PLNs are essential in helping the development of thoughts in the education sector. The PLNs also can hinder personal views due to other people’s influence. Interactions through PLNs can positively or negatively influence its members (Baker, 2021). The learning networks help the development of thoughts and ideas in education discourse by helping share information throughout the group. Individuals can access ideas they did not have from others and help them understand different concepts that are difficult to comprehend during solo learning (Couros, 2010, p. 112). In terms of PLNs hindering the thoughts and ideas of individuals in a learning discourse, some ideas can make individuals stop following the right concepts and adapt to philosophies that are not necessary for the learning field. PLNs are essential in educating individuals in a particular sector and should be used well to benefit the members.

Educators can create discourse by choosing a topic relevant for discussion, PLN. The members must be competent in researching the themes chosen to enable a conversation and discuss them. Social media plays a significant role in education because of its nature of sharing information instantly (Couros, 2010, p. 120). Individuals can discuss ideas using social media and access the data for reference. YouTube, Twitter, and Reddit are a few social media sites with educational value (Baker, 2021). Social media helps to complement students’ knowledge individually or in class and emphasize the areas that are difficult to understand.

PLNs are essential for training people in a particular industry, and they must get utilized efficiently for the benefit of the members. Despite its advantages, social media can have problems in terms of communication in the education sector. The spread of misinformation from individuals can misguide scholars. It is essential to create fact-checking mechanisms to enable students to confirm what they are learning on social media. PLNs benefit students when they get managed well, so it is essential to regulate social communication for clarity and understanding.

References

Baker, B. (2021, June 10). Education in a Connected Culture [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/C5z8iHxW2n4

Couros, A. (2010). Developing Personal Learning Networks for Open and Social Learning. Emerging technologies in distance education, 2010, 109-127.