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

After discussing in our group, alot of us agreed that we all have diverse connections within our PLN. Mostly when it comes to sexuality, ages, background, and I also brought up diversity in political views and opinions as well. This diversity allows us to hear the voices of others and understand others views and opinions. We also discussed how right now in the world inclusion is feeling a little too forced, when it comes to how inclusive things need to be and being cautious of saying something wrong. Thinking about the reading “One without the other”, and the author reflecting on their personal experiences (the pep rally example), I enjoyed how the idea of inclusivity in that setting changed and how we can think about inclusivity differently. Relating back to our discussion, that inclusivity looks different and can mean different things to different people. Overall, I think our online networks are a great way to continue to make new and diverse connections with others, and expand our PLN!    

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

I have never thought about what the “learning outcome” might be of my PLN because when I first got social media, or I guess started my PLN, it was to post selfies and share pictures of food (as a 12 year old child haha). Reflecting on my PLN, I would say my goal now is to make as many connections as possible to help me expand my professional network. Which will hopefully help me start my official adult career after university. To ensure exposure to diversity, I do my best to connect with new people on LinkedIn and always talk to everyone I meet at conferences or social events! 

How likely are individuals going to continue with their created content and their network? Are the skills that they developed applicable in professional practices?

I wasn’t sure the best way to answer this question, although thinking about online content creators nowadays, you are slowly starting to see more people using captions, voicing their opinions/ views on matters, and supporting other creators. Another big thing I have noticed is content creators hosting in-person socials where followers/ anyone who wants to join can come to that social event and meet new people! I would say this is a big example of being inclusive using your network! So yes, skills such as being aware that not everyone might be able to hear the video you post and adding captions, and being open to meeting new people, I believe are applicable to professional practices! 

Inclusion in professional settings?

Thinking about inclusion in professional settings, the one setting I can think of is summer camp. When I used to work at summer camps, more staff would be allocated to groups where youth might need more support from counselors or guidance in their daily activities. This allowed youth who might be living with disabilities to still be a part of the normal camp group, and also have that support there if needed! Online, I believe the best way for a business to be inclusive is to overall be accepting of others, if there is videos on a professional website include captions, have different options for those seeking employment to connect with employers (online, in-person, phone etc), and support diverse initiatives or events in that business professional sector.