MnLV Musings

 Perry, S. (2026). From views to value: Power dynamics and capital conversion in YouTube language learning communities. The language Learning Journal. Advance online publication.  https://doi.org/10.1080/09571736.2026.2673882 One of the things I found most interesting about this article was its challenge to the idea that expertise alone creates influence.  Before reading it, I probably would have assumed that the most knowledgeable language teachers on YouTube naturally rise to the top because of their expertise.  According to the author, however, that's only part of the story.   The article argues that it's the audience who plays a significant role in determining who becomes influential and what information is valued.  Every view, like, comment, and share helps shape a creator's credibility and visibility.  In other words, the audience's produsage helps decide which voices gain authority within the community.   In my prior life, I worke...

Dennen, V.P. (2009). Constructing academic alter-egos:  Identity issues in a blog-based community. Identity in the Information Society, 2(1), 23-38. https://doi.org/10/1007/s12394-009-0020-8 Before reading this article, I tended to think of blogs as little more than online journals.  This can be somewhat true; however, the blog 'journal' is written to inspire trust, participation and community with others who connect with the subject matter.  This article clarifies another question, "If trust is an objective, then what is the purpose of creating pseudonyms and/or alter egos?"  The author explores how and why online identities, specifically in the blogosphere, are constructed through names, profiles, affiliations, writing styles and consistent behavior.  In other words, identity is something that is developed over time - in my opinion, both intentionally and unintentionally. What stood out to me most was the distinction between pseudonymity and anonymity.  I...

Dennen, V.P. (2026). From lurkers to networkers:  Cultural and epistemic dimensions of developing professional learning networks in online graduate education.  Proceedings of the International Conference on Networked Learning, 15. https://doi.org/10.54337/nlc.v15.10887 To me, one of the most interesting ideas in this article was the concept that many people begin their professional learning network (PLN) journey as 'lurkers' before becoming active contributors.  As someone with more than 30 years of leadership experience in casino and hospitality operations, I found this concept completely relatable.  During my career, I often learned by observing experienced leaders, listening carefully, and studying successful practices before contributing my own ideas.  The article helped me realize that this behavior is a natural part of the learning process and not a weakness.   The article argues that developing a PLN is much more than simply joining online group...

I set up my RSS feed this week and I'm pretty darned proud of that!  I'd seen the term often, but it meant no more to me than the term, catalytic converter.   If you're looking for an association, there is none.  I'm just saying that the extent of my knowledge was knowing the catalytic converter is a car part just like I my awareness that RSS feeds are an internet component.   That said...   I began perusing other blogs on my newly established feed and I now have an additional reason to feel like a digital toddler.   This is not jealousy (well, kinda) but mostly admiration for the polished look and impactful messaging I've encountered.  Kudos to all!! I must keep in mind that, "You have to work through your bad to get to good." That said, I will continue plodding along on my journey - with the smile of optimism!

 Okay, I started my Instagram journey today.  Unsure what that means, but here are my initial thoughts: 1.  What is this? 2.  Who decided that I am or should be interested in World Cup and DIY videos? 3.  Why do I keep realizing I've just watched another 10 videos and can't reclaim that time? 4.  Then, I watch another 10... 5.  I attempted to "Post" but I think I only sent a "Message".   6.  Okay, I think I see what this is about now.   7.  My initial #7 was a simple 4-letter word with an exclamation point -  but I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression... {':'}

In the textbook, Networked:  The New Social Operating System, the focus of Chapter 5, "Network Relations", centers around the debate regarding the internet's impact on traditional community structures and social relationships.  I found it interesting that this is not a new debate as the ntext pointed out that every epoch has experienced these same anxieties that are normally commensurate with the advent of the era's newest innovations.  Our traditional community structures were built around connections and relationships driven by proximity, family and daily in-person interactions within the community.  Relationships were strongly tied to physical places such as neighborhoods, churches, workplaces, or extended families.  In many ways, a person's identity was shaped largely by the group to which they belonged.  The text describes this as "door-to-door" style of community. The text also asserts that networked individualism represents a shift away from this ...

 As I look at my two teenage daughters who are Digital Natives of this strange new internet world to which I've been introduced, I've come to understand a metaphor:  Growing up near the ocean may make someone naturally comfortable in the water, but it doesn't automatically make them a marine engineer or a rescue diver.   I'm relying on their expertise to help me find my way around but I also see the pitfalls and hazards that abound in this ocean of information to someone not adept at evaluating information critically.  This reminded me of this post's title, a quote attributed to George Carlin.   The vastness of the internet makes it impossible to vet all sources of information, so it's up to us to prepare our youth, arguably the most prolific produsers, to learn the value of critical analysis.

This has been an INTERESTING week to say the least as I returned to the academic arena after a thirteen-year hiatus.  My, how things have changed!! It didn't help that I started class on the last day of enrollment!  Still sorting through the technology and trying to establish my processes.  Once I establish a cadence for what needs to be done and when, the rest is going to be smoother sailing.   My motivation and mindset this go-round is quite different than when I was completing my undergrad work.  Then, I was just chasing the "paper" and only wanted to graduate with as little friction as possible.   This time - I'm chasing the knowledge!   Though I'm not a Tom Brady fan, I hear his rally cry right now, "LFG!"

Years ago, I read a novel titled, "Stranger in a Strange Land" by Robert A. Heinlein.   The book, published in 1961, centers on a character raised by Martians who comes to Earth as an adult. This is my first blog post  - a grad school assignment and my initial plunge into the Internet Sociosphere. I'm not sure I've used 'Sociosphere' correctly.  I am a complete social media neophyte.  The term just seems appropriately daunting enough to match my confusion and curiosity as I look around to ponder my next steps... Well, here we go.  If nothing else, I will always rely on, "Fake it until you make it!" Cheers! -MnLV