Blog #2

          

            In chapter six, authors Hall & Nussbaum-Beach detail the advantages of personal learning networks as well as connected learning communities. Whereas personal learning networks are meant for more individualized education, connected learning communities are designed for the purpose of collaboration and collective education. They also go hand in hand with one another. Taking what you learn from your personal learning network and sharing it with a community can open the door to innovation and growth. As stated by the authors, “it takes both networks and community to become a connected agent of change,” (Hall & Nussbaum-Beach, p. 97). In my case, this could come in the form of taking what I learn from online spaces about film like Letterboxd and Twitter, and sharing that with my fellow comm majors at the school.

            It is important to be conscious of those we are connecting with and whether or not they are helping or hurting our potential for growth. I know that personally I have gone through a number of social media cleansings. That is, taking the time to reflect on why I am friends with or following a particular person or account, and if it is worth it to keep them around. This can extend to brands and companies that I used to support that no longer align with my views or values. Furthermore, as you build your network, “include people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives,” (Hall & Nussbaum-Beach, p. 93).

            It is also important to have a passionate leader in a given community so that there is consistent engagement and cooperation. These leaders can organize, design, and teach, but it is also important for there to be active participants that impart their own knowledge and insight. For the sake of my future career in film and media, having a passionate leader may come in the form of a director or producer who helps to guide their associates and encourage collaboration. Because truthfully, learning is a collaborative process and through the act of sharing and reciprocating, we can grow a lot as not just learners but people. The layout of a connected learning community should allow users to “build trust, generate enthusiasm, and exchange ideas,” (Hall & Nussbaum-Beach, p. 98).