In my last two blogs, we have gone through what is PLN and the use of the digital platform to expand our PLN nowadays. Due to globalization, the exchange of information becomes more effective than old days. People are using various communication tools to keep updated with the latest trend and be connect with others. The rapid development of science and technology and tremendous changes in the social structure have brought unprecedented increases in productivity. At the same time, people’s communication methods and living forms also present brand new content. The living space was no longer confined to the traditional narrow area, and it began to gradually expand to a global scope. In short, the emergence of modern civilization has enabled the full development of science, technology, and productivity, brought about a high degree of prosperity in material wealth, and at the same time promoted unprecedented close exchanges between different nations and countries on a global scale. Together, the process of globalization of human society has made great achievements, and the exchanges and interactions between different countries and between different civilizations have reached an unprecedented level.
In particular, the modern economy and modern market have pushed this connection to a very close state. Since the late 90s, the emergence of the Internet has elevated the relationship between human society to a global scale. Digitization has improved people’s lives. During the epidemic, digital service trade and e-commerce ensured the normal operation of economic sectors. The global digital ecosystem is promoting social and economic recovery and enhancing future economic resilience. Today, the advent of a global community requires everyone to embrace a mixture of people and their minds.
I am using email, Facebook, and WeChat for my PLN. For example, as a third-year economics student, I constantly using emails and Messenger to contact and exchange information with instructors and fellow students within the department. Moreover, our way of communication has been changed significantly with the outbreak of the pandemic. Social media and digital platforms have become vital communication tools, especially these days. People switch on to Zoom for meetings and conferences overseas. With the use of these digital platforms, I could have a group meeting with my classmate regardless of our location. I would have the opportunity to connect with people around the world who have similar interests to mine. Sometimes, I would look up videos on YouTube for concepts or topics we discussed in class. My PLN is mainly formed of fellow students in the Department of Economics, and we are different in age, gender, and even nationality. It is such a diverse group of people to learn with, and a great opportunity to connect and involved with individual who has different belief from you. In addition, I enjoy learning from a variety of voices rather than being the loudest in the room. Listening and learning from different voices leads to open-mindedness and the ability to accept different views and cultures. For example, my favourite in-class exercise is the group discussion, and I could hear voices from group members and other groups. It is a fun experience where everyone can post their ideas and share them with others. In the end, we always come up with a collective thought.
Information sharing plays a big part in my personal life. I love hiking and outdoor activities, and I always share my experiences on the Facebook group. Food is another topic that I like to share with others. I would review every restaurant I visit and share my thought about their food on Google Map. Also, it is fun to read others’ reviews. As I mentioned with the in-class discussion, we are hearing and learning from others, and we are accepting and including other ideas in the end. A diverse PLN allows us to improve our opportunities to ask questions, learning from others, and getting help from others. These opportunities are much greater than the opportunities we get from daily face-to-face interactions.
With my gradually growing PLN, I learned how to listening, to share with others. My cognition and thoughts have also changed with these changes and are more mature. The way which ensures your exposure to diversity and inclusion is never to be afraid to meet and connect with others. Second, expressing your thought to other as well as accepting a various voice. Lastly, building a sustainable PLN can make a major difference in exposure to a diverse and inclusive environment. After the reading and video, I started to re-think my definition of inclusion. Inclusion is about allowing and accepting others to participate in the environment as who he/she is. People are being accepted and keep engaging in the community.
Reference
Moore, S., & Schnellert, L. (2017). In One without the other: Stories of unity through diversity and inclusion (Vol. 1, Ser. Reimagining Inclusion: The ONE Series, pp. 6–10, 11-12). essay, Portage & Main Press.
Moore, Shelley. The Evolution of Inclusion: The Past and Future of Education. 1 Oct. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQgXBhPh5Zo.