Above is my V&R map of the applications I use on a daily basis and where I think they fall on the spectrum.

What digital platforms are students currently using to develop their professional network?
As a student, personally, I tend to use applications like LinkedIn, Reddit, and Udemy from time to time to connect with people from my professional network. I also tend to use my personal email to connect with old supervisors and managers that I have worked with during my various work terms. Other students also use Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram in addition to the ones I’ve listed above for the purpose of developing their professional network.

What could the student consider in expanding their professional learning network?
Just like on personal social media platforms, it is important to be active on professional platforms in order to expand one’s professional learning network. From my personal experience, I found that when I share posts, professional life events, and engage in conversation on other people’s posts through comments, I tend to expand my professional learning network. I find that I’ve made a connection with others and slowly get begin to get to know them after (Also follow them).

In your network how can you create a digital identity/ reputation?
The digital identity/reputation is very similar to that of one’s real life reputation. That is usually determined by the words spoken, actions committed and approach to handling situations. Similarly in the online world, what a person comments, posts, and share are vital credentials when determining their identity/reputation.

Find out what a local employer would do if you applied for a job with them?
A notorious way for many employers to research a potential candidate for a job they are offering, is by looking through their social media platforms. Usually all social media platforms belonging to a person can be found with ease through a google search of the name. Therefore, it is important to assure that everything that is shared online whether on a personal or professional platform is appropriate and can be seen by future potential employers.