How diverse is your existing PLN (Professional Learning Network)?

Taking the time to reflect on my PLN I realize it really is quite diverse. Using my education as an example. Every day I go to school with a wide range of individuals that vary in age, disabilities, opinions, sex, ethnicity, religion, etc. As I plan to continue on with my education after my undergraduate degree, my PLN will be similar to my current one. I have created connections with individuals ranging from 18-50 years old. These individuals are my fellow peers, professors, and those who work on campus. Due to the diversity in my PLN, I have learned a wide range of perspectives towards school, career, relationships, and overall life. 

In your PLN, are you learning from a variety of voices or are you the loudest in the room?

In my PLN I am learning both from a variety of voices as well as being the loudest in the room. When I am listening to my peers and professors I am learning from a variety of voices. However, when it comes to group projects, presentations, and studying with others I am the loudest in the room. I am generating my thoughts and expressing them out loud which overall contributes to other PLN diversity. In many of my classes (such as EDCI 338), I am given the opportunity to engage with my classmates and provide feedback. I typically only am the loudest in the room when I am asked. I have no problem sharing my works and ideas, however, I don’t usually go out of my way to do it. I wouldn’t necessarily say I am the loudest person in the room because I do prefer to learn from others. But I wouldn’t necessarily say I am the quietest person in the room. This balance works for me and has successfully contributed to my PLN. 

Do you participate in a silo of information sharing (similar themes or wide range of interests?)

I don’t typically participate in a silo of information sharing. I tend to read what others share, however, I don’t share the information/post on my media story or page. Although sometimes the posts people share will discuss an issue I care about, however,  I am not the type of individual to post it all over social media. I don’t find me sharing my input on my story or page makes a drastic impact. I usually share my opinions/thoughts in my academic papers. 

How can you use a diverse PLN to broaden your views of inclusion?

Having a diverse PLN is the best day to broaden inclusion, especially within the workplace. Workers can achieve inclusiveness by making other coworkers feel welcomed. An example of this is when bosses provide advancement opportunities for all in the workplace. This can be a raise, a bonus, etc. Another way this can be achieved is by providing a wider range of topics for all different perspectives and groups. When individuals are able to adapt to others’ perspectives this will strengthen inclusiveness.

In your professional setting of choice, do you think inclusion is actively embraced?

My professional setting is my education environment. Inclusion is definitely actively embraced at the University of Victoria. Students and workers at this school are very welcoming and understanding. I noticed many of the works/students go out of their way to show support towards others no matter race, sexuality, and identity. Students will actively go into classrooms and talk about clubs and events coming up involving the LGBTQ+ community.

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

My learning outcome of my PLN can be seen as quite broad, however, the best way for me to ensure exposure to inclusion is to continue growing my knowledge and learn perspectives from others. Ways to expand my knowledge and perspectives are through reading others’ work (scholarly articles, blog posts, Twitter posts), watching videos (on youtube, documentaries, TedTalks), and from my peers (in group projects, discussion posts, and talking in person). For my PLN I hope to have a reputation of being inclusive to all. 

How has your thinking about inclusion and PLN evolved after reviewing the videos and readings?

Reading Moore & Schnellert’s (2016) chapter on diversity and inclusion and watching The Evolution of Inclusion: The past and future of education by Five Moore Minutes (2018) made me realize that “breathing the same is [simply] not enough” (Moore, 2018, 2:58). The video and article discuss the idea of integration. The idea is that everyone in the environment needs to be combined (integrated) together to establish complete inclusiveness. An example is being in the classroom and making sure everyone of all races, disabilities, sex, etc are included in discussions, activities, etc. Prior to watching and reading this week’s video and reading I always agreed with the idea of inclusion and made sure those around me felt involved. I was completely shocked to see that those who have mental and physical limitations are treated as lesser. This week’s blog topic has reminded me of the importance of inclusion and I will ensure it is brought into all my PLN’s.

This week I engaged with Kelsey’s and Caitlin’s Blog Posts!

Kelsey’s Blog:

BLOG #3

Caitlin’s blog:

Blog #3: Diversity & INclusion in PLN

References

Five Moore Minutes. (2018 October 2). The Evolution of Inclusion: The past and future of education [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQgXBhPh5Zo

One Without the Other: Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion Shelley Moore and Leyton Schnellert

Introduction (Page 6-10) & Part 1 (Page 11-12). https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/lib/uvic/reader.action?docID=4832579&ppg=