-Reflect on your experience in this course, your development of PLN, your use of social media platforms and networked publics, any changes in your perspective of social media use in professional and private settings. –

Through this course, I have gained invaluable knowledge about how social media platforms can be utilized to build digital identity and PLNs to facilitate professional and personal connections. I discovered how to successfully create my digital identity in public networks through presenting myself as a product of my interests and actively interacting with others online. This is a continual process of constructing my PLN to aid in professional opportunities, rather than a way to connect personally. It is clear that in the current environment of technological advancement, professionals must utilize networks in positive, communication-based ways. This ability has the potential to create a global community of like-minded people and sustain professional development. I have learned that social media use also requires a critical analysis of the information available and use policies to reap the many benefits. I have also come to understand that social media presents challenges and pitfalls to self-disclosure, meaningful communication, and security. As a result, it is increasingly important to build a PLN of trusted professionals and personal contacts. As a whole, this course increased my awareness of how social media can be utilized across settings to become an integral tool for learning.