What is Instagram? 

Instagram is a social media platform that many use on a daily basis. Instagram can be used to connect with others as well as post photos/videos that individuals want to post. I think that social media can be a great platform to create connections and engage with others. As well, social media is a good tool to create a strong personal learning network (PLN). As we learnt in EDCI 338 the definition of PLN is: “A network of trusted connections with whom an individual interacts (and learns from) on a regular basis – Jane Heart” (Gutierrez, n.d). Many influencers use Instagram to post their content and show their followers what they are up to. They use it to show sponsorships or even their own brands. An example I can think of is Kylie Jenner using Instagram to show off her beauty line. She would post her using it and the products so people would want to buy it. 

What features & characteristics of existing media technologies make it effective for personal Learning?

Instagram has many characteristics that make it easy to see what you want to see and engage with others. An example is the function of direct messaging people. Individuals use this tool to personally message people or multiple people and create connections. This is a good tool for setting up a personal learning network as then individuals can scroll through your account.

I personally would set it up in a way that I think others would want to engage in. Post photos that are educational, aesthetically pleasing and just overall posts that are appropriate and will benefit my PLN. Additionally to direct messaging people you can hashtag photos. Individuals hashtag photos so they can share them with similar ones. For example, if I posted a photo of traveling I would hashtag it travel or where that photo was from (such as #travel #Italy) this way, I could see more travel spots and posts about Italy on my feed. 

How can you create a PLN through Instagram?

I think there are many ways individuals can create a PLN through Instagram. As previously mentioned, individuals can direct message others to network and make connections. I have received messages from people saying that I should check out their profile, or if they can use my profile/photo for some artwork. This is them trying to can expand their PLN. It is important to know what you want your PLN to represent before you engage with posting and others. For example, as mentioned previously if you want your PLN to represent travel then it would be important to post travel pictures and engage with others about travel. Additionally, making your account easy to navigate and look good is very beneficial to creating a good PLN.

It is important to be aware of the changes and the new stories that come out on social media. This idea can be described through media literacy. Media literacy explained by Julie Smith (Miller, 2021) is understanding what is happening on the internet. The internet is always changing so it is important to keep updated with these changes. These changes can benefit your PLN so it is important to use them to your advantage. 

You would know that your PLN is working when you are noticing that engagement with others, and people liking your posts. When more individuals comment, like, or direct message you about your profile you know that your PLN is working. Additionally, when you are making connections and feel you are positively networking with others.

Negatives and Positives of a PLN on Instagram 

Even though using social media is a beneficial tool, there are dangers that surround it. These dangers include not knowing who is viewing your post as well as not knowing who you are actually talking with on the internet. It is very easy to communicate with people online, and these people may not be who you think they are. They could be a catfish which is when they pretend to be someone else. Being a social media user you have to be cautious of what you are doing on the platforms you are using. 

There are positives to using Instagram! As mentioned previously it is a good tool to connect with others and see what people are up to. Instagram is used world wide, so this is another positive as you can communicate and make connections with people all across the globe. It is a place where you can post photos/videos that you want to post and keep in touch with others. Overall, when uses correctly Instagram can be a fantastic tool for a personal learning network!! 

References:

Gutierrez, K. (n.d.). What are Personal Learning Networks . https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/personal-learning-networks  

Media Literacy – Facts Matter – Julie Smith – Course YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/57r3-aEnci0

Image by Shutterstock