In chapter 16, Twitter and Social media, Weller talks about the benefits and the challenges of using Twitter and Social Media. Twitter is great for creating global connections and discussions but you can also be subject to toxic behaviours from trolls. He also talks about how social media can be of valuable significance when individuals receive helpful suggestions from other people in the same fields. On the other hand, it can be a threat as some users may be subject to online abuse. Weller also mentions how educational institutions can benefit from social media. For example, it can be a great marketing tool and it also increases student’s engagement in teaching and learning as it “ helps blur boundaries between study and other aspects of life and provides an element that can be fitted in-between other activities in a way that more concentrated study activities cannot” (Weller, 2009).

Social media has great benefits on networked learning as it helps learners to enhance their PLN (Personal Learning Network), they can also access and share scholarly materials, helping one another to broaden their knowledge. However, learners have to check for reliability of information by checking the sources and be wary of fake news and misinformation. Users of social media should also be aware of the fact that although they plan to post certain information for an intended audience, the information might be made available to new audiences and they could be pestered by “trolls searching for terms to harass people” (Weller).

I chose this activity, as I wanted to find out more about Ed Tech and the impact that it has on learning. It aligns well with my learning goals as I wanted to learn more about the various forms of distributed and open learning and in this case about Twitter and social media. I have learnt about the advantages of using social media in learning but also the dangers that it can entail.