Introduction

Hey, my name is Saksham Dua and I am a fourth year Computer Science student. I have taken 2 EDCI courses before this and excited to learn more about the field in this course:)

Module 1: Introduction to Social Media and Personalized learning

Growing up in an era of rapid technological advancement, I’ve witnessed firsthand how digital tools have revolutionized the way we learn and connect. Working as a part time peer tutor for my friends during my undergraduate years showed me the powerful intersection of education and technology, especially in creating inclusive learning spaces.

When it comes to social media and education, I’ve observed its remarkable potential as both a student and an educator. For instance, I’ve found Twitter and even Reddit to be an invaluable professional development tool, connecting me with educators worldwide who share innovative teaching strategies. However, I’ve also experienced the challenges of digital distraction and information overload. I believe the key to successful social media integration in education lies in purposeful implementation – using these platforms not just as communication tools, but as spaces for collaborative learning and creative expression.

Personalized learning and digital literacy have been cornerstone elements of my educational journey. Through online courses and adaptive learning platforms, I’ve experienced how technology can accommodate different learning styles and paces. Digital literacy has become increasingly crucial in my studies, particularly in developing critical thinking skills to evaluate online sources and understand digital media’s impact on learning.

Managing my digital identity has become an essential skill in my professional development. I maintain a professional portfolio website and actively curate my LinkedIn profile to showcase my educational projects and teaching philosophy. I’ve learned that a thoughtful online presence can create valuable connections and opportunities. However, I’m also mindful of maintaining appropriate boundaries between my professional and personal digital presence.

I have in fact created a website that helps people create their professional profiles online called DOX – www.doxxx.co (You can also check out my profile hosted live here)

Regarding ethical platform navigation, my experience has taught me the importance of digital citizenship. Whether I’m collaborating on group projects through Google Workspace or participating in educational forums, I prioritize respectful communication and responsible content sharing. I believe creating a positive online learning environment requires both technical competence and ethical awareness.

I’ve found that successful navigation of digital spaces requires continuous learning and adaptation. For instance, when our program switched to a new learning management system last semester, I helped create peer support groups to assist classmates in transitioning to the new platform. This experience reinforced my belief that building supportive online communities is crucial for effective digital learning environments.

As we progress through this course, I’m looking forward to exploring these themes more deeply and learning from everyone’s unique perspectives and experiences. I believe our collective insights will enrich our understanding of how technology can enhance educational experiences while maintaining ethical and meaningful connections.