* How diverse is your existing PLN?
My PLN now is diverse, including friends from different walks of life. Some of them are my classmates and teachers. When I took part in campus activities, I also make friends with students from other majors. There are also many online methods to meet new people, such as joining discussion groups on social media. I meet people who have the same hobbies as me. I also think diverse PLN can bring many benefits. In our daily life, we may encounter all kinds of problems, and friends with different expertise can help us go through the difficulties.
* In your PLN, are you learning from a variety of voices, or are you the loudest in the room?
When it comes to PLN interaction, expressing and embracing opinions are both important. For one thing, I would absorb the new information provided by others and give my own responses. When we give reaction to others, others would be happy to share more with us. For another, I also post my own comments, experience, and knowledge. I believe that only in this way can others know about my existence and interact more actively with me.
* Do you participate in a silo of information sharing (similar themes or wide range of interests)?
In the past, I tended to participate in a solo of information. I thought it was unnecessary to be exposed to various information channels. However, I come to realize that only by receiving various information, I can expand the possibilities of my life and enrich my life experience.
* How can you use a diverse PLN to broaden your views of inclusion?
I think this course has provided an excellent platform for us to broaden our views of inclusion. Before reading Moore’s book, I thought inclusion was to accept all people without discrimination. Moore’s book brings me a new understanding. I can also access other students’ blogs to learn their perceptions, broadening my own views. For example, Abrucks wrote in the blog that inclusion should be strengthened in the process of participation and cooperation.
* In your professional setting of choice, do you think inclusion is actively embraced?
In her book, Shelley Moore has described her understanding of inclusion in education. Inclusion is not integration. Forcing students of different characteristics to be together won’t promote acceptance. Instead, inclusion is to give students the freedom to choose their own way of integration in practical activities.
In terms of the field of economy, I believe inclusion is growing. As we all know, the economy is experiencing a huge transformation with the advent of e-commerce. Business is no longer limited to entrepreneurs who have a relative knowledge of management and the economy. Nowadays, people interested in the economy can learn the experience shared by others online. They also have more convenient and cost-effective channels to practice, such as using one’s social media account to build a customer chatting group. Thus, I think inclusion in economy is enlarging.
* How has your thinking about inclusion and PLN evolved after reviewing the videos and readings?
According to Moore, when teachers attempt to enlarge inclusion in the classroom, she/he may pay specific attention to those students with special needs. However, such practice is based on a wrong assumption that students are naturally divided into normal and abnormal groups. Actually, every student has his/her other special needs. What teachers should do is not adopting different teaching methods to enlarge the disparity. Instead, the teachers should get rid of the shackles of standardization and cease their attempts to restrain all students with traditional notions. The teachers should make full use of the differences to make the class more vibrant.
References
Moore, S. (2017). One without the other: Stories of unity through diversity and inclusion. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca
Moore, Shelley. The Evolution of Inclusion: The Past and Future of Education. 1 Oct. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQgXBhPh5Zo.
kayatcheung
I like your ideas! I used to be alone on the internet too! I was afraid to communicate and share my thoughts with others. But now I think it is good to have comments and feedback.
haixujiang
Hi Qining,
I really enjoyed reading your post. In particular, I like how you address the term “PLN interaction” in question two. I agree with the idea of interaction because is a good way to listen to different opinions which might open up and or change our perceptions. Meanwhile, it is also important to share your own thoughts on things. I think PLN interaction is a meaningful approach to absorb, share ideas, and it makes human beings connected.