Hello! My name is Ahyun Jeong, and also go by Hanna (she/her). I am a fourth-year Uvic student of Economics, taking this EDCI as an elective. I was born and raised in South Korea, and I moved to Canada to study six years ago. When I first moved to Canada, I did not have, or did not notice, digital tools to help studying, but things changed very quickly. Back in high school time, I always brought big and thick notes and binders every day, but open learning changed my way. For example, Uvic uses Brightspace to provide and collect things online. I needed time to learn and adjust to it, but once I got used to it, Brightspace was helpful and convenient. This made me want to learn more about open and distributed learning. 

Social Media and Its Role in Education: With the development of online learning, social media nowadays has made it easy to connect with classmates and learn new things. For example, I’ve used Instagram and TikTok to find fast concept summaries before tests, as well as Reddit study groups where students share tips. Additionally, platforms like YouTube provide educational videos that appeal to various learning preferences, while podcasts and live streams allow for real-time involvement. The advantages of adopting social media for education include increased access to learning materials, improved cooperation among students, and exposure to a variety of content types. However, there are risks, such as the possibility of distractions, spreading of misinformation, and privacy problems associated with publishing personal information or academic work online. When utilized intelligently and appropriately, social media can be a great tool to supplement and expand the educational experience.

Personalized Learning and Digital Literacies: Personalized learning keeps me motivated because it allows me to focus on topics and approaches that are relevant to my abilities and interests. For example, in a few of my classes, I’ve used online platforms that change practice questions based on my performance, allowing me to focus on the areas where I need the more improvement. Digital literacy is also crucial since it allows me to navigate online resources effectively and use technology efficiently. For example, understanding how to search library databases for academic articles and use tools like citation generators has made researching and producing papers much easier. Personalized learning and digital literacy have combined to make my education more engaging and effective, providing me the ability to adjust my learning and make the best use of digital tools.

Digital Identity and Online Presence: Managing my digital identity is critical to both my educational experience and future career. I try to keep my internet profile professional and positive by being selective about what I publish and share. For example, I frequently update my LinkedIn profile to highlight my academic achievements, jobs, and talents, while keeping my other social media profiles hidden (private) or appropriate. Maintaining a positive internet presence is critical since employers often review online profiles, and I want to make a good impression. By being deliberate about my digital identity, I can connect it with my personal and professional goals, so opening doors to new opportunities and establishing a trustworthy reputation.

Navigating and Using Online Platforms Ethically: Being careful of what I publish and share is critical since content spreads quickly online and can reflect on me both personally and professionally. Sharing truthful, respectful, and well-intentioned content not only protects my reputation but also helps to foster a positive online community. Giving acknowledgment to original authors and avoiding negative remarks are examples of ethical practices that promote trust and respect in online communities, making them more supportive and productive for all.