Throughout the semester, I have gained an extraordinarily amount of useful knowledge about personal learning networks and social media. This course has provided me with the opportunity to introspect on my online participation from both a personal and a broader community perspective, investigate the benefits and risks of PLNs for individuals and the public, and recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion within the network.

  • Can your PLN be used to help professional development post-course?

A PLN can definitely be helpful for post-course professional development. Active participation in interactions, such as discussions and conferences between you and your contacts or the community in the PLN, help deepen your understanding of the knowledge acquired during the course. Additionally, it is important to reach out to relevant professionals and fully utilize their support within the network because they can lead you to the discovery of more valuable learning resources associated with the course, and enhance your ability to engage in related researches or purse relevant job opportunities.

  • Can your PLN be relied on to open professional opportunities?

Yes, for sure! Nowadays, it is the information era, and the Internet has become a major source and channel for professional opportunities. A large personal social network makes referrals and recommendations for jobs, skill training, projects, or other precious opportunities more achievable and efficient to process. PLNs can also help create, amplify and transmit the positive impact of individuals on the pursuit of professional opportunities. Besides relying on interpersonal relationships, your creations within the PLN, such as blogs, forums, comments and interactions with others, serve as a virtual resume that would leave footprints on the Internet to attract individuals who are in need of talent in relevant fields. Therefore, your PLN can be relied on to open professional opportunities.