EDCI

Why Diversity in Digital Learning Matters

As more of our learning moves online, it’s really important to make sure that digital spaces are inclusive and welcoming for everyone. But that’s not always easy because there are still a lot of things that get in the way, examples being not everyone having access to the same tech, language differences, or even just not seeing themselves represented in course content.

For me, it’s clear that diversity in digital learning isn’t just a bonus it’s a must. When people feel included and represented, they’re more likely to feel confident, take part, and stay engaged. I came across a short YouTube video called Why Is Diversity Important in Learning? that explains this really well it shows how bringing in different voices and perspectives actually helps everyone learn better, not just those from underrepresented groups.

Some of the Challenges We’re Facing

Here are a few of the biggest challenges I’ve noticed or learned about when it comes to creating inclusive digital learning spaces:

Not Everyone Has Equal Access

Some people don’t have strong Wi-Fi, updated devices, or tools that work with other assistive tech. Even though we think of digital learning as being accessible from anywhere, that’s not always true. The World Health Organization says over a billion people live with disabilities, and many digital tools still don’t fully include them.

The video features Duncan, a student who gradually lost his vision during university and learned first hand how much extra effort it takes to navigate digital learning spaces using tools like screen readers and It uncovers the often overlooked cognitive load and frustration involved when online content isn’t built accessibly from the start.

Video: What digital accessibility practices support low-vision and blind learners?

Language and Culture Differences

A lot of online courses are in English, and that can make it hard for students whose first language isn’t English to keep up or feel comfortable. Even the examples used in lessons might not connect with everyone because we all come from different cultures and experiences.

Lack of Representation

If a student is learning from a course and doesn’t see anyone who looks like them or shares the same background, it can feel like they don’t belong. The same goes for examples, stories, or case studies being used when they only reflect a certain type of experience, other perspectives get left out.

Why It Actually Matters

Why care about all this? Because diversity in online learning makes everything better.

• Students are more engaged when they feel seen and included.
• You learn more deeply when you hear different viewpoints and experiences.
• Everyone gets a fair chance to succeed, not just the people who already fit the system.

What We Can Do to Make Online Learning More Inclusive

We don’t need to wait for a huge change we can start with small, thoughtful steps. Here are a few ideas I’ve picked up that I think would really help:

Make Things Accessible from the Start

• Use alt text for all images and captions for videos.
• Make sure platforms work well with screen readers.
• Use more than just blocks of text try audio, visuals, or interactive content too.

Mix Up Your Sources and Voices

• Don’t just use materials from the same authors or regions look for diverse creators.
• Use examples and case studies from all over the world.
• Include content that reflects a variety of cultures, genders, and lived experiences.

Create Welcoming Interactions

• Set up guidelines for respectful communication in discussion boards.
• Encourage people to share their perspectives.
• Avoid assumptions or stereotypes in language and examples.

Conclusion

Diversity and inclusion don’t just happen by default they take effort. But I would say its 100% worth it. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just someone who uses digital spaces to learn and connect, you have a part to play.

Let’s keep learning and keep pushing for a digital world where every voice matters.

Introduction

Hi everyone! My name is Jen Dixon, and Im a third year student who is studying a combined major in Psychology and Computer Science. I’ve always been fascinated by how people think and how technology can shape our behaviour so bridging these two fields has been a perfect match for me. One key experience that’s shaped my educational journey is learning to balance two very different disciplines. Psychology helps me understand human motivation and cognition, while Computer Science challenges me to think logically and build tools that can support those behaviours. This dual perspective has made me especially curious about the role of digital environments in learning.

How Social Media Has Shaped My Learning

Social media has honestly had a huge impact on the way I learn especially as someone who is doing both Psychology and Computer Science. It’s changed how I find information, interact with ideas, and even how I stay motivated.

I use platforms like YouTube and Reddit almost daily for learning. If I’m stuck on a concept in one of my computer science courses like recursion or how dictionaries work in Python I’ll usually look it up on YouTube first. Watching someone explain it visually step by step definitely makes way more sense to me than rereading the course notes. When I need to find a better way to solve a problem, Reddit and Youtube are lifesavers because you can see what other people have tried, what works, and what doesn’t.

In psychology, I follow researchers and educators on TikTok who post about the latest studies, summaries of experiments, or even threads that break down complicated theories in a simple way. I’ve also come across mini explainers on Instagram that cover things like memory, cognition, and social psychology usually in under a minute. That kind of content doesn’t replace what I learn in class, but it reinforces it in a way that’s quick and easy to digest.

Interactive Learning

What I really like about using social media to learn is how interactive it makes everything. I’m not just passively reading or watching content I’m actually engaging with it. Sometimes I leave a comment, save something to come back to later, or send it to a friend in my class so we can talk about it. It makes studying feel less like I’m doing it alone and more like I’m part of a bigger learning community.

Another big reason I rely on social media is that it lets me learn at my own pace. If I don’t get something the first time, I can pause a video, rewind it, or check out related posts that explain the topic in a different way. That kind of flexibility is super helpful, especially when I have a lot of assignments or trying to catch up after falling behind.

This connects to a video I watched called Why Is Interactive Learning Important for Student Engagement. It talks about how learning becomes more effective when students are active participants instead of just passive listeners. That really resonated with me because that’s exactly how I use social media when I study clicking, exploring, asking questions, and actually being part of the learning process. It helps me stay engaged and remember more of what I’m learning.

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Benefits of Using Social Media for Educational Purposes

1. Enhanced engagement: Platforms like TikTok or Instagram can make concepts more approachable and relatable, especially for visual or auditory learners.
2. Peer support: Social media reduces isolation students can ask questions, share resources, or study together even outside class.
3. Access to a wider range of resources: From helpful threads to expert Q&As students can go beyond the textbook and see how ideas work in real life.
4. Self paced learning: You can pause, replay, or revisit posts and videos anytime which is helpful if you’re juggling other responsibilities.
5. Skill building: Creating educational posts or projects helps students practice communication, critical thinking, and digital literacy.

Challenges of Using Social Media in Education

1. Distraction: It’s easy to get pulled into unrelated content and lose focus.
2. Misinformation: Not everything on social media is accurate or peer-reviewed, so students need to think critically about what they read or watch.
3. Privacy concerns: Sharing too much personal information can create risks, especially on public platforms.
4. Equity issues: Not all students have equal access to reliable internet or devices.
5. Blurring boundaries: It can be hard to keep personal and academic life separate, especially if classmates or instructors are also part of your social network.

Here I will add a link that can give more insight to the pros and cons of using social media in classrooms https://www.btooz.com/article/content/4jb1c0?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Conclusion

As a student of both Psychology and Computer Science, I’ve found that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom it happens everywhere, especially online. Social media has transformed how I engage with what I’m learning. Whether it’s watching a quick YouTube video on a concept I missed in lecture, joining academic threads on Reddit or saving infographics on Instagram for later, platforms like these have made my learning more interactive, personalized, and collaborative.

Of course, there are challenges like knowing when to unplug or verifying information but with critical thinking and good digital habits, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Platforms like TikTok and Reddit aren’t just distractions they can be powerful tools for education when used intentionally.

Why Digital Identity Matters

In today’s world, so much of life happens online whether it’s applying for jobs or keeping up with friends which means our digital identity often becomes the first thing people see. But I’ve realized there’s more than one version of “me” on the internet. There’s the personal me, where I post vacation pics, memes, and random thoughts, and the professional me, where I share academic achievements, career goals, and things I want future employers or colleagues to see.

This week’s module on digital identity, visitor and resident maps, and digital footprints really made me reflect on how I present myself online in different spaces. I’m not just scrolling through content anymore I’m actively creating it. And every post, comment, or shared link leaves a trail that could impact how others see me, both personally and professionally.

What Is Digital Identity?

Your digital identity is basically how other people see you online it’s the version of you that shows up through your social media, LinkedIn profile, gaming accounts, or anything you post or create on the internet. White and Le Cornu’s (2011) visitor vs. resident idea helped me understand that not everyone uses the internet the same way. Some people just pop in when they need something, while others are always online, building a visible presence.

No matter which one you relate to more, your online identity still matters especially when it comes to balancing who you are personally with how you want to appear professionally.

Personal vs. Professional

Personal Digital Identity

• Includes content on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat
• Shows your hobbies, personality, opinions, and social life
• Often informal and meant for personal expression or connection

Professional Digital Identity

• Showcased on platforms like LinkedIn, Google Scholar, or online portfolios
• Includes resumes, certifications, work projects, and blog posts
• Intentional and aligned with career goals

Why Is It Important to Keep These Separate?

The line between our personal and professional lives online can get pretty blurry and that can cause problems. If someone sees something out of context, like a funny meme or a casual post meant for friends, it might be misunderstood by a future employer or coworker. Social media has become a go to place for people to check us out, so what we share really matters.

That’s why I try to keep my personal and professional identities separate online. It gives me the freedom to be myself with friends while still presenting a polished and respectful image in professional settings. An article from the Harvard Business Review titled “How to Separate the Personal and Professional on Social Media” explains this really well. It talks about how mixing both identities can lead to misunderstandings or even damage your professional reputation. The article also offers helpful tips on setting boundaries online, like adjusting privacy settings and being mindful about the tone of your content.

Keeping things separate helps protect my reputation and opens the door to more future opportunities, both personally and professionally.

Privacy and Surveillance

Managing my online presence isn’t just about appearances it’s about protecting my privacy. Every post, comment, or like adds to my digital footprint, and platforms often track more than I realize. Surveillance isn’t just from the government also apps and websites constantly collect and store data. That’s why I try to separate my personal and professional spaces and stay mindful of what I share. It gives me more control over who sees what and helps protect the parts of my life I want to keep private.

Tips to Stay Safe and Private Online:

• Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication
• Adjust your privacy settings on all social media platforms
• Avoid sharing personal info publicly
• Think before you post – would you want a future boss to see it?
• Regularly search your name online to see what’s out there
• Be cautious with third party apps that request access to your accounts

Digital Visitor and Resident Map