Hello guys!

My name is Bruce. When I was 17, I came to Canada alone to study. I lived in Vancouver for four years and it was like a second hometown to me. I finished my high school in Vancouver, then I came to Victoria to get my bachelor degree. This is my 4th year in UVic, and I plan to graduate next June 2025. I can speak Mandarin and English. For this semester, I will be in Victoria all the time, so I am available to meet with my future teammates for the group works. My major is economics and I kind of like my major. I enjoyed my junior year very much, which also allowed me to have a deeper contact with economics.

I enjoy in music and science fiction movie. I also fell in love with photography in the last semester and have been collecting some film cameras. So that’s why AE 319 is also one of my favorite classes in UVic(I highly recommend to take it). Ever since I fell in love with photography, I’ve been obsessed with traveling. If I had to choose a place to do my graduation trip, I would choose Iceland without hesitation, because I like the scenery there so much.

According to the study of this week’s material, I think the role of social media in personalized learning is a fascinating connection between technology and education. The ability to tailor educational experiences to different people’s needs and preferences through digital platforms holds great potential. Personalized learning, for example, uses social media to connect learners with resources, communities and more people around the world. This connectivity makes the learning experience richer and more diverse, and also fosters collaboration and the exchange of ideas that transcend geographical boundaries. In addition, social media platforms can also facilitate informal learning, where individuals can engage in self-directed learning activities, participate in discussions and share knowledge in a more relaxed and interactive environment.

Moreover, In my studies and professional life, I make extensive use of digital tools to increase my productivity and acquire knowledge. For example, tools such as Google Drive, Microsoft Teams and ZOOM help manage projects, coordinate with team members, and organize tasks efficiently. In terms of research and learning, platforms like LinkedIn learning offer a wide range of courses and resources to keep me informed of developments in my field. At the same time, on the social side, social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter are also crucial for building relationships and keeping abreast of news events. In addition, digital tools for content creation, such as Canva, Adobe, and Office, enable me to produce high-quality presentations and materials.

After reading some of the material, I realized that digital literacy is crucial when it comes to education, as it equips learners with the skills they need to navigate and succeed in an increasingly digital world. It enables students to critically evaluate information, collaborate with peers, and learn from it the ability to learn autonomously. Through reading the material, I also found that the Cambridge Competency for Life Framework(https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2022/04/07/understanding-developing-digital-literacy/) emphasizes digital literacy as the foundational layer that underpins essential skills such as creative thinking, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. By fostering digital literacy, educators can help students adapt to technological advances and use digital tools for lifelong learning.

Finally, to further develop my PLN, I plan to engage with the course community, participate in discussions and collaborative activities, and share insights while learning from others. I aim to expand my network and deepen my understanding of personalized learning and digital literacy. Additionally, I will explore new digital tools introduced in the course to enhance my PLN.

To conclude, Social media and digital tools play a pivotal role in personalized learning, offering endless opportunities for growth and collaboration. Understanding and developing digital literacy is essential for success in both educational and professional settings. Through active engagement and continuous learning, I look forward to leveraging my Personal Learning Network to its full potential.