This can be achieved by having positive photos and comments on social media and sharing an E-portfolio containing blog posts of their personal learning and issues related to their profession. These will allow for positive feedback when employers look at your social media platform since many employers check candidates’ social media before hiring them. Zippia says, ” 54% of companies have eliminated a candidate based on their social media feed alone.” Thus, a positive digital identity is essential in the workplace. A couple of companies contacted me through my LinkedIn account, where I share my work experience in one spot, which allows the employer to learn more about me and offer me a position at their company.

Thus, it is important to remember that your digital identity is not just something you can change; it is a tattoo that will stay for the rest of your life!

How do digital identities converge in networked publics – what are the impacts and/or benefits?

Through social media, people can quickly connect with others around the world. Since digital identities are represented by “ you are what you share,” people with similar ideas and commonalities can connect and learn from each other. Moreover, individuals also share their digital identities with the networked public. For example, many clinics use digital identity to register patients for consent and doctor appointment (Education for Health (Abingdon, England)). This is helpful in terms of saving time, where patients can do it from any place, and they only need a device and internet. However, this means that people’s information and online activity are online, and others can access it. This can lead to dangerous consequences if this healthcare system is not protected.

My Social Media Present

My digital identity is informal and formal, depending on the social media platform I am dealing with. For example, on Instagram, I am very informal; my digital identity represents what I like to do in my free time and share my hobbies with close friends. On LinkedIn, my digital identity is more formal and with a broader audience. I only share posts regarding my achievement and what skills I gain with professionals. Learning how to use WordPress can help develop my professional digital identity to be able to share
PLN

References:

  • Cover photo credit: https://edusites.uregina.ca/gunpreesh/2022/02/21/talking-about-digital-identity/
  • How are you defining your digital identity? – BINARYTATTOO – data privacy & compliance. BinaryTattoo. (2021, August 9). https://www.binarytattoo.com/about-us/
  • 15+ Essential Social Media Recruitment Statistics [2023]: How effective is social media recruiting?. Zippia. (2023, May 12). https://www.zippia.com/advice/social-media-recruitment-statistics/#:~:text=What%20percentage%20of%20employers%20check,their%20social%20media%20feed%20alone.
  • Orihuela, J. L. (2023, March 2). Digital Identity and Social Networks. Medium. https://writingcooperative.com/digital-identity-and-social-networks-8726a80ee725
  • Identity-making and Social Media. (n.d.). Digital Leisure, the Internet and Popular Culture. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137405876.0007
  • Mahboob, U., Jawed, S., & Yasmeen, R. (2019). Digital Professional Identity: Dear Internet! who am I? Education for Health, 32(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.4103/efh.efh_232_1

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