Shelley Moore, a local teacher, learner and inclusive education advocate states that “diversity and inclusion is where we value the characteristics that are diverse, and try not to homogenize them” (2016). While building our personal learning networks (PLN’s), it is crucial that we not only follow Moore’s words and value each others’ unique characteristics and diversities but we must also be willing to create safe and productive learning networks that can adapt and evolve over time.

How diverse is my PLN?

My personal learning network is in the building stages but I believe I am learning from, and with, numerous different individuals, groups, and communities. While building my PLN on Twitter, I try to follow professionals’ with varying points of view, gender, abilities, cultures, religions and socio-economic status. The connections I have made through all social media networks are diverse in nature and I hope to continue expanding my interactions and learnings from unique voices and perspectives in my professionally curated digital communities.

Am I learning from a variety of diverse voices and expanding my understanding of the views of others?

Diverse voices can be found everywhere, but they can only be learned from if their contributions and perspectives are valued and integrated into our learning. I understand the importance of recognizing how our differences affect and influence how we learn and see the world and I welcome opportunities to examine my preconceptions, ideas, and opinions while developing awareness and empathy of others. I also try to remain mindful of whose voices are included and excluded, from my digital networks.

What am I hoping to learn from my PLN?

Through my PLN, I am hoping to:

  • be provoked and challenged
  • align my values with my practice
  • take risks
  • find opportunities where I am needed
  • learn from others and their experiences
  • interact with diverse perspectives and value others contributions
  • be vulnerable and authentic

How will I ensure my exposure to diversity and inclusion continues?

I will continue to seek out and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences of others as I expand on my PLN and carry on my life-long learning journey. I will also continue to follow voices, like Shelly Moore’s – who are breaking barriers in inclusive education and what it means to co-construct meaningful spaces  where we all belong, with purpose.

Shelley Moore – Show Me the Purpose. This idea works with inclusive learning practices as well as connecting with others through our digital learning environments.

Resources:

Moore, Shelley. One Without the Other : Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion, Portage & Main Press, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uvic/detail.action?docID=4832579.
Created from uvic on 2022-10-03 18:42:01.