It might sound a little wild, but Twitter changed my life. This platform helped me start sharing my EdTech tips with a global audience and introduced me to educators around the world. I can’t imagine that I would have spent as much time and energy building ClassTechTips over a decade ago if it wasn’t for that early traction from Twitter.
Social networking sites have long been a favorite way for educators to connect and collaborate. In the past, Twitter was a go-to platform for teachers looking to share resources, learn from others, and build a professional learning network. So much has changed on this platform over the past few years. I’ve found that the everyday conversations and the networking I loved during conferences and events just aren’t the same.
Bluesky has emerged as an alternative to Twitter, and educators from around the world are flocking there – apologies for the “I can’t help it” blue bird pun. It’s becoming an energetic space for educators to connect, share ideas, and find inspiration. And it’s certainly worth your consideration if you enjoyed using Twitter to connect with educators in the past.
The EduSky Movement
I recently discussed Bluesky on an episode of my Easy EdTech Podcast with Alice Keeler, a super fan and advocate for this platform. Alice shared some of the reasons she has moved away from Twitter and why she was an early adopter of Bluesky. If you’ve spent time on Bluesky already, you might have seen the #EduSky hashtag that Alice has shared widely on the platform.
Bluesky is gaining popularity among educators looking for a new platform to replace or complement their Twitter experience. You can listen to my conversation with Alice on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or another favorite podcast app, or by pressing play on the podcast player above.
Educator Tips for Bluesky
If you’re curious about how to get started or make the most of Bluesky, here are some helpful tips!
Create an Account
Choose a username you’ve used in the past on other platforms or one you’re comfortable sharing in a professional setting. Consistency makes it easier for others to find and recognize you. If this is your first time using social media to connect with other educators, you might take a look at how other people choose names in our field. Skim through this list for ideas.
Set Up Your Profile
First impressions matter! Start by setting up your profile with information about your role and goals. Whether you’re a fourth-grade teacher, a STEM coach, or a school administrator, let others know who you are and what you’re passionate about. You can add information about your location or specific school or district, or keep it more general.
Add a Picture
After adding a quick description to your profile, don’t forget to add a picture or a symbol that represents you. This could be a professional headshot or something fun that speaks to your personality. If you’re not comfortable sharing a picture of yourself, you might snap a picture of a favorite coffee cup or something else unique.
Explore Other Accounts
Bluesky offers a variety of ways to connect with others. Start by exploring the starter packs other users have created. These are curated lists of people to follow and can help you dive into your areas of interest quickly. I made a Starter Pack to make it simple to follow past guests of my Easy EdTech Podcast who also have Bluesky accounts. Find the Starter Pack here.
Review Hashtags
Hashtags are another fantastic way to find and follow great content. When you see a hashtag on someone’s post, click on it to “See posts.” Use hashtags to discover posts on specific topics or trends in education. The #EduSky hashtag is a great place to start.
Start Sharing
As you’re getting comfortable, consider sharing your own content. This could be a teaching tip, a resource, or even a question for the community. Don’t forget to add a relevant hashtag, like #EduSky, if you are posting about education.
Participate in Chats
I loved taking part in Twitter chats when I first jumped on that platform more than a decade ago. There is a growing community of educators who are starting chats on Bluesky that you might want to check out, too. Similar to Twitter chats, these conversations are often structured around a specific topic and can be a fun way to connect with others in real-time.
Make the Most of Accessibility
Bluesky’s accessibility features, like adding alt text to your photos, ensure your posts are inclusive and accessible to all users. You might have noticed that when I typed in the hashtag #EduSky, I also wrote this in camel case to make it more accessible (shout out to Alice for this tip).
Use Mobile and Desktop
You can access Bluesky on a mobile device using a dedicated app or on your web browser. I signed up initially on my laptop but I tend to check in more frequently when using the app on my iPhone.
Extra Tips for Bluesky Success
- Engage with posts by liking, reposting, or commenting. Interaction helps build connections and contributes to the community.
- Set boundaries for your online time. Avoid burnout by setting aside specific times for social networking or being mindful of your “start time” when you open up an app.
- Be a resource for others. Share tools, articles, or ideas that you’ve found helpful in your teaching journey.
Using These Tips for Bluesky
Bluesky is an exciting space for educators to build connections and share ideas. Whether you’re setting up your profile, exploring hashtags, or participating in chats, there are plenty of ways to make this platform work for you. With a little effort, you can jump into a vibrant and supportive network of educators ready to collaborate and learn together.
You can find me on Bluesky! And don’t forget to check out my starter pack filled with guests from my Easy EdTech Podcast. It’s a great way to discover inspiring educators and kickstart your Bluesky experience!
