This class is the first time I have heard the term “Personal Learning Network” but when learning about it through this week’s readings I realized that a personal learning network is something I have. I have connections with people from all over, from yoga teachers on Instagram helping me become a better yoga teacher to my cousin who lives in Sault Ste. Marie who sends me cooking videos that will help me learn to become a better cook. In these instances, I am using social media as a way to connect and network with others as a form of learning. 

 In the “What is a Personal Learning Network” article I really enjoyed the example of Covid-19 being a time when everyone had to engage in lifelong learning and come together through online networks. I remember thinking that it would be absolutely insane for business to start getting shut down, and then two weeks later I was already adapted to the new norm. It is truly amazing how adaptable we are as humans. Similarly, the way University students adapted to online learning and workers started to work from home. I think this kick-started the tech revolution for those born before the 2000s, they couldn’t reject technology as an option anymore. I think this has also upped the ante for personal learning networks. 

In my opinion, people are motivated to network by their desire to get ahead in life, either personally or professionally. Prior to Covid-19, an online personal learning network might have been something only a handful of working adults had. In 2023, most people have some form of online presence whether it is linked in, social media, or something else. 

The rewards of public communications are vast, but the main one discussed in our readings and generally, would be ease of access to information. Prior to the internet, there were gatekeepers of information and knowledge. Now, you can search pretty much anything on the internet and find an answer. This brings me to one of the risks of online public communications. Just like we can look anything up, we can also post whatever we want. This requires us to become digitally literate: being able to critically analyze information that is posted on the internet. We need to learn to start asking questions like “Who wrote this? What is their purpose for writing this? Am I being convinced of something? and, Is there another side to this?” Information can be easily skewed and manipulated on the internet so digital literacy is a very important aspect for someone to learn who wants to engage with public communications or a personal learning network.