Twitter has many benefits as a tool for building professional learning networks Below are some benefits of using Twitter for this purpose:

1. Ability to collaborate with teachers all over the world
2. Receive professional development on a daily or weekly basis
3. Find immediate results to a question
4. Access to experts in the field
5. Personalization of topics and people you follow
6. Promote digital citizenship in your own classroom

Here are some drawbacks to using Twitter for PLN’s:

1. Privacy concerns
2. Information shared may not be backed by credible sources
3. Maintaining and updating social media can be time consuming
4. Social media can become addicting
5. Can decrease the quality and quantity of face-to-face interactions

Despite some of the cons, I believe Twitter should be used as a form of professional growth in education. It is time consuming and monetarily restrictive for school districts to recruit professionals to come in for professional development days during the school year. The access that teachers have to Twitter allows them to find answers to their questions instantaneously. They can also connect with teachers outside of their own school and around the world to gain a more well-rounded view and advice. Teachers can also connect with experts in their field who may not be available in-person. Twitter also give teachers the ability to create a network that is personalized to their needs and subject area. Instead of generalized information, they can hone in on specific information and people who would support their continued learning.