This document discusses how new media and technology can impact learning. It covers sociocultural learning theory, characteristics of new media use such as personalization and social software. It explores informal learning opportunities enabled by "hanging out", "messing around", and "geeking out" online activities. It addresses challenges this poses to established education systems, such as a widening gap between school and students' everyday digital lives. It proposes alternatives to simply replicating formal education online, such as leveraging the unique aspects of networks, open resources and social contexts to support self-directed learning.