Connected Leadership: The Connected Learner

Connected Learning Enhancing Leadership Capacity

Connected learning can enhance our leadership capacity and we see this through the work of Father James Martin. This blog aims to show how his connectedness to the Catholic community is enhanced through his online presence in a consistent and quality-focused social media campaign.

Networking and Collaboration

Connected learning allows us to build professional learning networks more easily. We can collaborate with anyone in the world on our device. If you are trying to start something new, odds are you will be able to find someone else online who has shared their experiences and who is willing to help guide you as you get started. 

Father James Martin has reached millions of people through a variety of social media platforms. His TikTok account is filled with positive messages with ways on how we can incorporate
Catholicity into our daily lives. Here is the link to his TikTok. 

Promoting Equity and Inclusion

Connected learning can expose us to diverse cultural perspectives so that we can appreciate the richness that humanity shares. When we see global perspectives through online content, it can enrich our view so that we can advocate for change through equity and inclusion. 

Father Martin posts many diverse perspectives, especially those from the LGBTQ+ community. He promotes the message that God created us in his image and he loves us the way we are. Here is a post where he announces Pope Francis' call to decriminalize homosexuality worldwide. 

Access to Diverse Resources

We can access a wide variety of professional learning resources online so we can stay up to date with latest research and trends in technological education. This helps us to maintain our promise to be lifelong learners and continue to develop our world view. We need to be able to change with the times and being exposed to a diverse range of resources help us recognize the richness we have in our global online community. 

Father Martin has posted much content on his YouTube page including interviews and analyses about important issues in the modern world from a Catholic perspective. Click on the YouTube screenshot below to access a video by Father Martin about Finding God on Instagram.

Innovation and New Practices

No matter where we are in the world, we can access the latest research and technological breakthroughs in education by searching online. This helps to level the playing field and increase participation for everyone, despite their social class or affluence.  

Above is an image taken by Father James Martin during his recent trip to Rome. 

Enhanced Communication

Social media and online platforms give us an opportunity to communicate to a much wider audience. Before social media, one would need to purchase airtime or a spot in the newspaper, but now our message can reach anyone in the world with the click of a button. This allows for everyone to have a voice and promotes equity and inclusion. 

Father James Martin has successfully leveraged Facebook over the past 10 years and acquired 655k followers. Here is a link to his Facebook where he posts several times a day with very insightful posts that inspire Catholics around the world. 

Building a Digital Identity

We can build an online identity and "personal brand" through regular and high quality postings. This gives anyone an opportunity to rise in the spotlight and become a leader in their field. Our influence can be expanded by sharing insights, resources, and success stories no matter who we are. We can see how connected Father Martin is by taking a sampling of his social media. His followers are inspired to grow in their faith as he continues to promote messages of love and acceptance on a worldwide scale.

Above is a picture of Father James Martin speaking with Pope Frances.