Blog #3: Chapter 5 of The Connected Educator

The author starts off by explaining that web tools have become a very important part of the learning system. But although utilizing these tools are helpful, it is important not to get lost in them which is important . Specifically to me at least, I know when the pandemic hit and we had to use Zoom it was a hard transition because trying to learn electronically is extremely difficult. "Tools are not helpful unless users understand the context in which the tools can best improve learning"(Nussbaum-Beach). For example if you were to be learning a foreign language it is easier to utilize Duolingo or an online textbook when you receive reinforcements in class. After laying out the basis that technology is a new source of learning, the author proceeds to name some of these new resources that can be utilized in any field. From social bookmarking to blogs to podcasts to social networking etc, she offers many different ways to share information within a connected learning community. 

A big means of connecting that is pretty relevant to todays world is twitter. While I am not a twitter user myself it is a great way to build discussion and do so with a large audience pretty quickly. As your are utilizing the app "you are microblogging, [and] your time investment is minimal" so it becomes a quick and easy way to spread ideas in a connected learning community (Nussbaum-Beach). This is also a great means of social networking so you can build relationships with people who might be in a similar field as you. When you see all the benefits of the app, it makes you more susceptible to utilizing it in both a professional and personal way. To conclude this chapter the author reinforces that although these tools are beneficial and should be utilized, it is important to remain a good presence while trying to navigate that professional and private world. Owning up to a reputation is important and those are skills that must be practiced in order to make proper use of the new resources that are available to a connected learning community. 

Particularly this is a meaningful path to take in my assumed career field because
social media is a real way to educate the world on social movements and more. In the criminal justice field, especially as of recently, social media is how you gain most of your knowledge. It is a way to make literally anything accessible to you. Its important that new professionals use to tools to not only educate themselves, but to also join those crucial conversations and understand where the people stand, not just where you stand. What is your opinion as far as the correlation to new social movements and use of social media?

 

Pictured Above: A movement that erupted out of social media during a time where nothing was certain or understood shows the power of these new networks.